Program Guidelines

1. Submissions: Members may submit up to 2,500 words per session in MS Word. Please specify the format (chapter, short story, query, or synopsis) and include any specific questions or "pain points" you want the group to address.
2. Deadlines: Submissions must be uploaded to the group’s shared folder (Dropbox/Google Drive) at least one week before the scheduled meeting.
3. Written Feedback: Prior to the meeting, members should use Track Changes in Word to provide detailed feedback. Rename the file with your initials (e.g., StoryTitle_JD.docx) before re-uploading.
4. The Zoom Session: Verbal feedback should highlight—not simply repeat—written comments. To ensure efficient use of time, members who wish to provide verbal feedback should limit their critiques to 3–5 minutes per member per submission.
5. The "Sandwich" Method: When speaking, try to highlight at least one element that worked effectively and one specific area for improvement.
6. The Author’s Role: The writer remains silent while their work is being critiqued. Once all members have spoken, the writer has a few minutes to ask clarifying questions.
7. Follow-up: If written comments are unclear, writers may email the critiquer for brief clarification.

• Do read and adhere to the Code of Conduct
• Do show up on time to Zoom meetings and be mindful of submission deadlines.
• Do provide Content Warnings for explicit violence, sexual content, or sensitive themes (e.g., child abuse or animal cruelty). While we write crime, we respect our colleagues' boundaries.
• Do stay on mute when not speaking.
• Do let your facilitator know immediately if you have any issues or concerns.
• Don’t defend or justify your work during the critique. Let the work speak for itself.
• Don’t share or plagiarize another member's work.
• Don’t share personal contact information outside the group without permission.

Each group will have a facilitator to oversee and manage activities. The facilitator will:

• Host the Zoom critique session, send out the invites, and share screens when necessary.
• Maintain a supportive atmosphere and manage the Zoom clock.
• Liaise with the Executive Director regarding any grievances or conduct violations.
• Ensure all members are adhering to professional standards.

Become a Facillitator

All submissions are for the sole purpose of peer review. You should assume all works are copyrighted by the author. Sharing a member's work outside this group without written consent is grounds for immediate removal and will be reported to the CWC Executive Director.

Personal information shared within this group is confidential.

• Focus on: Pacing, "The Hook," Clues/Red Herrings, Character Motivation, and Voice.
• Offer suggestions as questions: "Would the detective realistically miss this clue here?" instead of "This is a plot hole."
• Direct feedback at the page, not the person.

• Listen with an open mind. You don't have to take every suggestion, but if three people point out the same issue, it’s likely worth addressing.
• Put the feedback aside for 24 hours before editing to allow your "defensive" brain to cool down.

Infractions will be handled by the Facilitator first. Severe or repeated issues (harassment, plagiarism, or bullying) will be escalated to the Executive Director and/or the CWC Board of Directors and may result in:

1. A formal written warning.
2. Suspension from the CLUB CRITIQUE program.
3. Revocation of CWC Membership.

Review the Code of Conduct for details.