Could a critique group be for you?

Annie Neild

A face-to-face critique group in action

"Find a good critique group,” is a piece of advice that is often given in books about writing and getting published. The suggestion is that if you’re serious about your craft, you ought to consider joining a critique group. So, what’s all the fuss about?


“I think critique groups are one of the most important writing tools,” says SCBWI member Justyna Golebiowski. “Having valuable feedback and suggestions from other writers who are not only writing and learning themselves, but who are unbiased too.”

Submitting your work for a critique can be daunting, but if you’re keen to develop your writing style or you’re at an impasse with a particular text, you may decide it’s worth the leap of faith. After all, sometimes it’s hard to see the wood for the trees. The objective comments of a critique group can help a writer regain valuable perspective. “Often I know there’s something wrong with my text and can’t quite put my finger on it,” says Alex English, journalist and picture book author. “A fresh pair of eyes makes all the difference.”

“A fresh pair of eyes makes all the difference.”

Most of us would agree it’s preferable to have the flaws in a text pointed out by a fellow writer than by an agent or editor. Nonetheless, be prepared for a full and honest assessment. “We stress to all new members that we’re a group whose members like constructive criticism, so the discussion is often pretty frank,” says Ruth Hatfield, co-founder of the Cambridge Writers writing for children group, “but always with the emphasis on making practical suggestions about possible edits, rather than just giving personal reactions.”

Since detailed, practical advice can be hard to come by when you’re trying to get published (or find an agent), joining a strong critique group is akin to tapping into a rich vein of constructive criticism. If your group shares work regularly it can be time-consuming to submit and comment each month, but you may well find that your critiquing commitments are absorbed naturally into your writing routine. Alice Hemming, who is published by Maverick Arts, says of her SCBWI online critique group: “I feel the group has really helped improve my writing and it now forms an essential part of my writing practice: I write a draft, show my husband, write another draft, post to Eureka!, edit and polish, then submit or shelve for a while.”

Cake always helps!

Although a critique group that discusses a broad range of genres, or sub-genres, has much to offer, it can also be helpful to find other writers working within your specific field or age-range. SCBWI BI has established, and manages, a range of these niche groups using a blog-based format. Alice describes the benefits of this kind of set-up: “Everyone in the group is a picture book writer, which is great. We all understand the importance of finding exactly the right word, getting the page turns just right and finding the right balance with our illustration notes.”

The online format of groups like EUREKA! engenders a different feel to a face-to-face collective. Online groups may occasionally meet-up in person, but members often live hours apart - even in different countries - so it’s not always possible. The general consensus seems to be that it doesn’t matter. “I was worried that an online group wouldn’t have the same synergy that happens with a face-to-face group,” comments Patty Toht, who also belongs to EUREKA!, “but surprisingly that still happens.”

Honorary attendees welcome

The synergy of a critique group can take time to develop. Trust is key, and once that trust has been established, space opens up for broader discussions between members. Experiences are shared, advice is sought and given freely, and achievements are celebrated. One SCBWI author describes the other members of her group as ‘supportive friends’. This is where the added value of a critique group lies. For many writers, published and unpublished, these groups offer support, friendship and camaraderie. They can be a crucial source of inspiration and creativity, as well as of constructive feedback. Writing is often a lonely experience and it can make all the difference to share your highs and lows with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, joining a critique group could be the best thing you’ll ever do.

---

Annie Neild is an unpublished picture book author. She joined SCBWI in 2012 and is a member/ moderator of their online picture book critique group, EUREKA! Annie has also been part of the Cambridge Writers writing for children group since 2010.

Picturebook (E)Critique Too! Who We Are, And What We Do!

By Lesley Moss

Picturebook Critique Too! (PB Too!) was the second peer-led picture book e-critique group for SCBWI_BI. Over three years from its inception it is still running, with many of the original members plus some lovely later additions. Candy Gourlay set it up, and passed the moderating baton to me, now ably assisted by Liz Miller. 

We have authors and author-illustrators of all backgrounds and all stages in the group, which makes for an interesting mix. We are quite a relaxed group, and take time out when we need to. And this seems to work for us. It must – as we’re still here, and still critiquing!

I asked the members about their work, their experience of PB Too! and how it has helped them develop their work.

First up: Joint Moderator Liz Miller! 

I write picture books but have been known to pen the occasional early reader, and I was excited to be Highly Commended for ‘The Pirate Who Liked Pink’ at this year’s Winchester Conference. I joined PB Too! in January 2011 and my time on the e-critique waiting list has been well rewarded. 

I've been lucky to have met quite a few PB Too! members in person at SCBWI events, including the recent Picture Book Retreat. You don’t need to have met to work together well as a group but it's been great to have had these opportunities and who knows, it may help to strengthen the group dynamic. I love the 'Oh yes...', 'Why didn't I spot that?', 'That's a good idea!' moments that come from my ever honest but always constructive and supportive fellow PB Too’ers. 

But it's not just about the critique - I really enjoy the sharing of event information, the cheering of success and the hands that reach out from the emails when someone's had a setback. It's what being a member of SCBWI is all about for me. 

Let's hear from our Author-Illustrators: 

Illustration ©Jamie Stevenson

Jamie Stevenson

I'm a fine artist, a scribbling, doodling crafty person who loves children's books, especially picture books! My illustrations are mainly in pastel or acrylic, and like my writing, tend to be humourous and quirky. 

