writing groups online

Welcome to Critique Circle .

Improve your writing skills in one of the largest and longest-running writing communities on the web.

Vibrant writing community

Thousands of writers working together to improve their writing.

It's all about reciprocity

Critique the stories of others and in turn they will crit your stories.

Wide array of tools

CC has many tools to help you improve your writing.

Active forums

Discussion groups on nearly any topic under any sun.

Here's how Critique Circle works.

Continuously improve your writing by critting the works of others and building relationships with other authors who will help you with your own manuscript.

Crit a couple of stories to gain enough credits.

Use your credits to submit your own story for review.

Use the crits to improve your manuscript.

Our members are our biggest fans.

We don't like to brag, but we don't mind letting our members do it for us. Here are a few nice things folks have said about our platform over the years.

“"Me like Critique Circle - it good!" That's how I USED to write, before joining Critique Circle. Now, thanks to the many fine members of CC, my writing is much, much gooder. Okay, I'm still a newbie, but it's an improvement. ;)” Mark Dimig-Mathis, I'm from Joisey (exit 10)

“I've been a member of CC for several years now, and aside from the awesome community and wonderful friendships I've made here, I believe the crits I've received have been a factor in getting quite a few short stories published. :D Thank you, wonderful critters, and thank you CC!” Merc Fenn Wolfmoor, Anoka, MN, USA

“The set-up is really great, and honestly, I couldn't think of a better way for aspiring authors to hone in on the craft. The people are typically nice and it's great to forge, if not friendship, at least mutual respect for other writers.” Kayle Kess, USA

“Your story couldn't be shredded in a more constructive manner so: Abandon pride all ye who enter here. This is where you start to improve...” Len Morgan, Hullbridge, Essex, England

“Critique circle has one of the widest scopes of ensuring improvement for real writers. A brilliant step to publication.” Shandana Khalid, Pakistan

“Critique Circle is my new favorite writing workshop! I might just make it my new Home Page!” E. Madison Cawein, Wenatchee,WA. 98801 USA

“I first learned about Critique Circle from Writers Digest. It is the only writing forum I visit everyday!” Keven Pirritano, CA, USA

“In a world where some of us writers are deprived of each other, or looked down upon, Critiquecircle exists as candy for the mind. we come here to relax, and meet more of our... kind. ” Nick Dallien, canada

“This is not one of those sites that you can post your writing and readers give you a "good job, keep up the good work!" Critique Circle is filled with many talented writers who know what their talking about, and your writing will improve after that first critique.” Courtney Megaro, USA

“(*)Critique Circle(*) is the place to learn the art of writing. The advice and gentle corrections I receive have brought me a long way on my journey towards becoming a good writer.” Tom Chelmowski, New Mexico, USA

Newest blog posts

The Critique Circle blog is written by our members and is filled with interesting articles about writing.

Tension: Walking the Tightrope

Tension is a key source of interest and reader engagement in storytelling. Of the many types of tension, the sometimes overlooked, under-appreciated, and misunderstand reader-vs-story or reader-vs-author tension can be both powerful and dangerous. If employed well it can add substantial interest t...

N.C. Randall

Midnight Muse

As an unpublished wannabe, I have very little advice to impart to my fellow writers. But here’s one little tip I’ve learned through my experience with chronic insomnia that I feel qualified to share.

Lulu Oberkotter

Describing people of colour

Giving rich visual descriptions of characters can help bring your story to life! Here are some helpful tips I found for describing people of colour.

Katie Johnstone

Is critique circle free.

Membership is free and always has been. There is also a premium subscription that you can buy which unlocks additional features and perks.

When was the website started?

Critique Circle first came online in October 2003 and has been running continuously ever since. It is one of the oldest writing websites out there.

How active is Critique Circle?

We have thousands of members that are actively using the site and are closing in on one million served critiques.

How safe are my stories?

Stories submitted to CC are not considered 'published online' and cannot be found on search engines. You can manage your story accessibility yourself and delete them at any time.

It's easy and free to join.

Come on in, you're in good company.

TRY OUR FREE APP

Write your book in Reedsy Studio. Try the beloved writing app for free today.

Craft your masterpiece in Reedsy Studio

Plan, write, edit, and format your book in our free app made for authors.

Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Posted on Sep 04, 2019

49 Places to Find a Critique Circle to Improve Your Writing

Contrary to popular belief, writers aren’t solitary creatures by default. In fact, we’re often better when we write together , swapping trade secrets and exchanging manuscripts for mutual critique. Unfortunately, accidents of geography can stop us from congregating as often as we’d like. We don’t all live in literary hubs like London and NYC, so finding a critique circle in real life can be a bit of a challenge.

Luckily, you don’t have to be limited by the vagaries of place: there are plenty of online spaces where you can find writing partners ( and their excellent tips ). From the Critique Circle — the internet’s most famous writing group — to the more intimate critique groups studding the netscape, it’s easy enough to find gimlet-eyed readers ready to bring out the potential in your works-in-progress.

We’ve rounded 51 places to get feedback on your work. General writing critique groups are at the top, and genre-focused communities at the bottom. Because, to paraphrase the Starks of Winterfell , if the lone wolf dies while the pack survives, the lone writer struggles while the critique circle thrives.

GENERAL CRITIQUE GROUPS

1. Critique Circle

Most of this list is in alphabetical order, but Critique Circle is so well-known it’s worth breaking the mold. This Iceland-based community has a no-frills aesthetic. But since it opened in 2003, it’s offered more than 700,000 critiques for over 140,000 stories. Members sign up for free and earn credits — needed to put their work up for review — by offering feedback to other users. Every 3 reviews earns you enough credits to “buy” an opportunity to post.

Freshly enrolled writers have their work scheduled in a Newbie Queue, which sends their writing out for feedback faster than the regular queue. Word to the wise: the quality of feedback can vary — especially if they come from newbie members still learning the art of constructive criticism. But experienced members stand by to help to newbies as they get comfortable with the process.

Perfect if: You want to check out the internet’s most famous critique group

2. Reedsy Writing Prompts Contest

Yes, this one is facilitated through our very site! Here at Reedsy, we host a weekly writing contest where writers are invited to submit a short story based on one of our writing prompts. Shortly after launching this contest, we noticed a cool thing happening: writers started leaving constructive criticism and feedback on one another's stories — completely un prompted. We decided we wanted to encourage this initiative, so we created a critique circle within the contest.

Here's how it works: sign up for a free Reedsy Prompts account , and submit a short story to one of our contests. Once the contest ends, you'll receive an email asking you to leave feedback on other participants' stories — and the other entrants will likewise be encouraged to leave feedback on  your story.

Perfect if: You want the opportunity to earn cash prizes as part of your critique circle experience

3. 10 Minute Novelists Facebook Group

This support group for time-crunched writers runs a weekly #BuddyDay thread every Tuesday, where members can post their work for review. Excerpts are fair game, as are blurbs , author bios, cover art, and the like. If you’d like to test drive a couple of different packages for your indie masterpiece, #BuddyDay might be a good place to start.

Even if it’s not Tuesday, 10 Minute Novelists is a great place to “hang out.” Members commiserate about how real life gets in the way of your literary dreams — and encourage each other to stick it out anyway.

Perfect if: You know you’ve got a novel inside you, but you can’t seem to carve out more than 10 minutes a day to actually write it

4. ABCTales

This free writing community lets members post their own work and comment on each others’ — think WattPad, with way less emphasis on One Direction fanfic. Discussion seems to revolve around how to write a poem to best effect, although some short story writers frequent the forums as well. The feedback tends to be earnest and encouraging. Members happily dole out congratulations at one another’s literary triumphs.

ABCTales emphasizes slow and steady writerly development more than hustling for bylines. The pieces posted on its forums likely won’t be eligible for publication at many mainstream outlets, so they tend to be exercises written for practice, or from sheer love of the craft. That said, there is a forum full of writers swapping tips for publication .

Perfect if: You want a wholesome community to help you hone your craft in a low-stakes way

5. Absolute Write Water Cooler

This sprawling writers’ forum can be a bit of a maze, but there’s a wealth of material to help you along on your writing journey. If you’re in search of critique, you’ll want to make your way to the Beta Readers, Mentors, and Writing Buddies board. It works a little like a craft-focused version of the old Craigslist Personals section. Just post a description of the piece you’re working on, and forum members who fancy giving it a beta read will get in touch.

While you’re waiting for your perfect beta reader to respond to your post, you can hang out on any of Absolute Write ’s other craft-focused message boards. Many are genre-specific: check out Now We’re Cookin’! if you’re into food writing, or Flash Fiction if you’re a fan of pith.

Perfect if: You harbor romantic fantasies of finding your One True Reader on a personals site

6. Christopher Fielden

Christopher Fielden’s website offers tons of free resources – ranging from how to do research, how to keep your creativity fresh, and advice about self-publishing. He also curates a list of writing competitions – whether you’re looking to submit a short story or a poem, there are tons of options to choose from. You can pay for a critique from his team as well and a seasoned writer like Dr. Lynda Nash or Allen Ashley will go over your short story, novel, or poem.

