How do you start a writers' critique group?

Critique is one of the most powerful tools that a group of writers can share with one another. And it is fairly simple to start your own critique group. You can even do this online, though that method is far less personal and does not have the added benefit of getting you out of the house once in awhile!

First, you need to start networking and meeting some other authors. You can do this most easily by checking out the convention scene - you will always find a lot of authors hanging around any writing or fan convention. You can also volunteer to speak on a panel at your local convention if you have any expertise that you can discuss - writers are a curious bunch, and we're always shopping for new information to use. Even if your topic is "What are the mating habits of tropical fish?" you will probably get some people attending because they are writing a story about fish or about somebody who keeps fish.

Once you have a few authors you know, send out some invitations. Write up a nice blurb about what you want to do with this group, and send it to the authors you know best. Ask them to forward that to any other writers they know who might be interested.

Here are some things to keep in mind for a critique group:

• Make out your critique format ahead of time so there are no arguments - specify how much time each writer will get at each meeting and whether they will get a chance to respond to the critique or not (some writers will want to respond to every single point, which will eat up your whole meeting if you don't set a time limit)
• Decide ahead time how authors will exchange work - if they would like to email them to each other, decide on one format - .pdf works best, because the page numbers remain the same no matter what type font each writer might use.
• Explain specifics of what type of critique you want for your work - do you want nit-picky grammar Nazis with red pens, or do you want the others to concentrate on your technique, character development, or settings? If you don't let them know ahead of time, you might not get the sorts of critique you want.
• Pick a good spot to meet - the busy dining area of the local coffee shop is not a good idea. Pick a place where you will be able to talk to each other and share without being interrupted, but also don't pick somewhere that frowns on talking.
  
• Thank everyone for coming!