Writers Critique and Support Group

To provide companionship in what can be a lonely profession, the Berkeley Branch of the California Writers Club sponsors a Writers Critique and Support Group. Meetings are held at the Rockridge Public Library, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland. For dates and times, go to the Events page.

The Rockridge Library is on the corner of Manila Street, five blocks south of the Rockridge BART station. A coffee shop is across the street, and you are welcome to bring along nonalcoholic refreshments of your choice.

Group facilitators hope to see you there with your current project in hand, whether it's a manuscript, query letter, nonfiction proposal, or anything else you're working on. If the following FAQ does not answer your questions, please send your query to

CWC Writers Critique and Support Group FAQ

Your family and friends have given you glowing reviews, but the rejection letters keep coming. Perhaps it is time to have your work examined by fellow writers, people who understand your frustration, share your objective, and can offer useful feedback. Read on to find out how to be part of the CWC Writers Critique and Support Group.

Q: Who can attend?
A: Anyone who is interested can attend.

Q: When and for how long does the group meet?
A: The group meets for four hours on the third Saturday of each month, usually from 1:00 to 5 p.m. Starting times may vary, depending on availability of the room. When possible, participants are notified in advance about the time by email and on the Events page of this Web site.

Q: Where does the group meet?
A: The group meets upstairs (room 1 or 2) at the Oakland Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave. This is five blocks south of the Rockridge Bart station, at the corner of Manila.

Q: How many pages of a draft manuscript can writers bring?
A: You can bring up to five typed and double-spaced pages of a manuscript, any genre, fiction or nonfiction, with sufficient copies for all. Since attendance varies, email announcements and Web site postings will suggest the number of copies to bring, usually eight. Readers can double up if there are insufficient copies. Writers sign in, and manuscripts are read and critiqued in the order of sign-in. Writers with longer drafts can make other arrangements to get critiques; the procedure can be discussed by the group.

Q: How do I format my draft?
A: We use the same format that is used in the publishing business: white bond; double-spaced; one side of paper; 12-point, easy-to-read serif font (fonts with a smaller line that finishes off a main stroke of a letter, as used in this parenthesis); 1.25" side and top margins, 1" bottom margin. Type your name, address, phone number, and email address in the upper-left corner, single-spaced. In the upper-right corner, type the word count and genre. Subsequent pages should have a header with your last name and key word(s) of the title separated by a forward slash on left margin, and the page number on right margin.

Q: How long is each critique discussion, and how do members critique and support?
A: The time given for each manuscript depends on how many submissions are offered for the four-hour period and also on whether other general aspects of writing are up for discussion. Participants read to themselves, marking pages as they wish, then oral comments and discussion follow as critique/support in accord with the writer’s concerns. Readers sign the drafts they have worked on.

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