7. Beta Readers and Critique Partners Facebook Group

This Facebook group has been helping writers find beta readers for two years now, and it’s still going strong. Almost 500 new members joined in the last month, bringing the total up to over 7,000. Rest assured, the mods won’t tolerate any nonsense: scorched earth critiques are forbidden, and members are encouraged to be kind at all times.

The Beta Readers and Critique Partners group welcomes members of all skill levels. Participants do their best to keep in mind whether they’re reading a seasoned pro, or someone just getting started as a beta reader . Self-promotion is banned, so don’t worry about being spammed.

Perfect if: You want a group where newbies can freely mingle with seasoned pros

8. Critique It

This peer review tool works like Google Docs on steroids: a group of collaborators can work on the same project, leave each other feedback, and feel like they’re all gathered around the same desk even if they’re actually scattered across the globe. Unlike GDocs, Critique It makes it easy to drop in video and audio files as well. That way, critics can leave their feedback in whatever format they like.

It won’t actually help you find a critique group. But it will let you form one with whoever you choose — no matter where in the world they’re based.

Perfect if: You want to form a writing group with friends from afar

9. The Desk Drawer

Here’s a critique group with high standards: send out multiple submissions that haven’t been spell-checked, and the group just might kick you out. This ultra-active, email-based workshop is a perfect fit for the kind of scribblers who thrive off prompts —  and who want to use them to hone their craft in the (virtual) company of fifty-odd like-minded writers. Every week, The Desk Drawer sends out a writing exercise. Members can respond directly to the prompt with a SUB (submission) — or offer a CRIT (critique) of another writer’s response.

To stay on the mailing list, workshoppers have to send out at least three posts a month: 1 SUB and 2 CRITS, or 3 CRITS. And membership is selective: if you’d like to join, you’ll have to send in a short, 100- to 250-word writing sample based on a prompt.

Perfect if: You want some disciplined — but mutually encouraging — writing buddies to keep you honest as you build up a writing habit

10. Fiction Writers Global Facebook Group

Despite its name, this community welcomes writers of fiction and non-fiction alike, although those who work specialize in erotica are encouraged to find an alternative group. At 13 years old, it’s one of the longer-running writing communities on Facebook. The mods have laid down the law to ensure it continues to run smoothly: fundraising, self-promotion, and even memes are strictly banned.

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing , Fiction Writers Global might be the perfect group for you. They have members going both these routes who are always happy to share their experiences.

Perfect if: You’re determined to go the indie route — or thinking seriously about it

11. Hatrack River Writers Workshop

This 18+, members-only workshop was founded by renowned speculative fiction writer Orson Scott Card, of Ender’s Game fame , and it’s now hosted by short fiction writer Kathleen Dalton Woodbury. Both these writers cut their teeth on genre fiction, but don’t feel limited to tales of magic and spacefaring — anything goes, except for fanfic.

At the Hatrack River Writers Workshop , members can submit the first 13 lines of a WIP for review — an exercise designed to make sure the story hooks the reader as efficiently as possible . A loosely structured Writing Class forum offers prompts, called “assignments,” designed to help blocked writers start (or finish) stalled works.

Perfect if: You want to polish your story’s opening to a mirror-shine

12. Inked Voices

Unlike the cozy, Web 1.0 vibes of older online critique groups, Inked Voices is as sleek as they come, with cloud-based functionality and an elegant visual brand. Its polished look and feel make sense considering this isn’t so much a writing group as a platform for finding — or creating — writing groups, complete with a shiny workshopping app that has version control and calendar notifications built in.

Each workshop is private, invite-only, and capped at 8 members. You can sign up for a two-week free trial, but after that, the service costs $10 per month, or $75 for the year. Membership also lets you tune in for free to lectures by industry pros.

Perfect if: You’re willing to pay for an intimate, yet high-tech, workshop experience

13. Litopia

This website calls itself the “oldest writers’ colony on the ‘net,” a description that probably proves its age. One of its main draws? The writing groups that allow members to post their WIPs for peer review. The community tends to be friendly and mutually encouraging — probably the reason Litopia has lasted so long.

There’s another major draw: every Sunday, literary agent Peter Cox reviews several 700-word excerpts from members work on-air, in a podcast called Pop-Up Submissions. Cox tackles this process with a rotating cast of industry professionals as his guests. They’ve even been known to ask for a synopsis from a writer who impresses.

Perfect if: You’ve always wanted to spend some time in a writer’s colony, but you can’t jet off to Eureka Springs just yet

14. My Writers Circle

This easy-going discussion forum is light on dues and regulations, but members seem to be friendly and respectful anyway. A stickied thread on the Welcome Board encourages new members to read and comment on at least 3 pieces of writing before posting their own work for review. But this isn’t the kind of hard-and-fast rule that’ll lead to banning if you fall short. Members go along with it because they genuinely care about one another’s writing progress.

My Writers Circle has three dedicated workshop boards that allow forum users to seek feedback on their writing. One, called Review My Work, accepts general fiction and nonfiction, while additional spaces allow poets and dramatists of all kinds to get their verse, plays, and TV scripts critiqued.

Perfect if: You want a community where people are nice because they want to be — not because they have to be

15. Nathan Bransford - The Forums

Nathan Bransford worked as an agent before he switched over to the other side of the submissions process. Now, he’s a published middle-grade novelist and the author of a well-rated, self-published craft book called How to Write a Novel . In the midst of all his success, Bransford gives back to the literary community by running his ultra-popular Forums.

A board called Connect With a Critique Partner functions as matchmaker central for writers seeking their perfect beta readers. And if you’re not looking for something long-term, there’s the Excerpts forum, where you can post a bit of your WIP for quick hit of feedback.

Perfect if: You want to be part of a writing community that’s uber-active, but low-key

16. The Next Big Writer

Since 2005, this cult-favorite workshop has provided thousands of writers with a friendly forum for exchanging critiques. The site boasts an innovative points system designed to guarantee substantive, actionable feedback. To gain access, you’ll have to pay: $8.95 a month, $21.95 a quarter, or $69.95 for the whole year. Fortunately, there’s an opportunity to try before you buy: a 7-day free trial lets you get a taste of what the site has to offer.

The Next Big Writer also hosts periodic contests : grand prize winners receive $600 and professional critiques, while runners-up stand to gain $150 and 3 months of free membership. Meanwhile, all entrants get feedback on their submissions.

Perfect if: You like the sound of a members’ only writing contest with big prizes — in both cash and critique

17. NovelPro

This fiction writing workshop is one of the more costly online communities to join. But it has the rigor of an MFA program, at a tiny fraction of the price. Members — their numbers are capped at 50 — pay $120 a year. And that’s after a stringent application process requiring the first and last chapters of a finished, 60,000-word fiction manuscript and a 250-word blurb. Think of it as a bootcamp for your novel.

Even if an applicant’s writing sample passes muster, they still might not make the cut — there’s also a critique exercise that asks them to pass judgment on a sample novel chapter, with a 2-day turnaround. No wonder prospective NovelPro members are urged to reconsider unless their prose is “accomplished” and their fiction skills “advanced.”

Perfect if: You want a critique group that’ll take your work as seriously as you do

Free course: Novel Revision

Finished with your first draft? Plan and execute a powerful rewrite with this online course from the editors behind #RevPit. Get started now.

18. Prolitfic

Launched by University of Texas students frustrated by the vagaries of the publishing process, this slick, Gen Z-friendly site encourages emerging writers to help each other out with thorough, actionable reviews. Members critique one another’s critiques — dare we call it metacritique? — to keep the quality of feedback high.

Prolitfic 's rating rubric, which assigns all submissions a star rating out of 5, insures that all reviewers are coming from the same place. Reviewers with higher levels of Spark, or site engagement, have their feedback weighted more heavily when the site calculates each submission’s overall rating.

Perfect if: You’re a serious, young writer hoping to find support in a tight-knit community built by your peers

19. Scribophile

One of the best-known writing communities on the web, Scribophile promises 3 insightful critiques for every piece of work you submit. Members earn the right to receive critiques by stocking up on karma points, which they can get by offering feedback on other works. You can get extra karma points by reacting to other users’ critiques — by clicking on Facebook-like buttons that say “thorough,” “constructive,” and the like — and by having your critiques showered with positive reactions.

A free membership lets you put two 3,000-word pieces up for critique, while premium memberships won’t throttle your output — but will cost you either $9 per month or $65 for the year.

Perfect if: You’d like to play with a critique system that has shades of Reddit — but far more civil!

20. SheWrites Groups

This long-standing community for writing women boasts a treasure trove of craft-focused articles. But the site also hosts a wealth of writing groups, split into genres and topics. Whether they work on screenplays, horror novels , or depictions of the environment, women writers can find a group to post their work for feedback — and commiserate on the travails of writing life.

In addition to their articles and writing groups, She Writes also operates a hybrid publishing company that distributes through Ingram and, naturally, brings women’s writing into the light.

