Choosing a Writers Group

 

Writers groups are a great way to get feedback on your work. When selecting a writers group, after searching and thoroughly RESEARCHING for a group online, there are a number of things to keep in mind:

  • Are you interested in giving critiques, receiving them, or simply meeting other writers?
  • What do they specialize in? Film, TV, plays, novels, poetry or other literary forms?
  • Are they an open or closed group?
  • When do they accept applications for new members?
  • Where do they hold their meetings?
  • How long have they been operating?
  • How do they protect their members’ work? Do they insist on all work being copyrighted and/or ask members to sign non disclosure agreements?
  • What is the experience level of writers in the group? Beginner, intermediate or advanced?
  • Are any members in the group produced?
  • How many members are in the group?
  • How are the members selected? Do they accept referrals or can anyone join?
  • How often does each group meet? Weekly, monthly or more infrequently?
  • How long is each meeting? How is it structured? Is it a read, discussion or troubleshooting?

As a regular participant in a writers group, you will be making connections with other writers who might be in a position to help your future career. You just never know.

Please note all scripts submitted to any Writers Group should be treated as confidential.

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Etiquette on receiving feedback on your script from a potential Writer’s Group:

  • Screenplay analysis and (constructive) criticism is all very subjective.
  • Do not be defensive to negative feedback.
  • Do not take it personally.
  • Listen to their comments carefully (and appreciatively) and take careful notes on what they are telling you.
  • Step away from the script for a week or a month to get some distance from it, then look over the notes again and see if you can understand where they might be coming from.
  • Maybe there was something that didn’t make it from your mind to the page and its absence is what confused them.
  • If three or more comments are the same, you might want to take an extra look at the comment closely and objectively to see what is missing.
  • Or maybe you’re right and it’s perfect the way it is and you’ll show them when it makes $100 MM at the box office. Who knows?

Good Luck with your search for the Writer’s Group in your area, that will meet your needs.

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**Scriptwriters Network does not maintain a list of Writer’s Groups, and, we are not connected to or associated with any Writer’s Groups. We ask that you search for and thoroughly RESEARCH a group online before joining.

 

Disclaimer: Participation in SWN events, programs, workshops and classes is not a promise or guarantee of employment, and, is intended for educational and networking purposes only. 

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