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CRITIQUE GROUPS
We do not ask for pages to be sent in advance. Bring your best and current pages to the Workshop.
Critique groups will have no more than 5 writers and 1 mentor. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure you have six copies to handout.
Copies should be industry-standard prepared: 12 pt. Times New Roman / double space / indent first sentence of each paragraph.
Given your first critique group meeting is 15 minutes after the Welcome, please bring six copies of your material to the Welcome so you’re ready for your first meeting. If you are unable to bring copies for the first meeting, let us know and we’ll take care of securing the copies for you.
For the rest of your meetings, we will have printers set up in the main conference area and someone to assist you with printing copies. If you have a personal printer, you may want to bring it as there are sometimes long lines for the printers.
Critique groups are made up of five (5) writers and one industry professional. writers are asked to read their material out loud (approximately 5-7 minutes). After reading the submission, discussion is then opened up. While the discussion is underway, the writer whose work is being critiqued should listen without trying to explain or justify writing choices.
For those critiquing another writer’s work, we recommend that you first outline what is working in the piece. Then if needed, dive into suggestions for improvement. Be professional be construction and considerate to others in the group.
All Writers Receive the Same Time Allotment
For Picture Book Writers: Given picture books are less than 1,000 words, one picture book per session works. Since you’re meeting with two mentors / two times for a total of four critique group meetings, you may choose to make edits and return with a revised version to your next critique group. Or, you may decide to bring another picture book to the next session. It’s up to you.
For Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers: We strongly recommend two things: (1) that you provide a two-sentence overview of your story before starting to read your submission; and (2) start with the first pages of your manuscript. Since you’re meeting with two mentors two times for a total of four critique group meetings, you may choose to make edits and return with a revised version to your next critique group. Or, you may decide to bring other pages from your manuscript to the next session.
For Illustrators: you’re welcome to bring your artwork for our Illustrator Review,
A warm jacket will come in handy
Good walking/beach shoes
No expectations. This is a Workshop to help you hone your writing skills.