Perfect if: You’re a woman writer in search of a friendly community full of like-minded, mutually encouraging folks

21. Sub It Club

Gearing up to submit finished work can be even more daunting than writing it in the first place. If you’d like to get some friendly eyes on your query letters or pitches — in a virtual walled garden away from any agents or publishers — this closed Facebook group might be the perfect place for you.

If you’re in need of more than a one-off review, Sub It Club runs a Critique Partner Matchup group to pair off writing buddies. The group moderators also run a blog with plenty of tips on crafting cover letters, dealing with rejection, and all other parts of the submission process .

Perfect if: You want a private, low-stress setting to get some feedback and vent about life as a yet-to-be-published writer

22. WritersCafe.org

This sizable — but friendly! — community boasts over 800,000 users, all of whom can access its critique forums for free. Members offer feedback to one another at all stages of the writing process: from proofing near-finished pieces to leaving more substantive feedback for still-marinating works.

For more quantitative-minded scribblers, WritersCafe ’s graphs make it easy to visualize how their work is being received. The site also allows members to host their own writing contests — and even courses to share their expertise with fellow Cafe patrons.

Perfect if: You’re a visual, data-driven writer who prefers to think in charts — even when it comes to writing!

23. Writer’s Digest Critique Central

Writer’s Digest is an institution in the literary world, and its critique forum is as popular as you’d expect: it’s collected more than 10,000 threads and nearly 90,000 individual posts over the years.

Critique Central boasts dedicated boards for a variety of genres — poetry is the most popular, with literary fiction next in line. You can also find spaces dedicated to polishing query letters and synopses, and a board that aggregates critique guidelines to make sure every member is giving — and getting — the best feedback possible.

Perfect if: You’d like a one-stop shop for critiquing your WIPs, queries, and synopses

24. The Writers Match

Founded by a veteran children’s book author, The Writers Match aims to, well, match writers with their comrades-in-craft from around the world. Think of it as okCupid for critique partners. Just fill out a profile and then shop for matches on the Members page, where writers will be sorted according to experience and genre.

If you find any promising would-be partners, shoot them a message and see if the literary sparks fly. And if it turns out you don’t quite vibe, there are plenty of other fish in the sea of critique.

Perfect if: You live somewhere without a robust writing community, and you’re tired of missing out

25. Writers World Facebook Group

Founded by veteran editor and sci-fi author Randall Andrews, this critique group welcomes serious writers of book-length prose. Members aim to shepherd each other’s manuscripts through all stages of the publication process, from the developmental edit to the query.

Andrews himself remains heavily involved in Writers World ’s day-to-day activity, pitching in with critiques informed by his 30 years of experience in the publishing industry. He’s also happy to explain his comments, and weighs in periodically with links to useful resources on craft.

Perfect if: You’ve got a book in the works, and you’re in the market for a critique group headed by a mentor who’s extremely generous with his time

26. Writing.Com

This sprawling community has been a meeting point for writers of all levels since 2000, whether their goals are to be published in a top-shelf literary magazine or to score an A in English Composition. Writing.Com users, who work in every genre under the sun, make use of the site’s portfolio system to post their writing and seek feedback from fellow community members.

Free memberships allow users to store up to 10 items in their personal portfolio, while the various tiers of paid membership gradually increase the limit — starting at the 50 items afforded by the $19.95 per year Basic Membership.

Perfect if: You want to be part of an enormous community where you’re sure to encounter a diversity of viewpoints

27. Writing, Prompts & Critiques Facebook Group

Writing, Prompts & Critiques is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. Members seek critique on posted threads and can also comment on one another’s responses to the group’s daily writing exercises.

Speaking of which: unlike conventional writing prompts, which encourage you to write new work, WPC’s daily challenges try to get you thinking more deeply about your existing projects. So come with a manuscript in hand, and see if the folks here can’t help you make it even better.

Perfect if: You’d like to get some feedback on a WIP — and experiment with some writing exercises to refine it

28. Writing to Publish

This 25-year-old critique group might have an American flag gif on its homepage, but its membership is worldwide. Writing to Publish members meet live in a chat room every other Monday at 7 PM Pacific time — which the website helpfully specifies is lunchtime on Tuesday for Australians.

New members have trial status until they’ve sat in on a handful of live-chat sessions, after which point they can start offering critiques themselves. Only after two critiques can they become full-fledged members, with the ability to submit their own work for review. Discussion tends to be lively and honest — but unfailingly polite.

Perfect if: You want your critique circle to operate in real-time — even if it includes folks from all over the world

29. YeahWrite

This writing community’s home page describes it as “part workshop, part competition, and all focused on getting from where you are to where you want to be as a writer.” Its biggest claim to fame? Free weekly writing challenges in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, where writers submit 750-word pieces in response to curated writing prompts.

If you fancy more concentrated feedback than the weekly challenges can give you, YeahWrite also offers paid editorial evaluations — one for $25 a year or two for $50. Send a 1,000-word piece of writing for review, and an editorial staff member will get back to you with a developmental edit or a line edit, depending on your manuscript’s needs.

Perfect if: You find that nothing sparks your creativity energies more than a good writing prompt

30. YouWriteOn

[update 4 Feb 2022: YouWriteOn seems to be temporarily inaccessible]

This free service boasts Bloomsbury and Penguin Random House reps among its members. So if you join and upload a story or chapter, you stand a chance of getting some very discerning eyes on your work. With such powerful people roaming the joint, it’s no wonder that some first-time authors have been discovered through YouWriteOn: historical fiction writer Doug Jackson, for instance, sold his Roman epic Caligula to Penguin through the forum.

Reviews come in one at a time and assign each piece a star rating in 8 different categories: characters, story, pace and structure, use of language, narrative voice, dialogue, settings, and themes and ideas.

Perfect if: You want some Big Five eyes on your work, in a supportive, low-stakes setting

GENRE-SPECIFIC CRITIQUE GROUPS

31. Allpoetry

This poetry site allows free members to join a writing group and post their verse for review, while premium members can use it to host their own private writing critique groups. A silver membership, for $5.95 a month, allows you to form a group, while a $14.95 gold membership provides analytics to track your visitors.

Allpoetry boasts 238 currently active groups — the biggest weighing in at 50 members while the smallest hover around 6 or 7 members. The site also offers free, self-paced poetry classes for beginners to the craft, on topics ranging from sonnets to beating writer’s block .

Perfect if: You’re a poet who wants the ability to choose between several critique groups of various sizes

32. Chronicles Science Fiction & Fantasy Community

This sleekly designed forum is primarily a fandom space — a thriving community for dissecting the works of your favorite speculative fiction authors. But Chronicles also operates a suite of craft-focused forums for sci-fi and fantasy fans who double as writers themselves.

The Chronicles Workshop forum hosts frequent, 100-word writing challenges that combine a theme and a genre, say “Crime & Punishment” and “Urban Fantasy.” Members tend to respond to these with enthusiasm, but they also have the option of posting their own, freestanding work for review in the writing circle.

Perfect if: You’re both a speculative fiction writer and a speculative fiction reader, and you want a community that can indulge both your inner creator and your inner fan

33. Critters Workshop

A passion project run by a former VP of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Critters has been helping authors polish their sci-fi, fantasy, and horror for almost a quarter century. The workshop is a space for serious writers, whether they’ve been showered with accolades or are still unpublished.

Critters stands out for treating critique itself as a craft deserving of careful attention. Participants learn to read with both acumen and empathy, offering substantive, yet tactfully framed criticisms of one another’s work. To remain in good standing, every “critter” writes an average of one critique a week.

Perfect if: You’re willing to learn the art of constructive criticism — and eager to get 15-20 thoughtful responses for each piece of writing they submit

34. Critique.org Workshops

The Critique.org workshops act as an expansion of Critters — including 16 furthers genres and media. The resulting spin-offs cover every form of writing you can think of, from thrillers to screenplays. Some are more highly trafficked than others, but all of them echo Critters’ dedication to the art of critique.

Multi-genre writers who work on, say, both romance and thrillers have to sign up separately for every workshop they’re interested in.

Perfect if: You like the sound of Critters but don’t like the idea of writing sci-fi, fantasy, or horror

35. Eratosphere

This online workshop might be named for the muse of love poetry, but versifiers working on all subjects are welcome to post. Eratosphere isn’t for the faint of heart: the site’s guidelines stress high standards of craft and emphasize that the forums might not be suitable for beginners or “those who mainly seek mutual support and praise.” But if you’re a practiced poet serious about refining your craft, you won’t find a more knowledgeable workshop.

The site is especially helpful for poets specializing in metrical verse forms. Poets who already produce polished, near-publishable work can make use of The Deep End, a forum tailor-made for metrical poetry gurus thick-skinned enough to deal with intense — but constructive — critique.

Perfect if: You’re an experienced poet eager for gimlet-eyed critique

36. FaithWriters

This online hub for writers of faith operates a Christian Writing Critique Circle. Unlike many groups with more stringent requirements, members only need to submit one critique for every piece of writing they put out for feedback. The FaithWriters moderators occasionally pay professional editors to come in and review pieces that haven’t gotten enough love from members-at-large. So there’s no fear that your work will remain forlorn and ignored.

