Resources for Writers Groups

We recommend the following best practices for group members and group organizers alike. These tips will help ensure that Poets & Writers Groups is a safe and respectful platform that fosters an environment that is courteous and productive for all. 

Group organizers:

1. Take the time to fill out all the fields in your group profile to give potential members all the information they need to know to determine whether your group is right for them. 
2. Clearly communicate expectations for your group to all members.
3. Carefully consider the size of your group and determine the number of potential members that is manageable and will allow you to provide a level of personal care. 
4. Determine how decisions will be made about your group—the scheduling of events, the agenda for events, and so on—and communicate that process clearly to all members. Will decisions be made based on majority vote?
5. Regularly check your messages and respond promptly. You are responsible for timely correspondence with your members and potential members, including responding to requests to join your groups. 
6. Take the responsibility of being a group organizer seriously—the productivity and creativity of your members depends on it. 
7. If you decide to leave Poets & Writers Groups or dissolve a group on the platform, alert the members of that group and either assign another member as organizer or let all members know the group will be closing—with plenty of advance warning.
    

Group members:

1. Fill out your member profile completely and thoughtfully—your ability to find groups that match your preferences and interests, as well as a group organizer’s ability to find you, depends in large part on the information in your profile. 
2. Carefully choose which group(s) you’ll request to join.
3. Be on time for group events/meetings.
4. If you are asked to provide feedback on another member’s work, offer constructive feedback that highlights the positives as well as what might need revision.
5. Think twice before leaving a critical comment on your fellow group member’s work; remember how it feels to read criticism of your own writing.
6. Be accepting of critique. You might not agree with every piece of criticism, and that’s understandable, but take into consideration that a fellow writer made time to read and think about your work. Listen before dismissing.
7. Remain flexible and understanding of different approaches to writing and writers groups. Assume the best intentions and, above all, strive for honest communication.

What are your goals?
There are all kinds of groups that can help you with your writing journey. Whether for critique, accountability, reading, manuscripts, or write-ins, make sure the group you choose line in with your personal goals.

What is your commitment level?
Maybe meeting weekly is exactly what you’re looking for in order to advance your writing projects. Or perhaps monthly meetings would work better for your schedule. If you’re looking for a critique group, what kind of deadlines are expected of you? Make sure your commitment level matches that of your group.

How large of a group do you want to be in?
Small, intimate groups might be more your speed, or perhaps a larger group to hear from a variety of voices and opinions is what you’ve been seeking. Check for what size works for you.

Do you prefer to meet in person or virtually?
There are benefits to both options. Meeting virtually might be more convenient and/or accessible, and you’ll have the opportunity to work with writers outside of the area you live in. Meeting in person can allow you to work with writers in the community you live in and perhaps share local resources (i.e. libraries, bookstores, coffee shops) to support your writing life.

What is your level of experience?
Whether you have many years of writing experience or are new to creative writing, it’s best to be honest so that you can join a group where writers can understand how best to support your needs and where you can be helpful to their needs. To learn more about best practices for writers groups, read this article.

Are you making yourself clear?
Once these considerations are clear in your mind, be sure to note them in your writer profile. Many of these options can be selected as you fill out your profile. Anything else you’d like to include can be written in your bio. The more details you include, the easier it will be to find a group to match your needs.

Take the first step.
Search for a writers group that works for you. Look at all the elements of a group that you’d want, see if they fit. Then, request to join their group. If you don’t hear back soon, follow up with a message to the group owner.

Be an active participant.
If you’re expected to share your work, or offer feedback, be prepared to meet your group’s deadlines and ready to participate in your next meeting.

Communicate with your group.
If you can’t make a deadline or meeting, be sure to let your group leader know in advance so you’re not letting anyone down.

Be clear with your expectations and intentions.

“A Practical Guide to Starting a Group of Your Own” by Michelle Wildgen
A novelist and teacher offers advice on starting a writers group where your creative work can thrive.

“The Many Different Kinds of Writers Groups” by Jessica Kashiwabara
A look at the ways writers can benefit from distinctly different kinds of gatherings, including groups offering accountability partners, workshop feedback, and publishing advice.

“Reenvisioning the Writers Group” by Yona Harvey 
The author suggests writers group options that depart from the typical workshop model, such as freewriting, responding to prompts, and reading together.

“The Perfectly Balanced Writers Group” by Aimee Christian 
The author’s failed attempts to find a writers group eventually lead her to build one of her own that offers the right mix of rigor and support.

“A Former PollyAnna Learns the Value of Critical Feedback” by Ashley Memory 
After experiencing a writers group that only delivered praise, the author realizes the value of constructive feedback and offers guidance on how best to give it.

“Pandemic Writers Group: Finding Creativity, Community, and Play” by Marie Myung-Ok Lee
The novelist and essayist shares her experience creating a virtual writers group focused on play, and muses on the meaning of productivity and artistic friendship during the pandemic.