Wanting to improve my writing/illustrating but with no other PB members around, I looked for an online critique group, becoming part of PB Too! when it was first formed. It is great to be in contact with such a brilliantly sunny collection of talented people, now friends, helping and cheering each other on, having feedback and advice. This lovely little group has made a big difference to me! 

Illustration ©Rikin Parekh

Rikin Parekh, author-illustrator

I worked as a storyboard artist/creature designer on feature films but being a children's picture book author-illustrator is what I was put on this earth to do! I've illustrated four picture books for MX Publishing and am looking for an agent/publisher for my own picture books. I’m now a Year One Teaching Assistant with the nuttiest of kids too! 

I joined PB Critique Too! in March 2012 and since then I have had the pleasure of being critiqued by the nicest, most honest and creative writers. As a group we all want success for each other and I've experienced many gold nuggets of advice, feedback, constructive criticism and a constant force of positivity. Due to this, my writing has improved by leaps and bounds. I feel more confident as an author-illustrator and am so glad to have joined this wonderful group! 

Illustration ©Holly Gatrell

Holly Gatrell, author-illustrator

I joined the critique group after meeting Lesley Moss at an Exeter Sketchcrawl in July 2012. This was the start of my SCWBI journey. I am about to complete my Masters Degree in Illustration. Joining the group was great for me as my MA was distance learning and I was the only person studying children’s books. It has enabled me to understand so much more of the art of writing for children. The group members are really supportive and it’s inspiring to be able to exchange thoughts with such talent, and with published authors and illustrators. It’s great to learn from people who know what they are talking about! 

Illustration © Kate Pankhurst

Kate Pankhurst

I illustrate picture books and young fiction. I recently had my first books as an author-illustrator published (Mariella Mystery Investigates). I love doodling, my favourite subject is anything funny or icky and I'm particularly fond of monsters, dogs and detectives. 

I work from home and being part of PB Too! makes my job seem less solitary. I'm always really inspired by how much work is created by the group – it definitely spurs me on to get that picture book idea I've been mulling over finished off! Having peers to help polish an idea up before sending it in the 'real world' is incredibly useful too.


And now, from our authors: 

Alfie’s Great Escape, by Kate Irwin 

and Clare Elsom, Egmont

Kate Irwin, author of 'Alfie's Great Escape', Blue Bananas, Egmont

The PB Too! group is invaluable to me. I write my stuff, bounce it off my nearest and dearest, then it goes to PB Too! before sending it in for a professional critique. Then, if all goes well, to submission. The PB Too! people are honest, positive, and a pleasure and honour to be involved with. I can't imagine writing life without them now. 

It is also a huge joy to see other people's work developing and taking shape, and improving massively over time. And the debate over what we think works or not is fascinating and informative. Quite possibly the best thing about my SCWBI membership. 

www.karenowen.co.uk

Karen Owen

I’ve had one picture book published, I Could Be, You Could Be. I love being a member of PB Too! because it’s the first place I turn to when I’ve written a new text. Supportive and constructive comments from writers and illustrators make a big difference, especially as I’ve had to learn to think more about the pictures as well as words. 





Lois Johnson

I’m a picture book writer and I also write children's novels, mainly middle grade books for 9-12. I have an MA in Creative Writing: Writing for Children. I think it's great being a member of PB Too! as it's a bonus getting an insight and comments from illustrators as well as other pb writers. I feel the group is very supportive and the generosity of people who spend time giving detailed, helpful comments is wonderful. Very often we are too close to our own writing to be objective but by being a member of such a great group, we can post our work confidently knowing any comments offered are with the sole intention of helping us improve. 

Sheryl Webster:

I've been a member of the group for three years. I find the group invaluable in helping me to shape and enhance my story ideas into more polished texts. Often the obvious errors are staring you in the face, but it takes a fresh pair of eyes to see it. The group offers honest and constructive advice and the support we all give each other is just fabulous. I feel we are at a stage now where we 'know' each others styles and how each person works. I feel really privileged to be working with a group I trust, whose opinions and advice help so much. 

I have had 18 titles published to date, some of which are picture books such as What Small Rabbit Heard (OUP)  Wee William (OUP) Noodle's Knitting (LTP) Tinysaurus (Anderson Press) and some reading scheme titles, including The Bug Club series for Pearson. I also enjoy writing early fiction for older age groups. 

Lesley: 

I wasn’t sure about the wisdom of online critique, but PB Too! converted me. I saw the way critiques could turn a script around, and how analysing someone else’s work could help in learning about editing. We’re also lucky to have a lovely guest contributor, Anne Rooney, who drops by occasionally with informed advice and information! 

I think this dedicated group epitomises SCBWI values, and I thought its members deserved a shout – out!

 

If you are a member of the SCBWI and are looking to join a critique group either online or in your local area, take a look at the critique information page on the SCBWI British Isles website. 

 

---

Lesley Moss joined SCBWI in 2003 and over several years has volunteered for SCBWI as SW Joint Network Organiser, e-critique group moderator for Picturebook Too! and the Poetry e-critique group, which became www.thefuneverse.com (run by Maureen Lynas). She writes 8-12 fiction, picture books and funny verse. She originally studied art and design and spent some years in community arts, including a spell as a mime animateur, working creatively with children of all ages, and much more. But her first love is writing.