As you might've read late last week, Writer's Digest wants to know your thoughts on participating in writing groups and critique groups. Have you ever been part of an active critique group? Did your writing improve? Would you buy a book on the subject? Take this short 10-question survey, and let us know what you think!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Y6cvGHFtAdXoJbVL1rSNzg_3d_3d

So far, the comments we've received through various blog postings have been excellent. After reviewing the comments, it appears a useful book would include the following features, benefits, or information:

The Basics

• The difference between writers' groups and critique groups
• Open groups vs. closed groups; other types of groups; ideal group size
  
• How to start a group; how to run a group; multiple techniques/strategies for hosting
• How to develop ground rules for a group
• Compatibility between group members (skill level, genre, etc)
• How to be a productive member
• How to avoid "bad" groups and find "good" groups; questions to ask a group before joining
  
• Typical bad experiences and how to avoid them
• Handling conflict and other communication skills
  
• Questionnaires for forming groups and finding the "right" members
• How to shake up a group that's gone stagnant
  

Critiquing

• When listening/encouragement are more important than a critique
• How to go beyond "I like it" or "I don't like it"
  
• How to adapt feedback to the level of writer you're critiquing
• Multiple techniques for critiquing; guidelines for different types of critiques
• How to receive or listen to critiques; questions to ask your critiquers
  
• How to incorporate feedback into your work; judging your own work
  
• Critique checklists
  

Other

• Joining online groups vs. local/regional groups
  
• Case studies or profiles of successful groups
• Exercises/prompts for different types or levels of group; adapting prompts for group use
• How do you find a group that's the right fit for you? Or how does one find a group, period?
• Provide a directory or "match" service?