Critique Groups aka support groups               

One of the best things you can do for your writing, is to join a critique group, a group of people actively seeking feedback on their work with the goal of improving their writing. Groups can be face-to-face or online. They can be genre focused or not. Groups meet weekly, monthly or whatever schedule works best for the members. Participants range from newbies to experience professionals. Venues range from bookstores to libraries to coffee shops to homes. When joining an existing group, new members visit a few times to see if they fit in.

New groups are forming! When we start up a new group, we start it with a few interested writers plus a mentor or coordinator (someone who has had experience in critique groups).

If you've never experienced the benefits of a group, consider trying one out. Either contact an open group below, or contact Judith Hyde, Critique Coordinator, for information on the new groups or forming a new group. We also share info in the Sunflower Scoop about new groups forming.

Writers - Face to Face

Grandview, MO
FULL
Kindred Scribes mainly critique middle grade manuscripts and meet once a month at 6:15 p.m. at a member's home.
Contact: Heather at htbeers@gmail.com

Kansas City, MO
FULL
Picture Book Critiquers meet every three weeks at the KC Central Library during the day.
Contact: Madaline at madalinerw@gmail.com

Kansas City, MO
FULL
A group of Picture Book Critiquers meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 pm at the North Oak Trafficway Panera.
Contact: Johana at johana316@att.net
 Kansas City, MO
OPEN
YA Writers meet at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month. Location:TBD
Contact: Lisha at mermensing@yahoo.com

Lawrence
FULL
Meets once a month, date determined at previous meeting.  Two criteria: currently writing, whether YA, kdilit or even adult.  And willing to give and receive input.
Contact: Randi at tweenmom@gmail.com

Leawood
FULL
Meets the first Monday or Tuesday evening of the month in a private home.
Contact: Jennifer at jcb3sons@earthlink.net

Lenexa
FULL
Picture Book Writers Too meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Lackman Library.
Contact: Lisa at lisakaye4@yahoo.com

Olathe
FULL
Mixed Genre (PB to YA) group meets on one Wednesday evening a month. 
Location: TBD
Contact: Tessa at maianae@gmail.com 

Overland Park
FULL 
The Golden Paper Clip meets the first and third Thursday evenings of the month at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center on 119th and Lowell.  We critique novels and picture books.
Contact: Melissa at mgill0627@aol.com

Overland Park
FULL
Picture Book Writers meet the 2nd Thursday evening of the month at Barnes and Noble on 119th and Roe.
Contact: Carol at carolfraserboles@yahoo.com

Pittsburg
OPEN
This PB to YA group meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Pittsburg Public Library.
Contact: Casie at casiehermansson@gmail.com

Topeka
OPEN
Topeka YA Writers looking for active fiction writers, preferably YA novelists, willing to exchange and accept serious critiques.  Meets the 4th Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Barnes and Noble Coffee Shop, 17th and Wanamaker.
Contact: Paul at plsbcbdxer@aol.com

Wichita
OPEN
The Scribblers meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Watermark Books. Encouraging and informal atmosphere.
Contact: Stephanie at www.sbayliff@cox.net

Wichita
FULL
The Evening Wichita Group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at Panda Express.
Contact: Lu at lar1800@sbcglobal.net

Wichita
FULL
The Tale Spinners meet different Fridays at 10 a.m.  Location: TBD
Contact: Iris at terryp505@msn.com 

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Volunteer

If you are interested in mentoring a critique group for a time or two, contact Judith Hyde, Critique Coordinator.
Writers - Online

Kansas State Online - Penights

OPEN

Contact: Linda at lmickhenry@hotmail.com


Picture Book Group Online
OPEN
Contact: Lindsay at lindsaymillerks@hotmail.com

Middle Grade Novel Group Online
OPEN
Contact: Paul at pwcook1@kc.rr.com

Middle Grade Group Online 2
OPEN
Contact: Aimee at agross9999@yahoo.com

YA Novel Writers Online

OPEN
Contact: Nancy at gilliesbanks@mac.com

Children's Magazine Writers
FULL
Contact: Laura at laurahelweg@gmail.com


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Illustrators

Illustrator Group - meets every 3 months and has online discussions, plus gives each other assignments. 
Contact: Kate at artist@katebarsotti.com


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NEW GROUPS

Still Can't Find a Group?

Need a critique group and none of these work for you?  We're always starting up new ones. Contact Judith Hyde, Critique Coordinator.

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Resources
On the Web

Join a Critique Group to Get Your Writing Moving by W. Terry Whalin

Critiquing in Your Jammies by Gail Martini-Peterson

The Give and Take of Critique by Linda Sue Park

How to Survive a Critique...and More: Let's Talk Troubleshooting by Becky Levine

After the Critique by Sue Ford

Books

The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide by Becky Levine (This book recommended by one of our members.)









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It's a professional best practice!
Use standard manuscript format for critique and submission

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After attending her first SCBWI critique group, Kendra Mathewson said, "What a great night! I am still floating. I told a friend, 'I feel like I've reclaimed a dream that was stolen from me.'"


 
 
 

Kansas SCBWI is a regional chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  Membership is through the international organization at www.SCBWI.org.