Joining a writer’s group can be an excellent way for aspiring authors to improve their craft, get feedback on their work, find critique partners, network with other writers, and gain motivation and accountability. However, finding the right writer’s group that meets your needs can take some research. Here are some tips for locating and selecting a productive and supportive writing group.
Look for local writing groups
One of the best places to start your search is in your local community. Chances are there are multiple writer’s groups that meet in-person in your area. Here are some ways to find local writing groups:
- Search online directories like Meetup.com for writing groups in your city
- Check local libraries, bookstores, colleges, community centers, and churches to see if they host or advertise any writing groups
- Search Facebook groups and other social media for writing groups in your town
- Ask at your local library’s information desk if they know of any writing groups
- Search local newspapers and event calendars for notices about writing groups
The advantage of local in-person groups is that you can regularly meet and interact with other writers face-to-face and make connections in your community. This allows for building relationships over time and getting live feedback on your work during group critiques. Just be sure to find a group that writes in your genre so the feedback will be relevant.
Look for writing groups online
If there are no active writing groups in your local area, or if your schedule makes in-person meetings difficult, you can also find writing communities online. Here are some places to search for online writing groups:
- Facebook writing groups – Search for groups focused on your genre or writing topics of interest
- Reddit – Subreddits like r/writing have critique threads and you can find genre-specific groups too
- Goodreads – They have groups for most popular genres and topics
- LinkedIn – Join or create writing-focused LinkedIn groups
- Discord – Search for Discord servers related to writing and books
- WritersCafe.org – A community of writers with forums and critique groups
The benefit of online writing groups is the flexibility – you can get feedback and connect with other writers on your own schedule. Make sure to find groups that are active, focused on your genre, and provide thoughtful critiques.
Consider genre-specific writing groups
Instead of just a general writing group, you may want to look for critiques and support focused on your specific writing genre. Here are some ideas to find genre-specific writing groups:
- Search Meetup.com and Facebook for genre-focused groups like “Sci-Fi Writers Group” or “Romance Writers”
- Look for sub-groups within larger writing organizations that are specific to your genre
- Attend writing conventions or conferences for your genre and network with other attendees
- Google “[your genre] writing organization” to find national groups like Romance Writers of America
- Search for online genre writing communities like those on Reddit, Discord or through blogs/websites
Joining a community of writers who all work in your genre can provide more tailored and relevant feedback that will help strengthen your own writing in that style and market.
Factors to consider when choosing a writing group
Once you’ve found some potential writing groups in your area or online, here are some important factors to consider as you evaluate each one:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Size of group | Groups that are too big (more than 15) limit critique time. Very small groups may not provide enough perspectives. |
| Meeting frequency | Weekly or biweekly meetings provide more consistency. Monthly may not be enough. |
| Critique style | Do they share verbal feedback, written notes, track changes? Make sure it aligns with your preferences. |
| Leadership | Is there a moderator or leader? Not required but can be helpful to guide discussions. |
| Member expertise | Members should have knowledge/experience in your genre and be actively writing. |
Taking the time to thoroughly evaluate the structure and membership of different groups will help you find one that is a good fit for your goals as a writer.
Join multiple writing groups
While consistency is good, you may benefit from joining different writing groups to get varied perspectives on your work. For example:
- Local in-person group for live feedback and networking
- Online genre-specific group for expertise within your niche
- Larger online group for maximum exposure and feedback
Each group can serve a different purpose like critiques, accountability, networking, or moral support. And getting feedback from multiple sources can identify patterns in how your work is received by readers.
Use writing forums or blogs
In addition to consistent writing groups, you can also post your work on writing forums and blogs to get feedback from a large community of writers. Some popular options include:
- Critique Circle – Online workshops with member feedback
- Inked Voices – Public critiques of writing submissions
- Scribophile – Post your writing for in-depth critiques
- Absolute Write – Large writer’s forum with critique section
- Writing Forums – Busy online writing community
While less personal than a consistent group, these forums allow you to reach a much wider audience and get critiques on individual pieces whenever you need fresh feedback.
Attend conferences and workshops
Writing conferences, workshops, seminars, and conventions provide great opportunities to educate yourself, network with agents/publishers, and engage with fellow writers. Options include:
- Genre-specific conferences like Romance Writers of America national conference
- Local writing workshops at libraries, colleges, or community centers
- Writing seminars through organizations like MediaBistro
- Fan conventions for popular fictional worlds where you can meet fellow fans
- Writing classes at local colleges/universities to sharpen your skills (these often do peer critiques)
Use conferences and workshops to complement your regular writing group by gaining inspiration, knowledge, and contacts within the writing community.
Join a professional writers organization
If you are serious about developing a writing career, joining a professional member organization provides many benefits:
- Access to contests for awards/grants
- Discounts on conferences/events
- Resources on craft, formatting, publishing, etc.
- Networking and critique groups
- Opportunities to get published in member publications
- Job/gigs boards
Here are some of the top professional writing organizations to consider joining:
| Organization | Details |
|---|---|
| Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America | Leading organization for sci-fi/fantasy writers |
| Romance Writers of America | The top organization for romance authors |
| Horror Writers Association | Connects horror writers and promotes the genre |
| Alliance of Independent Authors | Supports self-published and independent authors |
| National Writers Union | Advocates for freelance/contract writers |
Almost every genre and niche has at least one organization that can provide valuable resources as you develop your writing career.
Attend author readings at local bookstores
Keep an eye out for local author events like book readings and signings at bookstores and libraries in your area. Attending these events allows you to:
- Meet published authors and ask them questions
- Get inspired by hearing an author read from their latest work
- Potentially connect with a successful author who could mentor you
- Interact with fellow readers who share your interests
Often the author will mingle with the audience after the event, giving you a chance to introduce yourself and network. Some independent bookstores also host open mic events where local writers can read their work.
Create a free website to showcase your writing
Developing an author website you can share with writing groups and fellow writers is a great way to get more eyes on your work. Some free website options include:
- WordPress – Easy to use with many free templates
- Wix – Build a stylish site with their drag and drop editor
- Weebly – Another user-friendly website builder with templates
Make sure your website has clear navigation, an about page introducing yourself, and samples of your best writing. Let every writing group and contact know your website URL so they can check out your work any time.
Conclusion
Joining a supportive writing community provides immense value for authors looking to improve their craft and publish their work. Take time to thoroughly research the options and find groups that line up with your genre, schedule, style and career goals. Consider joining multiple critiques groups online and in person to get diverse feedback. Attend writing workshops and conventions to expand your network. And share your work online and at local readings. With dedication and persistence, the right writing groups can help transform you into a successful published author.