Critique Sessions at LWS: Get Practical & Friendly Feedback on Your Writing

Get practical and friendly reader feedback on your writing.

Have you finished a scene, a chapter, or your full manuscript - and you're just not sure if you're on the right track?

Perhaps something isn't working in a scene, but you can't pinpoint the issue?

Or maybe you'd like specific feedback on a particular character, the flow of your narrative, or a pivot plot point in your story?

Whatever your question or curiosity – get personalised reader feedback in our incredible peer Critique Sessions.

Led by members of the London Writers' Salon community, you'll get a chance to RECEIVE and GIVE feedback on your writing in our guided LWS critique sessions.

Who’s It For?

• Writers of fiction or non-fiction books, blogs, articles, screenplays, poetry (and any other sort of writing) who are looking for reader impressions on their work.
• Writers who are also open to reading and giving feedback on other writers' work.
• Writers at ANY level – from complete novice to veterans of the craft.
• Open to the public. LWS Silver & above Patrons get £15-off.

How Does It Work?

• Each Critique Session is limited to 5 writers receiving feedback.
• Writers can submit up to 1500 words of a piece of work.
• You'll be expected to submit your work 1 week prior to your scheduled critique session.
• In addition to receiving feedback, you'll be expected to read 4 other writers' work prior to the live session, and be prepared to give feedback during the session.
• Your Critique Session host will facilitate the feedback session and provide prompts to help you deliver useful feedback.

Session Format (in UK time, BST):

• 6:00pm BST (1:00pm ET): Welcome & focused reading time to revisit everyone's work
• 6:30pm BST (1:30pm ET): 15-min feedback sessions x 5 writers
• 7:50pm BST (2:50pm ET): Cheers and wrap up

Pricing:

The cost to attend a Critique Session to give and receive feedback is £25*.

There is no cost to attend as an "Audience" member observing and giving feedback in the session.

*Silver & above Patrons of LWS receive £15-off.(Check Slack channel #lws-critiquesessions for your discount code. Any issues, email us at hello@londonwriterssalon.com)

Become a Patron of London Writers' Salon.

FAQs

Do I have to be a professional writer to take part?

• Absolutely not. Everyone is welcome. This is a great space to get practical and constructive feedback from fellow writers

Do I need to read other people's work? I've never given feedback before.

• Yes – by signing up to receive feedback, you'll also be expected to give feedback on others' work.

I've never given feedback before. How will I know what to say?

• Don't worry! Your feedback as a reader will be tremendously useful. We make it easy to give feedback using gentle prompts.

I'm nervous about being a part of a critique group - will I enjoy this?

• It's natural to have some trepidation before a critique, but it's a warm and welcoming space. The feedback will be useful but constructive. From our experience, we know that your session will give you great food for thought, and help highlight stronger and weaker areas of your work.

I'm a Patron of London Writers' Salon. Do I still need to pay?

• All Silver & above LWS Patrons get £15-off Critique Sessions. Use the code given to you in Slack or via your Patron welcome email.

Can I join as an audience member and give feedback?

• Yes, you can join as an audience member. You will get access to the submissions and be able to watch the critique session, and you'll have a chance to add your feedback in the chat (optional).

Have a question? Email us at hello@londonwriterssalon.com.

* * * *

Level up your work. Get inspired. Make creative friends.

Your Critique Session Hosts:

The London Writers' Salon is behind the Webby nominated Writers' Hour, and is the writing home for novelists, bloggers, screenwriters, playwrights and poets to do their best work and build success, creative careers. We run daily writing sprints, weekly interviews with inspiring writers, and host powerful monthly masterclasses with industry experts.

Want to hear about future events? Sign up here.

Want to join our free daily writing sessions? Register here.

Get Discounts on Critique Sessions. Become an LWS Patron.

When you become a Silver Patron of LWS, you'll get £15-off Critique Sessions and complimentary access to our Salon interviews. Plus, you'll join our private LWS Slack community and get unlimited access to 45+ past Salon writer interviews and workshops!