CRITIQUE GROUPS
– GUIDELINES - 

Below are rules and basic procedures for running a critique group.  Groups are of course free to function whichever way works best for them.

GROUP DESCIPTION: 
·	Members are writers and illustrators open to receiving both positive and negative feedback in order to improve their craft.  Partners must be willing to offer thoughtful and constructive comments.  Be aware that members, who are new to critiquing, might need time to adjust to receiving criticism.  Every effort should be made to ensure this is a worthwhile and positive experience for all members.
·	Maximum 10 partners, grouped by illustrators or writing format: PB, Easy Readers/Early Chapter Books, Middle Grade, YA, Poetry

HOW IT WORKS: 
·	Critique Groups’ Coordinator puts members in touch with each other to form groups and designates a volunteer moderator to coordinate the running of each group  
·	Founding members discuss and determine how their group will function
1.	Means of exchanging submissions, critiques and groups discussion: E-mail, private on-line list, mail, in person…
2.	Schedule: Deadlines for submissions and returning critiques, group meetings (on-line or in person)…
3.	Frequency and length of submissions: 1 per week/per month; 1500 words, entire short story, 3 chapters…
4.	Format of critiques:  Written, verbal, in person…
5.	Locations of face-to-face meetings: Members’ homes, ALP, Quiet cafés…
6.	Additional rules particular to group such as: Mandatory participation for submissions, critiques and/or meetings, What to bring to meetings (food/drink, cash), No pet squirrels allowed, All fire arms must be left at door…
·	Group regularly exchanges work and critiques and participates in group discussions as agreed upon at outset
·	As necessary group adjusts procedures to fit changing needs of members
·	Critique Groups’ Coordinator remains available to assist if needed 

A FEW RULES:
·	All stories remain the copyright of the author and must not be distributed to any third party without the express permission of the author
·	Schedules and submission/critique queries are coordinated by the moderator
·	Members are free to join or leave groups as they please.  However, out of respect to other members, regular participation is requested.  If a member is consistently unable to participate in either submitting or critiquing they should consider pulling out until they have more time available.

BEFORE STARTING:
·	Research how critiquing works
Suggested Links:
The Give and Take of Critiquing  SCBWI.org  Log-in, go to For Our Members, then Publications (also available in SCBWI Publications Guide received in new member packet)
Critiquing others’ Work  www.geocities.com/Area51/Labyrinth/6977/writing11
Writing a Critique  www.shortstorygroup.net/ssg_resources.asp
How to Give a Helpful Critique  www.yellapalooza.com/tutorials/critique

Questions?  Contact Emma – Critique Groups’ Coordinator at pegrolea@club-internet.fr