Writers too pressed for time to offer critiques can pay in cash for the ability to receive feedback. FaithWriters limits submissions to 1,000 words each, and allows every member 4 per month.

Perfect if: You’re a Christian writer who’d appreciate a guarantee of feedback from your critique group

37. Fantasy & Science Fiction Writers in America Facebook Group

This group for serious, craft-focused speculative fiction writers actually welcomes members from all over the world, as long as they write in English. Members post small excerpts from their work for critique, but they also like to swap trade secrets — about both the craft and business sides of writing life.

Because Fantasy & Science Fiction Writers in America welcomes writers of all ages, members need to keep it PG-13. The four admins keep an eye on things to make sure the discussion stays civil and safe for work.

Perfect if: You’re an aspiring sci-fi or fantasy author not interested in smut or gore

38. Fiction Writing Facebook Group

This 90,000-member Facebook group is moderated by a triumvirate of published authors who’ve banded together to create a space where their fellow writers can swap WIPs. The moderators run a tight ship in terms of hate speech, bullying, and spam, and the resulting community is full of serious writers despite its daunting size.

Fiction Writing members can share the occasional bit of verse in the dedicated #poetry thread, but for the most part, the focus is on short stories and novel excerpts. The moderators also make occasional postings drawing the community’s attention to publishing opportunities, usually in the anthology series they help curate.

Perfect if: You want to dive into a community where you won’t be subjected to endless self-promotion or straight-up hate speech

39. Historical Novel Society Manuscript Facebook Group

This closed Facebook group provides dues-paying members of the Historical Novel Society with a private space to get into the weeds of mutual critique. Manuscript Facebook Group members can, of course, post their manuscripts for general review. They can also use the group to find long-term critique partners.

Membership in the Historical Novel Society costs $50 per year and nets you a free subscription to the Historical Novel Review , a listing in the group’s directory, and notification of the many conferences and colloquia it hosts every year. In addition to its manuscript critique group, the HNS also operates a more general Facebook group where members swap research tips and writing inspiration.

Perfect if: You’re serious about bringing the past to life by writing top-notch historical fiction

40. The Internet Writing Workshop

This site aggregates several genre-specific mailing lists that allow writers to submit their own work and critique one another’s. Dedicated lists for short fiction, book-length projects, romance, poetry, and YA ensure almost every author can find a place to get feedback. Another list dedicated to writing exercises encourages members to respond to weekly prompts — and critique each other’s responses.

To remain in good standing as an Internet Writing Workshop member, you’ll have to commit to a minimum participation requirement. But it’s a pretty modest one, coming down to only half an hour a week. The workshop also runs an active writing advice blog that dates back to 2007.

Perfect if: You want a free, email-based workshop with pretty light participation requirements

41. Kingdom Writers

This email-based critique list provides a home on the internet for Christian writers, both published and unpublished. While encouraged to post work explicitly aimed at their faith community, members can also share more secular writings — as long as they’re PG-13. Civility is a must: works criticizing other religions won’t be tolerated.

Thanks to their fellow Kingdom Writers ’ critiques, participants in this online fellowship have managed to publish a number of books, from devotional texts and Bible trivia to romance and historical fiction.

Perfect if: You’re a Christian writer hoping to join a tight-knit community where you won’t encounter anything NSFW

42. Mystery Writers Forum

This forum for latter-day Arthur Conan Doyles has been around since 1997. With nearly one thousand members roaming its 22 discussion boards, it’s nothing short of an institution.

Still, mystery writers of all kinds can patrol the Writing Advice forum in search of genre-savvy critique partners. There’s plenty more to explore. Whether you’re interested in nailing down the elements of a cozy mystery or confused about how courtroom procedure should work in your trial scene, the Mystery Writers Forum will have something to point you in the right direction.

Perfect if: You have some very specific burning questions that only a fellow mystery buff can answer

43. Online Writing Workshop for Science, Fantasy and Horror

This genre writers’ paradise has a modest price for entry. After a month-long free trial, members pay $49 a year for access to the site’s critique group. But the workshop also operates a scholarship fund for writers having trouble making ends meet. Both agents and publishers keep an eye on submissions through free professional memberships, so a discerning, influential eye just might fall on your manuscript.

Submissions are limited to 7,000 words each, and members of the Online Writing Workshop are required to review if they want to be reviewed. Plenty have found success through the workshop, winning Hugos and scoring Big Five contracts.

Perfect if: You don’t mind paying in exchange for access to a genre-savvy community where some agents and publishers tend to lurk

Speaking of scholarships, if you're a student scraping together tuition, why not apply to writing scholarships to supplement your funds?

44. The Poetry Free-for-All

This online workshop encourages poets to work seriously towards the refinement of their craft, by embracing constructive criticism and learning to offer it in turn. As is standard among critique groups, members have to provide 3 reviews for every piece they submit for feedback.

The Poetry Free-for-All is an offshoot of EveryPoet.com, an archive of poetry designed to instill a love of verse in all visitors. Whether your posting your own verse for critique or browsing through the classics — from Chaucer to Edna St. Vincent Millay — you can easily lose a couple of hours on this site.

Perfect if: You’re a poet who’s serious about your craft, but you want a workshop that’s less structured than some of the other options out there

45. Romance Critters Yahoo Group

This 18+ Yahoo group has been helping serious romance writers refine their craft since 1998. They’ll look at squeaky-clean teen romances, bona fide erotica, and anything in between , where’s it’s historical or set in outer space. However, you’ll have to apply to get access to the community.

Romance Critters members submit a chapter at a time for review — and only once they’ve submitted 2 critiques of other pieces. Ten full critiques can also earn you an in-depth beta read.

Perfect if: You want some well-trained eyes on your meet-cutes — or your sex scenes

46. Screech Poetry Magazine

Despite its name, this isn’t so much a publication as an open forum for posting and critiquing poetry. Think of it as a democratic, crowd-sourced compendium of contemporary verse.

Occasional writing contests tempt entrants with the promise of Amazon vouchers. But for the most part, Screech emphasizes open-hearted sharing over competition. The community has a collective soft spot for Japanese verse forms, from the humble haiku to the lesser-known renga. But poetry of all kinds is welcome, from the the kid-friendly to the NSFW.

Perfect if: You like to experiment with Japanese verse forms and want a critique group that takes them seriously

47. Seekerville

In 2004, 15 women writers with big dreams met at the American Christian Fiction Writers annual conference. Seven years later, all 15 of them had snagged book deals. Now, they run the Seekerville blog to pass their tips on to the next generation of Christian authors.

The Seekerville ladies host periodic Open Critique Days, where they offer feedback on short passages posted by their devoted readership. The most recent one yielded 105 comments.

Perfect if: You’re a Christian woman writer wanting mentorship from some warm-hearted authors who’ve been there before

48. SwoonReads

This YA-focused writing community is owned by Macmillan, one of the storied Big Five publishers. Still, its business model is far from traditional. For one thing, it’s also a publishing imprint. Aspiring authors upload unpublished manuscripts for community members to rate and review — all in the interest of helping Macmillan sniff out the next The Fault in Our Stars or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before .

SwoonReads accepts YA manuscripts of all kinds, from contemporary romance to supernatural horror. Authors chosen for publication receive a $10,000 advance. Those who find their manuscripts passed over are welcome to revise and resubmit.

Perfect if: You’re a YA novelist dreaming of a Big Five book deal

49. Women’s Fiction Writers Association

This professional association caters to writers of women’s fiction — mostly, though not necessarily, women themselves. According to the group’s homepage, the important thing is that members’ work centers on a well-developed character’s transformative emotional journey. Membership costs $48 a year, but gives you access to a number of perks. In addition to an annual retreat and periodic online pitch sessions — where members can, well, pitch potential agents — the Women's Fiction Writers Association runs two critique programs.

The WFWA Critique Forum Facebook Page allows dues-paying members to swap loglines, query letters, and synopses for feedback, or find fellow writers to arrange manuscript swaps. There’s also the WFWA’s Critique Group Matching Service, where organization leaders break match up interested members based on their interests.

Perfect if: You write emotionally intricate, character-driven fiction

Do you have a go-to writing circle for helpful critiques? Tell us about it in the comments below!

5 responses

Robin Gaster says:

11/09/2019 – 16:39

fascinating that you found almost nothing on nonfiction

11/09/2019 – 22:28

A lot of forum and email based groups along with Facebook. If you only have the online ones that actually workshop the manuscript it will drop down to maybe a 16-17. That does include several closed/not for public groups.

Gregory A. De Feo says:

11/09/2019 – 23:26

Did you hear of www.writersvillage.com? What's your opinion of it, if so?

Ned Marcus says:

18/09/2019 – 00:19

Thanks for the list. It looks good. One other point. You don't need to live in a literary hub to find fellow writers—as long as you do live in a city, you'll probably find other writers. Starting your own critique/writers group can be very productive. It's worked very well for me, even though at the beginning I didn't know what I was doing. I asked an experienced writer and workshop regular (from another city), followed the advice, adjusted it, and now I have a great group with really talented writers as members. It took a few years, but it was worth it.

