Running a Writers Critique Group in Your

Professional writers have used critique groups for years. In a critique group, writers read and comment on one another's work before it goes to an editor. The feedback provides them with hundreds of tips regarding plot, characterization, dialogue, and theme in fiction; article leads and closes; and structure for nonfiction books. Without this feedback, their manuscripts may not sell as soon as they do and would need much more editing. Many students have problems writing clearly....
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Professional writers have used critique groups for years. In a critique group, writers read and comment on one another's work before it goes to an editor. The feedback provides them with hundreds of tips regarding plot, characterization, dialogue, and theme in fiction; article leads and closes; and structure for nonfiction books. Without this feedback, their manuscripts may not sell as soon as they do and would need much more editing. Many students have problems writing clearly. Using the critique group format in the classroom setting allows them to provide feedback on one another's work before the assignments get turned in for a grade. They learn as much from hearing the feedback of others' manuscripts as they do from comments about their own. Rather than creating their assignments alone in a vacuum, students can gain knowledge from one another. They will learn more about the writing process; how to spot grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors; and how to clearly express their thoughts. This can result in their getting higher grades through the submission of far better products than they could have produced otherwise.