I haven’t chatted about critique partners lately, and I cannot express enough how valuable they are.

I’m not going to say, they are important to everyone because that’s not the case. There are certainly bestselling authors out there who write just fine on their own with only the help of their editor.

But for beginning writers, or newbie authors like myself, they are gold.

Sometimes a writer is just too into their work. They can’t step back and look at the story from a different perspective because they’ve lived and breathed this book for months.

A CP gives a fresh view from outside the cave.

And lets not forget everyone has their individual styles of writing, so where one writer has a strength in story plot, another may have a strength in characterization. Where one has an eye for detail, the other could know the ins and outs of grammar.

CPs can seriously balance out a book.

And lets step out of the book writing for a moment, and talk about support. CPs often grow to support each other in this tough business. The rejections are tough to take, and writers can sympathize. They can relate to contests, deadlines, and submissions. They are there to share in the bad moments and the happy ones.

Finding the right CP(s) isn’t easy.

I signed up with a critique service through a writing chapter years ago and it didn’t work out. I could not connect with the writer, and I’m sure she felt the same way. But I tried again and it worked out perfectly, and through the years I have met and critiqued with other writers who are willing to lend a helping hand whenever they can.

So where can you find these golden CPs? I always suggest on-line writing chapters and forums, or right in your local writing community. Research and you’ll find a service, that’s not an issue.

It’s all about finding the right match.