Bev Hanna says:

20/09/2019 – 18:02

Do you know of any critique forums for memoir and autobiography?

Comments are currently closed.

Continue reading

Recommended posts from the Reedsy Blog

What is the Climax of a Story? Examples & Tips

The climax is perhaps a story's most crucial moment, but many writers struggle to stick the landing. Let's see what makes for a great story climax.

What is Tone in Literature? Definition & Examples

We show you, with supporting examples, how tone in literature influences readers' emotions and perceptions of a text.

Writing Cozy Mysteries: 7 Essential Tips & Tropes

We show you how to write a compelling cozy mystery with advice from published authors and supporting examples from literature.

Man vs Nature: The Most Compelling Conflict in Writing

What is man vs nature? Learn all about this timeless conflict with examples of man vs nature in books, television, and film.

The Redemption Arc: Definition, Examples, and Writing Tips

Learn what it takes to redeem a character with these examples and writing tips.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph?

From fiction to nonfiction works, the length of a paragraph varies depending on its purpose. Here's everything you need to know.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

Get a professional opinion on your book

To get expert advice on revising, ask for an "editorial assessment."

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

• Post Your Writing
• Read & Review
• Search Writer Search Posting

October 12, 2023 - An important message for current members of TheNextBigWriter. Read here .

Join Us Learn More

Some of our Successes

View more published books workshopped on the TheNextBigWriter

Member Testimonials

"The feedback I got on TheNextBigWriter played a huge role in sculpting my first novel, and set it on the road to publication. It is often difficult to view one’s own work with the necessary detachment to know when plot elements don’t work, or the pacing is off, or something is badly explained, or any of dozens of other things that can go south. Having an extra set of eyes—or in the case of Static Mayhem hundreds of sets of eyes—can make the difference between a story your mother will love and a story you can sell."

Edward Aubry , best-selling author of Static Mayhem and Unhappenings

"TheNextBigWriter has been such an important part of my journey to becoming a published author. In the years since I became a member, I have learned so much about writing and myself. Beyond the valuable feedback on my work, I have made some amazing friends who have pushed me further than I ever imagined possible."

Angela Fristoe (penang) , USA Today Bestselling Author

"I wanted to say thank you for all you do with this site. I found it back in 2009 and because of all the wonderful people here, I was able to workshop The Ghost Files on the original site under my old username maryapryl. The book was optioned for film by one of the guys who worked on Showtime’s hit series Dexter and they will be making the film later this year. I would not be where I am without this site and all the hardworking people on here. I recommend it every time someone asks me what do I need to do to be a better writer. So thank you !"

Apryl Baker , USA Today Bestselling Author @ Limitless Publishing

"I honestly don't know where I'd be as an author without tNBW. This international community of writers provides support in all aspects of the craft, from drafting that first novel or short story, to publishing and marketing. Members have access to diverse perspectives and areas of expertise, as well as the opportunity to interact with writers of all genres. I have met some of my best critique partners on tNBW, and have grown immensely as a writer thanks to the honest feedback I've received through the site."

Karin Rita Gastreich , author of Eolyn, High Maga, and Creatures of Light

Experiencing other login problems? We can help.

Use letters, numbers, apostrophes, periods, and hyphens.

Create a Free Lulu Account

7 Online Writing Communities for Authors

Writing is, and has always been, a solitary endeavor. Still, any accomplished or novice writer will tell you that a writing community is just as important as their keyboard or notebook. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find online writing groups to connect with other authors and grow your craft.

We write alone, but what we write is for a broader audience. And unless you’re ‌1) a literary genius or 2) extremely lucky, you won’t be able to transition from solitary creation to popular adoption without an intermediary step. That step is your writing community.

Why Online Writing Communities Matter

Because we are social animals. Plain and simple. Even the most introverted of our fellow writers need some interaction. Having a community of writers is more than just a way to discuss writing with your peers. And it’s more than just a means to improve your writing. Taking part in writing communities is beneficial for your writing and your mental health.

We don’t just need to socialize because it’s good for our psyche ; we also need the advice, encouragement, and criticism of other writers. Published authors, who may seem like some of the least social creatures, need a community as much or more than anyone. 

Thankfully, we have more options and opportunities to connect than ever before. Online writing groups for beginners, novices, and seasoned professionals exist and thrive all across the web. It’s important that you look for an online writing community frequented by writers like you who can lend support, empathize with your struggle, and ultimately help you become a better writer.

Today, I’ve got seven of the top online writing communities you can consider. Even if none of these examples are a good fit for you, I’m sure there is a community of writers out there. 

You Might Also Like

• Planning Your Novel (Or Not)
• Scribophile: Beta Readers And Online Community For Writers [Review]
• Craft Vs. Notion: The Best Note-Taking Tools For Authors

1. NaNoWriMo Forums

NaNoWriMo (the official name for National Novel Writing Month) has long been an annual challenge for me . Basically, authors commit to writing 50,000 words (about the length of a short novel) in ‌November. For anyone who writes regularly, this is both ambitious and exciting. 

But what about the other eleven months? Over the years, the staff at NaNoWriMo have spun out the idea, with many virtual writing groups called ‘Camps’ during the year to help keep the inspiration flowing. Their writing forums are some of the best on the web for authors. From simply chatting in the Coffee House to finding genre-specific advice, NaNo’s forums are rich with authors like you.

Note that accessing their forums requires you to sign up for a free account.

Who It’s For – Authors at all levels, but specifically great for authors in the first/second draft stage.

Check Out The NaNo Forums – https://nanowrimo.org/about-nano  

2. Chronicles

The Chronicles is another writing forum, this time focusing specifically on science fiction and fantasy genres. If that’s you, then you’ll probably find something to love on the Chronicles!

In contrast to the NaNo forums, the Chronicles are not as active a community. You’ll notice threads have new posts and comments, but not a lot of them. So, if you’re looking for a bustling place, the Chronicle may not be for you. But if you want something highly specialized, focusing on sci-fi and fantasy, you’ll find good advice, delightful conversation, and lots of classic author spotlights.

Who It’s For – Science fiction and fantasy authors who want to connect and find inspiration.

Go To Chronicles – https://www.sffchronicles.com/  

3. Critique Circle

Don’t let the drab layout and colors of the Critique Circle fool you. The CC is a very active community, featuring both a user forum and a peer-to-peer critique section. They also offer some really nice free resources—from listing useful websites to guides on using metaphors, magic systems, and character development.

I’ve never used the critique functions from Critique Circle (I’ll talk about one I have used later), but the idea is one of the most useful I’ve found to date for writers. If you’ve ever taken part in a writer’s workshop (and if not, you should!) you’ll be familiar with the form. Basically, you post some work you’ve done, usually within a word count limit. Other authors read it and chime in with thoughts, criticisms, and encouragement. 

Who It’s For – Serious authors looking for valuable critiques and resources.

Get In The Circle – https://www.critiquecircle.com/forums.asp  

4. Underlined

Underlined, it must be noted, is part of Penguin Random House. I hesitated to even add them for that reason alone. But after spending some time checking out the site, I would be remiss not to mention Underlined.

Underlined is more of an aggregated set of user-generated blogs than a forum, so it differs from the other communities I’ve mentioned. The upside of this is that there are a lot of active members and with the backing of PRH, the site is well-designed and easy to navigate. 

I suggest thinking about Underlined like a mini-Medium; rich in content to read and discuss, with a focus on reading, creating, and creative lifestyles. But it’s not a true creative writing group online, nor is it a place for critiques or beta readers. Underlined really is for authors who write and share long-form content.

Who It’s For – Readers and writers who want to learn and connect over long-form content.

Get Underlined – https://www.getunderlined.com/  

5. Writing.Com

Another amazing writing hub, Writing.com is part forum, part resource center, and part industry news site. They really do it all to foster an online community for authors. 

The forums are very active and they host several really great writing prompts (which is one of my favorite ways to overcome writer’s block). With so much content, Writing.com offers fiction and nonfiction writers lots of resources and opportunities to connect. The Shameless Plug Page is also really cool, giving authors a space to share a short story or segment from a longer work with like-minded and interested readers. 

Who It’s For – Anyone looking for feedback, writing tips, and connections with other authors.

Check Out Writing.com – https://www.writing.com/main/newsfeed  

Reddit is a massive forum community, hosting groups that focus on literally everything and anything. Their thread for writing, writers, and publishers, r/writing , is a writing forum for beginners and veterans. If you’re looking for a space with a lot (1 million-plus) members, Reddit’s writing thread is for you.

It’s also a bit more open to ‘off-topic’ content like industry news, book promotions, and general writing-related content. 

Still, if you’re into the writing life and want to stay in the loop or just chat with others who are likewise interested, Reddit is a wonderful place to pass some time. You’ll also find lots of posts boosting writing courses, new books from indie authors, and similar self-promoted content. Not all of it will be worth your time, but Reddit’s writing thread has some gems from time to time.

