The Benefits of a Picture Book Critique Group
Former literary agent, now a freelance editor, writing teacher, and IP/story developer for major publishers and creators.
By Mary Kole
If you want to write for children and receive critique of your work, you might want to think about joining a picture book critique group. Writing can be a lonely business, and it can be hard to stay motivated without any writing feedback. Joining forces with a picture book critique group can be invaluable for improving your skills and developing your writing craft. From workshops tailored to specific genres to those that offer general advice and guidance, picture book critique groups provide writers with an opportunity to connect with others who understand the creative process and have the same goals in mind. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should join a picture book critique group.
Get Constructive Feedback on Your Writing in a Picture Book Critique Group
One of the most important benefits of joining a children’s picture book critique group is that it gives you access to people who are experienced with writing, publishing, and critiquing work. More than likely, someone in your workshop will have gone through what you are currently experiencing and can provide valuable advice, whether that’s writing notes on a sticking point in your story or a shoulder to lean on after a writing rejection. Criticism from fellow picture book writers is one of the best ways to learn—and grow as a writer—because it helps you identify problem areas and come up with solutions for improvement. It’s important to find a picture book critique group if you’re writing for young readers, rather than just any writing group. Picture books are such a specific part of the market that you want to work with writers who know the ropes.
Receive Encouragement and Support in a Picture Book Critique Group
When you join a picture book critique group, you become part of a community full of like-minded individuals who understand what is involved in creating something out of nothing. Knowing that there are people out there who are rooting for you to succeed is incredible for writing motivation! And because everyone in the group has similar goals and experiences, it becomes easier to stay motivated and keep going even when things get tough. One of the best benefits of any writing group is the accountability. Every picture book critique group will have its own rules and guidelines, and you can help to shape the group to your own needs. But regular meetings can be very helpful in resolving a case of writer’s block, if you happen to be suffering.
Learn New Skills in a Picture Book Critique Group
A picture book critique group also gives you an opportunity to gain new skills related to writing, such as editing, literary techniques, or understanding how to market a book effectively.
Picture books are very specific, and you will want to learn how to write children’s book character arcs, plot arcs, and how to write with illustration potential in mind. You may even receive advice on where opportunities lie within your book genre or how other writers have found success within their own careers. Ultimately, this knowledge will help you learn and grow, and it’s never a bad thing to be surrounded by like-minded creators who are on the same track. (For extra credit, try to find a group with some published authors in it—you’ll find that working with more established writers will be a better use of your time.)
Joining a picture book critique group is one of the best ways to improve your storytelling craft, while also receiving support from writers who know what it’s like. Not only do writing workshops provide valuable feedback on your work but they also give you access to new skills that can help take your career as an author or freelancer further down the line! So if you're looking for ways to hone your writing abilities and get more out of your creative pursuits, joining a picture book critique group can put rocket boosters on your creative development, and put you closer to your writing goals.
Want writing guidance, feedback, and accountability?
Self-guided writing study is great, but can only take you so far. Apply to Story Mastermind—a small group workshop intensive for your novel, memoir, outline, or picture book idea. Achieve a robust outline or draft, or a portfolio of picture books, in a rigorous but supportive environment. Imagine how much closer you can be to your writing goals after participating in Story Mastermind.