Critique Groups

Critique groups are an essential way to improve your craft and learning about the business of writing and illustrating for children.

If you’d like to participate in a critique group, contact the group leaders.

If you’d like to LEAD a critique group, reach out! wpa@scbwi.org

Pittsburgh Writers & Illustrators Critique Group

Openings: Yes

Day/Time: 3rd (sometimes 4th) Thursdays at 7 PM EST

Dates in 2024 and 2025: Nov 21 / Dec 19 / Jan 23 / Feb 13 / Mar 20 / Apr 17 / May 15 / June 26 / July 17 / Aug 21 / Sept 18 / Oct 17 / Nov 21 / Dec 12

Location: Zoom (join our slack to for links!)

Genre/Ages: All kidlit genres / age ranges! Authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators welcome!

Contact: Joe Mruk - wpa-ara@scbwi.org

North Hills Critique Group

Openings: Yes

Day/Time: Fluctuates – based on group poll in a Slack Group

Location: As of March 2020, meeting via Zoom.

Genre/Ages: Mostly PB, some magazine, some MG

Contact: SCBWI.wpa.critiquegroups@gmail.com

Online YA Critique Group

Openings: Limited

Contact: Jenny Birch (jennifersbirch@gmail.com)

Peters Township

Openings: No

Day/Time: Mondays, 7 to 9 pm; every other Wednesday, 10 am - Noon

Location: Online with Google Hang Outs

Genre/Ages: PB to YA, fantasy, fiction and NF

Contact: David Amaditz chairnomor@verizon.net

South Hills Picture Book Makers

Openings: Yes: Open to Writers and Illustrators

Day/Time: First Thursdays – 6 - 8 pm

Location: Galleria Mall – upstairs seating area by Panera Bread, 1500 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228

Contact: Kris Sacco – kristinesacco59@gmail.com

State College, PA: Penncraft

Openings: Yes

Day/Time: every other Thursday

Location: At the State College Wegmans at 7 pm

Contact: Megan Gregor megamoo72@hotmail.com