Who It’s For – Authors who want to connect with other authors on a variety of levels.

Become A Redditor – https://www.reddit.com/r/writing  

7. Scribophile

I saved the best for last! I enjoy using Scribophile regularly. The site has two primary offerings; writing critiques and general author forums. While Scribophile does many of the same things Critique Circle does, I’ve found the users to be more responsive and the site just easier to navigate.

You can offer and ask for critiques, giving authors feedback and requesting your own work be critiqued. Again, we have that writing workshop feeling, but with a bit more emphasis on being an uplifting, positive community. The critiques are honest and pointed, but rarely unkind or disparaging–something I’m sure we’ve all experienced in the past. I’ve ‌used Scribophile to give and receive critiques and I’ve never been disappointed.

Who It’s For – Serious and novice authors looking to improve and connect.

Check Out Scribophile – https://www.scribophile.com/  

Building Your Writing Skills

There’s a lot that goes into writing. And there are a lot of writing groups to support every aspect of the process. I didn’t even touch on social media (unless you count Reddit), but Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all have active writer groups you could join. I personally like to shy away from crossing over my writing and social media for fear of distraction. Keep social media for the marketing step , I say.

Paul is the Senior Content Manager at Lulu.com . When he’s not entrenched in the publishing and print-on-demand world, he likes to hike the scenic North Carolina landscape, read, sample the fanciest micro-brewed beer, and collect fountain pens. Paul is a dog person but considers himself cat-tolerant.

Very nice i wanna join

Keep Reading

• Lost Password
• Lost Username
• Online Writers
• Self-Publishers
• Literary Agents
• Literary Magazines
• Search Groups
• Browse Newest
• Browse Most Viewed
• Browse Most Populated
• Browse by Genre --------------- Acrostic Adventure Anthropology & Archaeology Article On Writing Arts Biography & Memoir Business Child Care & Parenting Children's Chofu Comics & Graphic Novels Computers Contemporary Literature Cooking Crime & Investigative Current Affairs Erotica Essays Ethnic Experimental Family Saga Fantasy Fiction Haiku Health Historical Fiction History (Nonfiction) Horror How-To Humor & Satire Journal LGBTQ Limerick Literary Fiction Lyrics Metafiction Military & War Monologues Mystery, Suspense & Thriller Nature & Environment New Age Nonfiction Nonsense Novella Philosophy Picture Books Poetry Political Pop Culture Postmodern Prose Poems Psychology Regional Religious Romance Science Science Fiction Self-Help Senryu Short Story Collections Sociology Sonnet Spoken Word Sports Supernatural & Occult Teen & Young Adult Travel Western Women's & Feminist
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy

• Facebook Group
• Facebook Page

Fully Digital

Join and participate from anywhere. A laptop or tablet is all you'll need.

Friendly and Welcoming

We can't wait to meet you and support your writing!

Open to All

We welcome writers of all backgrounds, experience levels, genres, and styles.

Online Writing Courses Starting Soon:

June courses, finding confidence in the braided essay: a craft and empowerment workshop for literary nonfiction, with margo steines.

Weaving your story with facts and research can help you craft a stronger essay. Tell your story with confidence in this empowering essay writing course.

Creative Nonfiction , Personal Essay

Ordinary to Extraordinary: Turning Everyday Experiences into Poetry

With tina barry.

Course full. Contact us to join waitlist.

No experience is too small or mundane to serve as a foundation for extraordinary poetry and short fiction.

Creative Nonfiction , Personal Essay , Poetry

The Body and Soul of Your Memoir: Shape, Focus, and Write Your Memoir

With caryn mirriam-goldberg.

Unearth your memoir's soul (its main focus and calling) and body (its organization and structure) as you write toward a completed draft. 

Creative Nonfiction , Memoir

The Watching Eye/Thinking Mind: Writing Flash Fiction

With barbara henning.

In this ten-week workshop with poet and novelist Barbara Henning, write tiny fictions while experimenting with first and third person points of view and analyzing how point of view affects the craft of fiction writing. Barbara will provide practical instruction and assignments, suggestions for revision, and lectures and and articles.

Fiction , Short Story

Call of the Weird: Poetry and Nature

With caitlin scarano.

Turn your poetic lens towards the outdoors in this six week workshop, where we'll put to verse everything strange and wonderful about the natural world. 

The Healing Power of Poetry

With joy roulier sawyer.

Poetry heals. Journey alongside several poets whose works resonate with a variety of healing themes, and learn how to use craft elements as healing tools.

Lifestyle and Wellness , Poetry

Creative Nonfiction: The Art of Telling True Stories

With nicole hardy.

How do you tell your stories beautifully and authentically? Learn the fundamentals of creative nonfiction with Nicole Hardy.

Creative Nonfiction , Memoir , Personal Essay

Simple Summer Writing Circles

With susan vespoli.

Sail through the summer and survive the heat with these chill writing circles, where you'll laugh, vent, and honor the season in poetry.

The Elements of Fiction

With jessie roy.

Good fiction writing can feel like juggling as you balance all the different elements of storytelling. By the end of this course, you'll be an expert juggler.

Fiction , Novel , Short Story

Finding Inspiration in Dreams

With amy bonnaffons.

Our dreams are fertile fields of inspiration, meaning, and creativity. Learn how to use your dreams as doorways to future writing.

Creative Nonfiction , Fiction , Lifestyle and Wellness , Memoir , Novel , Personal Essay , Poetry , Short Story

Online Writing Course Categories

Lifestyle and Wellness

Short Story

Personal Essay

Stage and Broadcast

Student testimonials.

It was so fantastic working with other serious writers and getting their input. I have taken part in other writer critique groups, but I felt that the difference here is that everyone who came in is really serious about the craft.

I managed to revise and rewrite the first half of my novel during this course, and I have a plan for how to tackle the rest.

The ultimate success for me was that my husband could see a lot of improvement between the writing he saw in week 1 vs in week 10. Feeling inspired and empowered from this course!

-Nabila Zahur, novelist

This was my first course with Writers.com, and my first course in this global format (we had members from London, Australia, Denmark, and the US). It worked very well.

The course content was thoughtful, informative, and well-organized. The instructor was supportive and encouraging to all, and matched her level of critique to the level of the participant. I felt we were in the hands of a master and mentor, and it was a privilege to have her undivided attention eight times in two months.

-Fred Lindgren

Writers.com classes provide a great way to sharpen your writing skills and join a community of writers. Try a few- you won't be disappointed.

-Melissa DeCarlo, author of The Art Of Crash Landing (Harper Paperbacks/HarperCollins)

Browse More Testimonials

Nancy wynn — writing about family.

One word – Exceptional! I learned a tremendous amount of content in 8 short weeks. I gained confidence in my writing process and encouragement throughout the course. I saw a huge transformation in not only my essay but also my classmates. The class size was perfect and felt intimate. The duration of the class was long enough to gain but not too long to lose interest.

Barbara Pastorino — Rapid Story Development

This was the most amazing workshop. It challenged me from day 1, and, in my opinion, was equivalent to a master’s level course. The quality of this class– instructor, technology, content, participants–was excellent.

Angelica Terso – Flash Fiction: Writing the Short-Short Story

This class exceeded my expectations. Class format, content, teacher and peer engagement were so well thought of and encouraging. I was excited to start my week to open up the new lessons.

Christopher Passante – The First Fifty Pages of the Novel

This was a great experience for me being able to work with such a knowledgable, helpful and insightful instructor, as well as a solid group of participants who also offered great critiques and encouragement throughout the class.

Eileen McLellan — Creative Nonfiction and the Personal Essay

I’ve taken other online writing courses, and this was far and away the best, in large part that was due to the sense of community that developed among the students and between us and the teacher. 

Arnold Doyle – Telling Truth

Ollie was very encouraging and supportive; they not only knew their stuff, but shared feedback in a non-critical manner. This course provided an intimate and challenging opportunity for me to learn about various poetry forms/styles, as well as the experience of writing and sharing unedited, first-draft poems based on prompts provided by the instructor. It forced me to work outside my comfort zone, and that was a benefit in and of itself, outside of the class material.

Nancy LaChance – Telling Truth

Ollie was a wonderful teacher. I think it was through their feedback that I gained the best understanding of how working in this kind of format can truly revolutionize your writing.

Techwashed – Aravinda Garimella

If you are a writer interested in the pervasive effects of tech on society, this course is a must-take. Shankar creates an inspiring space for creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and celebration of each other’s work. I found the generative prompts in this class inspiring. The students in this class were truly amazing people and the course has opened up a whole world of possibilities for my creative writing. Shankar is also extremely generous with resources, so you are learning for long after the class is over

About Writers.com

The first writing school on the internet.

Since 1995, writers from over two hundred countries have visited Writers.com and thousands have completed our online writing classes. We are accessible 24-7 from any Internet connection in the world, uniting far-flung students with renowned instructors - all published, working writers with teaching experience- who offer feedback and encouragement.

Writing can be a lonely road but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're just beginning to write or polishing your next piece for publication, we can help. Let us provide inspiration, direction, community and deadlines to start you writing and keep you working.

