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Truant Pen

How to get better feedback

A critique group toolkit

Sam Cameron's avatar
Sam Cameron
Sep 17, 2025
∙ Paid

Many writers love their critique partners and find them an invaluable resource. But finding the right fit critique partner can be hard – because meeting people and forming relationships is hard. Some writers have horror stories about mean-spirited critiques that derailed their writing. Some writers have wonderful, supportive critique partners, but getting critical feedback can still sting. Based on my experiences working with many of my own critique groups, and my work as the Critique Group Coordinator for the MD/ DE/ WV chapter of SCBWI, here is a compilation of tools that can help you navigate a critique group.

In this document you’ll find:

  • Email templates for reaching out to potential critique partners

  • Suggestions for how to structure a critique group

  • A template for a feedback processing journal

The toolkit is behind the paywall, so if a paid subscription isn’t in the cards for you right now, here are a couple of free posts you might find helpful.

How to make Writer Friends

How to make Writer Friends

Sam Cameron
·
July 3, 2024
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Tell Me I’m Pretty

Tell Me I’m Pretty

Sam Cameron
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Mar 19
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Story Magic Episode 5: Feedback Should Never Feel Like This

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