A WRITER’S LIFE: The Benefit of Critique Partner Relationships
What is a Critique Partner
Today we call them “critique partners,” but as a group of trusted fellow artists, they’ve probably existed forever. Storytellers have always relied on family and friends to be their first audiences. Beginning as early as the 15th century, more formal groupings of literary artists began gathering in what was known as “salons,” in which works were read and critiqued.
Photo Credit: J. Howeth
How to find critique partners
Critique groups are easy to find today via the myriad online resources available: writing retreats, online conferences, memberships in writing organizations, and writing classes are some of the ways to find valuable partners.
The purpose of having critique partners
By providing constructive feedback, a group of trusted critique partners can help each other improve their work. They also provide encouragement and support as well as accountability.
The benefits of having critique partners
Critique partners provide fresh perspective for one another’s’ manuscripts, often by pointing out areas of weakness and suggestions for improvement. Additionally, each individual helps the whole group by acting as an extra set of eyes scanning the world of publishing.
The Value of having critique partners
Some of my critique partners and I have been working together for nearly a decade now. They’ve helped me with all of my manuscripts in all stages of development and have walked beside me as I’ve ushered my published books into the world. As frequently happens, some of these partnerships have evolved into real friendships.
My Own Meaningful Critique Partner Relationships
Angela May Hawkins
I met Angie in 2017 when we both were participating in The Picture Book Summit, an online writing conference. She founded our group, “Hens & Chicks” and has been a stalwart leader, keeping us on schedule and organized. Without fail, Angie has given me consistent feedback on all my stories. WELCOME TO BLOSSOM HOLLOW is her newest chapter book.
Find Angela: https://wylderbirdie.com/
Cathy Stefanec Ogren
Cathy was also participating in The Picture Book Summit in 2017 and became a founding member of Hens and Chicks. I feel privileged that I got to read and critique both PEW! THE LEGEN-DAIRY GIFT FROM COLONIAL THOMAS S. MEACHAM and THE LITTLE RED CHAIR in their earliest drafts and witness them reach publication.
Find Cathy: https://cathystefanecogren.com/
Wendy Parciak
I met Wendy via my membership with SCBWI (Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators) when we were attending a writer’s retreat in 2016. Wendy is one of the most lyrical writers I know, gracing her middle grade manuscripts with gorgeous prose. Endlessly encouraging and skilled, she has been a trusted critique partner for my picture book manuscripts ever since.
Find Wendy: https://wendyparciak.com/about-me/
Janie Reinhart
Also participating in The Picture Book Summit in 2017, Janie became a founding member of Hens and Chicks. We got the vicarious pleasure of getting to witness the publication of her book WHEN WATER MAKES MUD in 2021. An astute editor, Janie gave me much valuable advice in the years we worked together.
Find Janie: https://www.instagram.com/janiereinart/
Heide Boyden
I met Heide through the Montana Chapter of the SCBWI when, as the ARA (Assistant Regional Advisor), I interviewed her for our monthly newsletter. We were soon in a critique group together. Heide was one of the staunchest supporters of my deep desire to self-publish my controversial debut picture book, SOMETIMES. She is the author of THE JELLY BOAT BOOK in addition to many short stories, articles, essays, and poems.
Find Heide: https://heideboyden.com/
Debbie Austin
Another SCBWI member in the Montana Region, I met Debbie when I was serving as the chapter’s ARA. An award-winning author, Debbie writes middle grade but has always been a trusted sounding board for my picture books. She’s helped me with many of my manuscripts but has had the most influence on my upcoming picture book NEVILLE’S OASIS.
Find Debbie: https://www.instagram.com/debbieaustinwriter/
Marci Whitehurst
Marci is another critique partner I met at the writing retreat in 2016. Becoming members of Montana Chapter of the SCBWI in nearly the same month, we were newbies together. Marci has critiqued all my manuscripts and like Heide gave me tremendous support for my passion to see SOMETIMES published.
Find Marci: https://marciwhitehurst.com/
Olga Herrera
I met Olga when she joined Hens and Chicks after a couple of our members dropped out of the group. Olga is that magical combination of being an author and an illustrator wearing both hats for her recently published picture book, THE UNWELCOME SURPRISE. Olga critiqued THE MOLLYS B. in its earliest drafts and offered much valuable advice from the perspective of an illustrator.
Find Olga: https://www.olgaherrera.me/
Janet Zupan
I met Janet at the same writer’s retreat where I met Wendy in 2016. Janet is a middle grade writer, and I was attempting to write a middle grade novel at that time, so we were paired up in the same working group. That first meeting launched us into a more formal critique group. Although I switched to picture books, Janet has critiqued most of my stories, giving me excellent advice and editorial suggestions.
Find Janet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-zupan-b1504a109/
Jenn Prinzing
Jenn and I “met” online when I was the ARA for the Montana Chapter of the SCBWI. A highly successful graphic designer and illustrator, Jenn is also a writer. Like Olga, Jenn contributed hugely to THE MOLLYS B., helping me format the manuscript from an illustrator’s perspective.
Find Jenn: https://www.lovenacho.com/info
Cynthia Harmony
I met Cynthia in 2017 when we both were participating in The Picture Book Summit. A founding member of Hens and Chicks, she was the first of us to land an agent. She is the author of A FLICKER OF HOPE and APAPACHO LOVE – manuscripts we got to see in their early drafts. Cynthia is a strong writer and always gave me thoughtful feedback.
Find Cynthia: https://www.cynthiaharmony.com/
Ellen Crosby
Another online partnership, I met Ellen via my volunteer position as ARA when she served as the region’s Critique Group Coordinator. Formerly the Services & Membership Coordinator of The Hockaday Museum of Art (recently renamed The Glacier Art Museum), Ellen is now a full-time picture book writer and was an especially strong advocate for my newest book, NEVILLE’S OASIS.
Find Ellen: https://www.instagram.com/ellencrosby68
Sunny Duran
Sunny joined Hens and Chicks for a short time when a vacancy opened up. She was an active group member when I was working on the initial drafts of both SOMETIMES and THE MOLLYS B.
Sunny is an illustrator for Ariana Farina’s KITTY TALES series.
Find Sunny: https://sunnyduran.com/