Support And Constructive Criticism

You're never just a face in a crowd at Writers.com. Small groups keep our online classes lively and intimate.

Each class provides written lectures, projects and assignments, and discussion forums where you'll share your work with the instructor and the other students.

Best of all, a teacher offers insights on every project you submit. These critiques help identify the patterns that can plague even the most talented and experienced writers. So whether you're dusting off a grade-school passion or breaking onto the bestseller list, we can boost you up the ladder a few rungs.

Can't bring yourself to share your work? We offer private classes,  just you - or just you and a friend or two - working with the instructor. Click on private classes in the navigation bar at the top of the page to read more.

We also offer one-to-one services such as coaching and editing but it's highly recommended you take one of our classes first.

Writers.com commits to providing the best online writing classes for creative writers available anywhere. (If you're interested in learning other kinds of writing, such as business or technical writing, you can start with Hidden Front Door or a similar site.)

Caring And Community

Writers.com remains a rock in a sea of audit-only and feedback-light classes. We've had decades to fine-tune our approach, recruit top instructors and build a supportive network of writers. When you send us an email, you'll always hear back from a real person, not an auto-responder. And while you're in class, we're available to help seven days a week if you run into a problem or have a question.

Over a third of our alumni return to take a second class with us, and some have been taking our classes for 20 years or more. That's the highest compliment we can imagine - and it inspires us daily to keep growing as writers' needs and the literary landscape shift.

We pioneered teaching online writing classes. And we still do it with pleasure every day.

Questions? Comments? Lavish praise? We want to hear it all! Please contact us through the form below. We'll be in touch ASAP.

Please note: many of our courses are completely text-based. If you're reaching out with a question about course meeting times, check the course description to see whether it has a live video component or not. For more information, check out how our courses work .

We do check email seven days a week. Please allow for some delay as chances are we're not in your time zone and, though the Internet never sleeps, we do.

• Name First Last
• Your Email *
• Your Message *
• Specific course you're contacting us about? (Optional)

The Getting Started Guide

What can you do at scribophile.

Scribophile is an online writing group for writers who are serious about improving their craft.

We’re one of the largest and most active writing groups online .

Here you can:

Get feedback on your writing from other writers from all over the world

Take writing classes and improve your craft with the help of expert teachers

Chat with other writers from around the world in our busy writing forums

Network with like-minded writers in our special-purpose writing groups

Enter free writing contests to win cash prizes

Educate yourself on the craft of writing in our writing academy

We’re all here to learn, and we welcome writers of all skill levels and walks of life. Don’t be shy — Scribophile will be the best thing that ever happened to your writing!

Your dashboard

Your Scribophile dashboard is your jumping-off point for getting around Scribophile. Your dashboard has all the tools you need to see what’s happening with you and people you’re following.

The top of your dashboard shows your account information. It includes your unread alerts, like new gifts, scratchpad notes, thank you reminders, and reading reminders. Check here to track your karma points, reputation score, and more.

Your event feed shows you what’s happening at Scribophile. You’ll get updates here when there's activity in your groups or members you follow, and when things happen that directly relate to you — like when one of your works receives a critique.

See what’s new in the forums. Click on the header to go to the full forums index.

Set up your personal profile

Now that you know how to get around Scribophile, you can set up your personal profile so your readers know a little about you.

After you’ve written a little about yourself, you can view your profile by clicking your picture at the top of the navigation sidebar.

See your followers, who you’re following, and groups in the left-hand column of your profile page.

Your scratchpad is here too , and you can reply to others by visting their profile page and writing on their own scratchpad.

Your gifts, works, critiques, and events are listed on your profile page too.

What are karma points?

Karma points are the currency of Scribophile — and the best part is they’re free!

You earn karma points by writing critiques for the writing of others, and by having other members react positively to your critiques by marking them as constructive , thorough , and so on.

You earn more karma points for critiquing work in one of the spotlights versus critiquing work that’s not in one of the spotlights . The longer the critique, the more points you’ll earn.

You spend karma points on posting your writing for critique, giving virtual gifts to other members, and for a few other things around the site.

It costs 5 karma points to post a new work for critique. A “work” is a single unit of writing, like a single poem, short story, or novel chapter. Each work should be no longer than about 3,000 words; longer work can be posted in parts and linked together during the posting process.

Start earning karma points

Before you can post some writing, you have to earn enough karma points to post. To start earning points, click Critique now in the site navigation sidebar to view the Main Spotlight .

The Main Spotlight is a list of work that is currently up for critique. You can pick any work in this list to critique right away!

The yellow circle means the work is in a spotlight, and that you’ll earn the most karma points for critiques of this work. The Main Spotlight is the easiest way to find works that award the most karma points for critiques, but there are other spotlights that may award points based on certain conditions.

After you’ve critique a work, you’ll see a green check and the Main Spotlight entry will appear dimmer.

After you open a work, you can start a critique by clicking the “Write a critique” button near the top. Writing critiques is how you earn karma points. It’s fun and easy, but if you need more guidance, check out our article on How to Write Great Critiques in our Academy .

You can also read the critiques a work has received by scrolling to the bottom of the work. Reading other peoples’ critiques can be great insight into how to write effective critiques.

Let the critiquer know what you thought of the critique by clicking one of the various reaction buttons — like Thorough or Encouraging — and they’ll earn more karma points each time you click. You can earn more points for your own critiques in the same way.

Alert site moderators to poor critiques , where the bulk of a critique isn’t actionable ways for the author to improve, or it breaks other rules. The Bad critique button anonymously alerts a site moderator. All such alerts are personally reviewed, and they’re critical to maintaining the standard of quality we expect at Scribophile.

Post your first story for critique

Once you’ve earned enough karma points, you can post your first work for critique!

Manage your posted writing with this link on the navigation sidebar. You can post new writing, and edit, delete, lock, or unlock your writing, from this page.

Post a new work using this button. The posting process is fairly straightforward, but make sure to respect our 3,000 word limit for individual posts.

Participate in our awesome community!

You’re just about finished with the basics of Scribophile, but there’s much more to Scribophile than just great feedback!

Join writer’s groups to make friends with like-minded writers, or start your own!

The Forums are where our members meet to discuss all things writing, ask for and give help, or to talk about life in general.

Send private messages to other members to have a more personal chat.

Read the profiles of other members and create your own to start gaining some followers.

Leave notes on members’ scratchpads to say thanks after getting a critique, or just to say hi!

See what members have been up to in the “Latest Activity” list in their personal profiles. You can change privacy settings of your own Activity list from the Settings option in your Account menu.

And that’s about it for the Getting Started Guide! If you have any questions, don’t be shy — get in touch with us , check out the Help Center , or ask in our forums . Have fun!

Jump to navigation Skip to content

Search form

• P&W on Facebook
• P&W on Twitter
• P&W on Instagram

Find details about every creative writing competition—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, grants for translators, and more—that we’ve published in the Grants & Awards section of Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it in the Writing Contests database, the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Find a home for your poems, stories, essays, and reviews by researching the publications vetted by our editorial staff. In the Literary Magazines database you’ll find editorial policies, submission guidelines, contact information—everything you need to know before submitting your work to the publications that share your vision for your work.

Whether you’re pursuing the publication of your first book or your fifth, use the Small Presses database to research potential publishers, including submission guidelines, tips from the editors, contact information, and more.

Research more than one hundred agents who represent poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers, plus details about the kinds of books they’re interested in representing, their clients, and the best way to contact them.

Every week a new publishing professional shares advice, anecdotes, insights, and new ways of thinking about writing and the business of books.

Find publishers ready to read your work now with our Open Reading Periods page, a continually updated resource listing all the literary magazines and small presses currently open for submissions.

Since our founding in 1970, Poets & Writers has served as an information clearinghouse of all matters related to writing. While the range of inquiries has been broad, common themes have emerged over time. Our Top Topics for Writers addresses the most popular and pressing issues, including literary agents, copyright, MFA programs, and self-publishing.

Our series of subject-based handbooks (PDF format; $4.99 each) provide information and advice from authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers. Now available: The Poets & Writers Guide to Publicity and Promotion, The Poets & Writers Guide to the Book Deal, The Poets & Writers Guide to Literary Agents, The Poets & Writers Guide to MFA Programs, and The Poets & Writers Guide to Writing Contests.

Find a home for your work by consulting our searchable databases of writing contests, literary magazines, small presses, literary agents, and more.

Poets & Writers lists readings, workshops, and other literary events held in cities across the country. Whether you are an author on book tour or the curator of a reading series, the Literary Events Calendar can help you find your audience.

Get the Word Out is a new publicity incubator for debut fiction writers and poets.

Research newspapers, magazines, websites, and other publications that consistently publish book reviews using the Review Outlets database, which includes information about publishing schedules, submission guidelines, fees, and more.

Well over ten thousand poets and writers maintain listings in this essential resource for writers interested in connecting with their peers, as well as editors, agents, and reading series coordinators looking for authors. Apply today to join the growing community of writers who stay in touch and informed using the Poets & Writers Directory.

