Looking for a regularly meeting group – online or off?
There are several groups meeting in Kansas and Missouri for both writers and illustrators: These include networking groups, critique groups, Facebook groups, and others. You can also find online critique group partners by searching or posting on the SCBWI Blueboard Discussion Boards.
Need more help finding a group that fits your needs?
We’re currently in the process of updating this page, and in the meantime are keeping a list of KS/MO SCBWI members looking for online critique groups or partners. If you have other questions, or would like to have your info added to the list, please contact our Critique Coordinator, Kat Hart at ksmoscbwicritique@gmail.com.
Current Groups
Online Illustrator Critique Group
Need an illustrator group to call your own? Tired of working all alone with no like minds to cheer you on? Need a deadline to buoy your resolve to better your portfolio, book or freelance piece? If so, come join our First Tuesday Illustrator’s Zoom critique group at 7:00-9:00 p.m. Contact: Kim Wilson at kimconwaywilson@gmail.com.
Columbia Critique Group
Meeting virtually via Zoom. Current focus Picture Book through Middle Grade. Contact: Juli Rauba, julirauba@gmail.com.
Creve Coeur Critique Group
Meeting virtually and outdoors. Current focus Picture Books. Contact: Katie Gast, mrted57@aol.com.
Florissant Critique Group
First Wednesdays 4:30 pm. Contact: Sue Bradford Edwards, suebradfordedwards@yahoo.com.
Lee’s Summit Picture Book Critique Group
Fourth Sunday of each month at 5 pm CST via Zoom. Contact: Terry Talley, ttalleywrites@gmail.com. Zoom moderator: Rachel Grodsky.
St. Louis City Critique Group
Third Sundays of each month at 1:30 pm. Meeting virtually via Zoom and e-mail. Limited to Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction. Contact: Jared Kyle Manuczuk, jkmlynch@jkmlynch.com.
St. Peters Critique Group
First Wednesday of each month at 7 pm. Meeting virtually via Zoom. Contact: Sue Fritz, suefritzauthor@gmail.com.
Beta Readers: (Send it my way – I can give you feedback!)
Laura Stewart Schmidt (MG or YA; No fantasy or spec fiction) – lauraschmidt29@yahoo.com.
Phyllis Wheeler (MG fiction) – phyllisHwheeler@gmail.com.