By Carrie Lofty

Last week I discussed constructive criticism and critique groups, how both can be beneficial in honing your craft. Differing perspectives, levels of experiences, reading tastes, and even the basic necessity of having a second (or third) set of eyes on the lookout for tricky typing errors—all of these can do wonders for a manuscript, especially if you’re seeking publication.

An option available to some members of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) is joining a critique chapters. These are RWA chapters that regularly include group critique as a benefit of membership. Some are active and meet on a regular basis, while others might provide a forum for small groups to gather outside regular meetings, either online or in person.

One that takes group critiques to a happy extreme is my local chapter, Chicago North. We meet twice monthly, and at least one person reads for the group at each meeting. This can be…intimidating. (My first group critique is scheduled for May and I’m already a little fluttery.) But any member of Chicago North will tell you it’s one of the most valuable functions of our chapter.

If you’re interested in starting an in-person critique group, perhaps you can use some of the elements we employ to keep things civil, helpful and as painless as possible.

1. A reader brings enough paper copies for everyone in attendance, up to 20 pages—a manageable size. She reads aloud the entire selection as the rest of us follow along and make notes. Afterward, a few minutes of silence pass during which we collect our thoughts and finish writing notes.

2. To maintain order, our Manuscript Chair leads the oral portion of the critique. It’s fairly basic. Raise hand. Wait to be called on. Offer thoughts. One key point, however, is that the reader cannot respond unless asked a specific question. Did you intend to shift POV here? Do you intend this as a category romance or a single title? This restriction keeps the critique from degenerating into an off-track discussion or, worse, a bickering match.

3. Another nod toward civility is that new members must have attended at least six meetings—or be a member of the RWA’s Published Authors Network (PAN)—before offering their thoughts. This fosters an atmosphere of safety. Newcomers can listen respectfully and offer written comments, but none will barge in and dominate the group. We know each other and encourage respect.

4. After a critique, everyone signs their written copies. We stand by our opinions and take credit for any criticism we offer. Anonymous comments can result in a maliciousness that does no one any good.

Not every critique group requires this level of structure. For example, if you’re meeting five other people in a coffee shop, a casual attitude might rule the day. But Chicago North critiques can run upward of 30 people on any given night. These suggestions can be useful, however, with regard to establishing a healthy, productive atmosphere, staying on track, and making the best use of time.

What I find most exciting about our critique is how we instinctually adjust the level of feedback we provide. A new writer does not need to hear damning criticism about her poor use of POV. Gentle instruction might be the name of the game, as well as positive feedback about what did work. On the other hand, we recently critiqued a writer who had just signed a three-book deal. (I’m a big fan!) Although everyone was a little dazzled at first about how mature and invigorating her newest story was, we did find places where she could improve. She’s a more advanced writer; therefore we, as a group, stepped up our game.

For Chicago North and other critique groups around the world, the main intent should be working toward mutual improvement. I love being an “auntie” to works I’ve read in early stages. I enjoy being a part of that author’s success and seeing her progress. Critique groups are not right for every writer, I know, but learning to give and receive fair, honest, and useful advice has helped me become a better author and a better individual.