Let the world know about your work by posting your events on our literary events calendar, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

Find a writers group to join or create your own with Poets & Writers Groups. Everything you need to connect, communicate, and collaborate with other poets and writers—all in one place.

Find information about more than two hundred full- and low-residency programs in creative writing in our MFA Programs database, which includes details about deadlines, funding, class size, core faculty, and more. Also included is information about more than fifty MA and PhD programs.

Whether you are looking to meet up with fellow writers, agents, and editors, or trying to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice, the Conferences & Residencies is the essential resource for information about well over three hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals around the world.

Discover historical sites, independent bookstores, literary archives, writing centers, and writers spaces in cities across the country using the Literary Places database—the best starting point for any literary journey, whether it’s for research or inspiration.

Search for jobs in education, publishing, the arts, and more within our free, frequently updated job listings for writers and poets.

Establish new connections and enjoy the company of your peers using our searchable databases of MFA programs and writers retreats, apply to be included in our directory of writers, and more.

• Register for Classes

Each year the Readings & Workshops program provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops. Learn more about this program, our special events, projects, and supporters, and how to contact us.

The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award introduces emerging writers to the New York City literary community, providing them with a network for professional advancement.

Find information about how Poets & Writers provides support to hundreds of writers participating in literary readings and conducting writing workshops.

Bring the literary world to your door—at half the newsstand price. Available in print and digital editions, Poets & Writers Magazine is a must-have for writers who are serious about their craft.

View the contents and read select essays, articles, interviews, and profiles from the current issue of the award-winning Poets & Writers Magazine .

Read essays, articles, interviews, profiles, and other select content from Poets & Writers Magazine as well as Online Exclusives.

View the covers and contents of every issue of Poets & Writers Magazine , from the current edition all the way back to the first black-and-white issue in 1987.

Every day the editors of Poets & Writers Magazine scan the headlines—publishing reports, literary dispatches, academic announcements, and more—for all the news that creative writers need to know.

In our weekly series of craft essays, some of the best and brightest minds in contemporary literature explore their craft in compact form, articulating their thoughts about creative obsessions and curiosities in a working notebook of lessons about the art of writing.

The Time Is Now offers weekly writing prompts in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to help you stay committed to your writing practice throughout the year. Sign up to get The Time Is Now, as well as a weekly book recommendation for guidance and inspiration, delivered to your inbox.

Every week a new author shares books, art, music, writing prompts, films—anything and everything—that has inspired and shaped the creative process.

Listen to original audio recordings of authors featured in Poets & Writers Magazine . Browse the archive of more than 400 author readings.

Ads in Poets & Writers Magazine and on pw.org are the best ways to reach a readership of serious poets and literary prose writers. Our audience trusts our editorial content and looks to it, and to relevant advertising, for information and guidance.

Start, renew, or give a subscription to Poets & Writers Magazine ; change your address; check your account; pay your bill; report a missed issue; contact us.

Peruse paid listings of writing contests, conferences, workshops, editing services, calls for submissions, and more.

Poets & Writers is pleased to provide free subscriptions to Poets & Writers Magazine to award-winning young writers and to high school creative writing teachers for use in their classrooms.

Read select articles from the award-winning magazine and consult the most comprehensive listing of literary grants and awards, deadlines, and prizewinners available in print.

• Subscribe Now

Status message

• Create a Profile
• Create a Group
• See Profiles

Poets & Writers Groups

Welcome to Poets & Writers Groups! Ready to connect, communicate, and collaborate with a new community of writers? Browse the list or use the filters below to find a writers group that is the perfect fit for you and your work. If you see one you’d like to join, click on “Create a Profile” in the menu bar above or log in if you’ve already created a profile. Once logged in, you’ll be able to click on the vertical ellipses menu that will appear to the right of the group name to request membership. To see groups to which you already belong, click on the “My Groups” button in the menu bar above. Or, if you’d like to create your own group, click on the “Create a Group” button.

New to P&W Groups? Get started now!

Are you new to writers groups and unsure how to begin? Looking for advice on being a supportive member or leader of a group? Look no further. We’ve curated a small collection of articles that offer guidance on starting a group of your own, insight into the many different kinds of writers groups, and inspiration for finding creativity, community, and play in a writers group. 

Catholic Writers

FIND YOUR TRIBE

Writing can be a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be.

Welcome to the Black Writers Collective, the online community for writers of all levels and genres. We are a passionate group of writers who come together to support each other, share resources, and hone our craft.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the Network is the perfect place to connect with other writers and take your writing to the next level. We believe that every writer has a story to tell, and we’re here to help you tell it. Join our community today and start exploring all that we have to offer!

#BLACKWRITERSMATTER

What we offer.

Our private critique and accountability groups for writers of fiction and nonfiction are the heart of our online community. We also host monthly meet-and-greets, support groups, and live weekly writing sessions for all members.

In our network, you can develop your writing habit, gain constructive feedback, and get advice on writing and publishing your books, plus referrals to vetted freelance editors and publishing consultants to help you avoid wasting time and money.

Our resources include digital downloads on the craft and business of writing, free beta reader queries, links to vetted editors and literary services to help make it easier for you to reach your publishing goals.

WRITING JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

We share job openings, writing gigs, calls for submissions, grants, and fellowships from organizations and individuals seeking applicants of color to our members-only announcement list, offering employers the option of sharing to our 21K organic following on Twitter.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Got something to share, hire black writers.

Looking for diverse applicants for a freelance, part-time or full-time opening? Reach our network of writers and editors free by simply sending us your job notice.

Post a Call for Submissions

Get the word out about your contest, award, or publishing opportunity via our free announcement distribution service.

Publicize your free event

Hosting a free event for writers or editors? Share the details with us, and we’ll spread the word through our social networks.

Learn more about our benefits of membership and join us today!

In the digital age, writing tools have become indispensable for writers looking to enhance their productivity and refine their skills. With a plethora of options...

5 Tools to Boost Your Writing Productivity

Contrary to popular opinion, beta readers and editors are not interchangeable. Beta readers should never replace an experienced editor.

Beta Readers Are not Editors

Our sponsors.

Copyright protected

Romance guild in upheaval following criticism over the way it handled an author who posted negative online comments about other writers

The Romance Writers of America has filed for bankruptcy protection following several  years of infighting  and allegations of racism that fractured the organization, causing many of its members to flee.

The Texas-based trade association, which bills itself as the voice of romance writers, has lost roughly 80% of its members over the past five years because of the turmoil.

Now down to just 2,000 members, it can’t cover the costs it committed to paying for its writers conferences, the group said in bankruptcy court documents filed on Wednesday in Houston.

The organization, founded in 1980 to represent and promote writers in fiction’s top-selling genre, said it owes nearly $3 million to hotels where it planned to host the annual meetings.

Mary Ann Jock, the group’s president and an author of seven published romance novels, said in a court filing that the troubles stemmed “predominantly due to disputes concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion” issues between previous board members and others in the romance writing community.

Its membership dropped again after the annual conference was held virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Carollynn H.G. Callari, an attorney for the association, said it is not going out of business. A proposed reorganization plan submitted to the court should allow the group to emerge swiftly from bankruptcy protection with a healthier financial outlook, she said.

Relationships within the group started to fray in 2019 over the way it treated one of its authors, a Chinese American writer who it said violated the group’s code with negative online comments about other writers and their work. The association reversed its decision, but the uproar led to the resignation of its president and several board members.

Following allegations that it lacked diversity and was predominantly white, the organization called off its annual awards in 2020. Several publishers, including Harlequin, Avon Books and Berkeley Romance, then dropped out from the annual conference. The association later said it would present a  new award  in honor of Vivian Stephens, a pioneering Black romance novelist and publisher.

The next year, the association faced more anger and eventually withdrew an award for a novel widely criticized for its sympathetic portrait of a cavalry officer who participated in the slaughter of Lakota Indians at the Battle of Wounded Knee.

Latest in Retail

Non-alcoholic beer is booming as GenZers stay sober—and brewers like AB InBev are looking to the Paris Olympics to cash in

Costco CEO promises the hot dog and drink combo will never cost more than $1.50

Mark Zuckerberg is quietly sitting on a shopping empire with 4 times the customers of Amazon, as Facebook Marketplace skyrockets

British supermarket Tesco is laser-tattooing avocados to cut plastic pollution. Will it make any difference?

Tesla’s recall headaches continue—this time with seat belt warning concerns for over 125,000 vehicles

Most popular.

$80 million mansions, oceanfront views, and secret tunnels to the beach: Inside one of America’s most expensive zip codes

Michael Dell’s net worth sinks the most in a single day, falling by $11.7 billion after shares of his company suffer record selloff on weak revenue

Millennials’ midlife crisis looks different from their parents’ sports cars and mistresses—it’s a ‘crisis of purpose and engagement’

Jerome Powell’s Federal Reserve is stuck in a self-defeating paradox that makes cutting rates more difficult, economist warns

The best-performing stock on the S&P 500 is a ‘unicorn’ that joined the index less than a month ago and is beating Nvidia