On-Line Critique Group
What is an on-line critique group? It is a safe place to submit your work
for evaluation. If you read Critique Groups-To Join or Not to Join under
Writing Articles, you will understand why I encourage writers to join one. It
occurred to me, however, that an on-line group might be helpful to those who have time constraints, or for those who are hesitant
to share their writing in a group setting.
It can be intimidating to walk into a room of strangers and hand over your writing.
What if they don’t like it? What if they don’t think that
you’re a good writer? These are natural feelings and disappear after you
have received the benefit of a good critique. When you contemplate suggestions
and implement helpful ones, you quickly become addicted to having your writing critiqued on a regular basis. To this day, I don’t market an article until my group has reviewed it.
How does an on-line critique group work? Once a week, I will accept up
to 15 double-spaced pages from attendees and give a line-by-line critique, as well as suggestions regarding flow and content. After I return the pages, I will answer any questions by email or phone. In most cases, members will receive their critique within seven days.
Critique groups are not like writing classes. There are no assignments. Some weeks, life may take over, and you won’t have time to write. Other weeks, you will be on a roll and produce many pages.
Even though you will be part of a group, I will be the only person who critiques your material and knows your name. However, I will share with you the advice that I give other members (no names or story
lines will be divulged). For example, if another member overuses dashes or uses
them incorrectly, you will learn about the correct usage. In general, what one
member learns, the group will learn.
My hope is that, after a period of time, members will become comfortable with being critiqued and decide to find a
group in their area or start one of their own. I believe there is great value
in hearing different perspectives and enjoying the camaraderie of other writers. I
will always encourage members to consider doing that and will be available as a resource if they need advice on facilitating
a group.
The cost for this service is $1.00 per double-spaced page. You can pay
through PayPal, or I will accept checks through the mail.
As an introductory offer, I will critique five pages for free. If you
find the critique helpful, you can then consider joining the group on an on-going basis.
If you have any questions, please email me at quillvision@aol.com (type On-Line Critique Group in subject line).
Libby
