How do I register?
Registering is easy! Click on the word Register at the top of the page and fill in your information. Once you register, you will be directed to your profile page where you can edit specifically what you write and what you are looking for in a critique partner.
How do I edit my page?
Click the words Login/Account at the top of the page and click on your profile to view. Once you are on your profile page, there will be a gear icon on the right of your page. Click on it and choose “Edit Profile”.
How do I find other writers?
Click the word Members at the top of the page. This will bring you to a search page where you can enter in what you are looking for in a critique partner. Once you find your matches, you can click on their profiles to read more about them.
How do I message another member?
Each profile has a yellow Message button. Click on it to send your message.
Why would I “follow” another member?
Following allows you to be constantly connected to your best matches so you don’t have to search for them again.
What is a “verified” account?
Having a verified account is just our way of clarifying that you have an authentic account and that you are a real person. That doesn’t mean you can’t trust unverified accounts, they just may not have gotten their verified status yet.
I can’t find any matches, what do I do?
First we suggest that you search broadly. For example, if you write Young Adult Fantasy and can’t find an exact match, try searching for just Young Adult or just Fantasy. If you still cannot find a match, we suggest trying again in a couple of days. Since new members join every day, the inventory in which you can search is constantly changing. Please do not be discouraged if you can’t find a match right away, keep trying.
I’ve found a match that I think works for me, now what?
Congratulations! The first thing you should do is send the person a message using the yellow Message button. Tell them why you think you would be a good match and ask them if they would like to swap. They may not be able to swap for several reasons (having another critique partner, too busy in their life, or they don’t feel you would be a good match) and that’s okay. Try to find another member who would be a good match. If they agree to swapping, then you two decide the best way to go about that. The easiest way is to exchange email addresses. (Note: we do not recommend meeting people in person unless you are organizing a larger writing group. Please never meet up with strangers alone.)
How do I critique another person’s writing?
So you’ve found a partner and you’ve swapped writing and now you want to know how to give a critique. We recommend you start with something positive. Remember, writing is a very intimate practice and it takes courage to decide to share your work with other people. After you’ve said what you like, you can get into what you think needs to change. Please be constructive and give reasons for your suggestions. It’s always good to end with something encouraging and to offer to read the revised version. A good general rule here is to always be kind.
Someone is sending me inappropriate/rude/abusive/annoying messages, what can I do?
First of all, we are so sorry, nobody deserves that. Please report anything inappropriate to thewritersmatch@gmail.com and we will review it. It helps if you copy and paste or screenshot the offending messages for us. For those that are just annoying, we will issue a warning first. Any member who is found to be doing anything inappropriate will be terminated and blocked from The Writers Match. Your safety is our first concern.
I’ve found a match, swapped manuscripts, and offered critiques-now what?
Keep writing and revising! We believe in you and we are here to help you become a better writer.
