In any genre, there are dozens of opportunities to get involved with online writing groups. Most of these groups are run by experienced authors who have the connections to pull together classes and feedback groups. Each group offers a variety of opportunities. Most cost a fee to participate fully.
Benefits of a paid writers group
Critiques
There may be a regular meeting group of people writing for a specific genre and age group, or a space where you can post a manuscript and get feedback from anyone in the group.
Editor/agent/author articles
The person who runs the group or others may post links to useful articles. They may also provide short or long classes on a particular aspect of writing, for an additional fee.
Support
This is a great place for sharing links to social media to build a platform, critiques on manuscripts, a place to vent, and celebrate with others who understand the challenges of writing. When a book is published, the group is a place to ask for reviews on selling platforms.
Submission opportunities
Periodically, many groups have “above the Slushpile” opportunities for paid members to pitch or propose to agents and editors.
Contests and challenges
Whether month-long, every week, or once a year, many groups arrange contests or challenges with a book, a critique, or even a submission opportunity for the winner.
It is all so good!! Why not join them all?
I made that mistake during COVID, paid and tried to be involved in 8-10 excellent groups. It was fun for a while, but it began to be overwhelming. I stopped signing up for critiques or reading suggested mentor titles, stopped visiting sites daily, and missed several opportunities.
So this year, I picked three groups and am diving in. At this point in my career, I am looking for critiques and submission opportunities. Others may need background on rhyme, age ranges, formatting, or platform building. It is hard when I see cool things going on in my old groups, but I am putting my energy into the relationships in both groups, and it is rewarding. I don’t have access to all the submission chances, but when I do get one, there is a like-minded group support and usually a good editor match.
Next month, I’ll look at some of the many free blogs that supplement paid membership.
Every Thanksgiving Robin Currie imitates a turkey gobble that leaves the family stunned. Or at least quiet. She spent her library career in the children’s department, where she could baa, moo, and honk without getting shushed. Her writing engages children not only in noisemaking but jumping, waving, and face-making.
Despite her incessant need to wiggle, Robin earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Iowa. She and her husband have 4 mature children and a crop of grown-up grandchildren who keep them from becoming Old Foggies. Because there is no fun noise for that.
Robin writes stories to read and read again! Her next book, Just Enough Room for Christmas, will be released on September 2. Just Enough Room for Christmas
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