If your work sounds good to you, then it is ready for peer review! :) Writing groups are not meant to replace agents, editors or pro book reviewers. The 'crit group' function of writing groups act as beta readers, and authors make the best beta readers. They not only help you find blatant mistakes and weak/strong areas in your writing before you release it, they've made similar mistakes, so they know what to look for. They can also speak the language of authors and tell you things about plot/character/setting that normal readers cannot express other than they "didn't like it." You will get lots of (often differing) opinions on your work, and you'll need to decide which advice to take and which to ignore.
But writing groups do more than just provide valuable feedback on your work. They also provide motivation, social connections, and and solutions to common problems. I'm in three different groups, and each one serves different functions for my writing process. Highly recommended for aspiring writers.
I'll definitely check out the resources you mentioned. Thanks again, and best of luck with your writing!
If your work sounds good to you, then it is ready for peer review! :) Writing groups are not meant to replace agents, editors or pro book reviewers. The 'crit group' function of writing groups act as beta readers, and authors make the best beta readers. They not only help you find blatant mistakes and weak/strong areas in your writing before you release it, they've made similar mistakes, so they know what to look for. They can also speak the language of authors and tell you things about plot/character/setting that normal readers cannot express other than they "didn't like it." You will get lots of (often differing) opinions on your work, and you'll need to decide which advice to take and which to ignore.
But writing groups do more than just provide valuable feedback on your work. They also provide motivation, social connections, and and solutions to common problems. I'm in three different groups, and each one serves different functions for my writing process. Highly recommended for aspiring writers.
I'll definitely check out the resources you mentioned. Thanks again, and best of luck with your writing!
Yours Darkly,
-Conrad