I already have a group. Can I host it on Inked Voices?
Absolutely. Using our workspaces reduces the administrative headaches of running a group.
And with exchanges, discussions and shared files in a single place, your group is organized
and positioned for collaboration. Your group can be completely private, or you could later
choose to accept invitation-requests. Writers join Inked Voices as individuals, enjoying all
benefits of membership. We can invoice groups who prefer to pay for their members together.
Groups receive 15% off their first year.
What kinds of groups are on Inked Voices?
Inked Voices is the proud home to critique groups, accountability groups, resource-sharing
groups, and a writing exercises group. Many of our critique groups are focused by genre,
e.g. historical fiction, mystery/thriller, or middle grade. We also have mixed genre groups.
Accountability groups are a place for writing check-ins and process discussions, and are
great for writers at any stage who want the motivation and community a small group can
afford.
How do I know if there is a group for me?
Some of our groups are listed
here.
When you log in as a member, you will find a longer list under Groups/Search. This list
includes all of the groups that are open to inquiries (groups may hide themselves from
Search). You will be able to read each group’s profile, as well as member profiles. Because
the options can be overwhelming for some writers, we will also reach out to you when you
join to ask what you are looking for, and then we will give you suggestions. We also make
introductions between individual writers if we spot a potential connection.
What level are the writers at on your site?
We have a variety of levels here, from newly serious to writing veterans. An alignment in
writing level matters most when looking for a critique group or partner, and so it is best
to look at the groups themselves. Our lectures and workshops are targeted to writers who
have taken classes, attended conferences, and otherwise studied their craft.
How should I select a writing group?
Getting clear on why you are looking for a group is a great first step. Are you looking for
feedback, support, community, accountability, or all of these? For critique groups, think
about the type of work you want to share and to critique – you want to genuinely enjoy
reading your group’s pieces. It takes time to prepare submissions to meet group deadlines,
and time to give the quality feedback that most writers prefer to receive. Some writers
manage the time commitment by joining a smaller group. Others join mid-size or larger groups
with less frequent deadlines, or that run drop-in style. Finding a writing group is a lot
like dating. You will make your best guess, and then go from there. It is OK if it takes
several tries.
What if the group I join is not a good fit?
Please post a note to the group, or at least message the group leader, to tactfully and
respectfully let them know you are bowing out. Then click the “leave group” option. If you
love the work in the group, but there is an issue with communication, activity level, etc.,
you are still welcome to leave, but we would encourage you to try addressing the issue
first. If you feel stuck on how, reach out and we are happy to help.
Who can access my work?
You control who accesses your work. When you submit to a group, only that group has access.
Work displays in the group workspace until its critique and review deadlines pass, and then
leaves the group automatically. The critiqued version remains available for you via your
Dashboard, which is private to you alone. You may remove your work at any point in this
process.