All participants in this Critique Session will be grouped according to their specific genres (Picture Book/ Middle Grade/Young Adult & Adult/ Poetry & Nonfiction) so they can get the best feedback possible:

If there are not enough participants, we may combine groups.

What to Bring:

                      
1. Copies of the first chapter of your novel, or if you’re writing a picture book, bring the whole book that you want critiqued. The general rule is that you must bring copies for every member who has signed up for the session. * Please wait for the final email from the organizer before printing copies, so you know exactly how many to print.*

2. A voice/tape recorder if you wish to record the critiques.

3. A notebook/pad and pen to use for your critique notes.

THE VALUE OF A CRITIQUE SESSION

As writers, we are very close to our work and often times we miss certain details on story development or story elements like characters, setting, etc.

Critique sessions allow other people with “fresh eyes” to have a look at your writing sample, and read them as your future readers would, providing you with valuable feedback to improve your writing skills and get your manuscript ready for submission.

In all our Critique Sessions, we give you feedback in the most TACTful way possible.

TACT = Finesse, thoughtfulness or having a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

TACT is also the technique we use for our critiques:

T = Terrific

We share what we loved in your piece, what worked in your story and what we liked about your plot, setting, character, pacing, etc.

A = Author Questions

In the last few minutes of your critique time, we encourage you, as the author, to ask questionsundefinedeither about your story or to    clarify the comments you received.

C = Constructive Comments

We deliver, in the politest way possible, comments that are specific and helpful to help you improve your story.

T = Talent

Talent can get you far, but hard work can get your farther. We always end by encouraging you, the author, to keep on writing. We remind you that we are here to help you achieve your writing goals.