How to Start a Writer's Group

A writer's group--also known as a writing group or critique group--can be a great way for writers to get support, encouragement and feedback. Whether you're new to writing or a published author, a writer's group can help you develop and hone your skills.

If there's no writer's group in your area, you may want to start one yourself. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Recruit members! Find members for your group by posting signs in bookstores, coffee shops and libraries. Don't forget to post fliers at any local colleges. If your state or city has a professional writing organization, make sure you contact them as well. They may be willing to give you a list of members. Spread the word through family, friends and colleagues, too.

Set a first meeting! Establish a meeting time and place for your very first meeting. Include information about the first meeting on any fliers or posters. Choose a public location--such as a library or coffee shop--and have a general idea of what you'd like to discuss. Possible topics include format of the group, types of writing that would be considered acceptable, and meeting times and locations.

Make a list of rules! At your first meeting, create a list of rules that all members can agree upon. Perhaps you want to limit all critiques to five pages of text. Maybe you want to include poetry, but exclude news articles. Perhaps you want to limit the age of members to those who are eighteen or older. Your rules should be something that everyone agrees upon.

Decide the tone of your group! Some people are looking for a support network, whereas others are seeking real criticism. Make sure that everyone knows the overall tone of critiques should be positive, and all criticism should be constructive. Ensure that all members know that everything--sharing work, critiquing work or asking for critique--is voluntary.

Choose moderators! Some writer's group choose a single moderator, whereas others rotate the responsibility. A moderator ensures the conversation stays on topic. Moderators may also come to the meeting with a writing prompt or assignment for the group.

Here are a few ways you may structure your group: