You might think that setting up or joining a writer’s group is easy, free of rules. You just meet up and chat, drink coffee and pass the time, don’t you? Well, no, not really and, like any group, a writer’s group needs rules for all members; if everyone understands them, the group will be far more productive.

Consider the following when you draw up the rules for your writing group:

What is the Group’s Purpose?

Groups meet for all kinds of reasons and knowing the purpose of the group gives it direction. Decide if your group is going to meet for:

Writing practice

Critiquing

Marketing and/or publishing advice

Or any other reason related to writing

Who Is In Charge?

Not all groups have a leader but those that do often have one main person. Others rotate leadership responsibilities. If you choose to have a leader, you must know who it is and what their duties are.

What Are The Group Costs?

You may have to rent a space to meet in; you may have to pay the group leader. You must be clear on what fees are payable, when they are due and how they are collected.

Will Refreshments Be Provided?

If you are meeting at a private facility, you must decide if refreshments are being provided. If they are, does one person have the responsibility? Is it rotated or does everyone bring something?  Or do you just opt to hold your group at a restaurant or café where food and drink are already available?

What Timetable Are You Working To?

Groups tend to work best when they have a set format. Do you have set topics to discuss? What order? Does everyone get an equal length of speaking time? How long is the group meeting? How often will you meet? Be very clear and stick to the timetable.

What is the Presentation Format for Critiquing?

Will everyone read their work aloud or will they provide copies for the group members? How many are critiqued at each meeting?

How Should Critiques Be Given And Received?

It goes without saying that nobody should put another person down in a group but that should be made clear in the rules. Constructive criticism should be accepted, negative criticism is a no-no. Consider if the writer will respond to the critique or not. One of the best ways to structure a group like this is to ask critiques to focus on certain areas:

What was good

What could have been better

Asking questions about the writing – state whether the writer is to respond or not

How Big is The Group?

Decide how many people are to be in the group. Sometimes, smaller groups are better but that may depend on where you are meeting. The rules should also state how people can join the group, whether you can just show up or not, whether invitations are required and what happens if the rules get broken.

Important

Write the rules down clearly and ensure that all group members have a copy of them. They should be reviewed periodically and, if changes are to be made, it should be with the consensus or at least a discussion with all group members.

Rules provide direction and make writing groups successful. Unless it is an informal get-together once a month or so, just for a general chat, always consider setting rules for your group.