If you’re a writer, you know how important feedback is when it comes to improving your work. Whether you’re working on a novel, a short story, or a poem, getting fresh eyes on your writing can be a game-changer. Luckily, there are plenty of online spaces where you can share your work and get honest, constructive critiques from fellow writers.
From long-established writing communities to newer platforms, these websites are great places to connect with other writers and take your craft to the next level.
Here’s a list of 15 spots to submit your work and get valuable feedback.
1. Critique Circle
Critique Circle is one of the most well-known and long-running online critique communities, established in 2003. It operates on a points-based system where writers earn credits by critiquing others’ work and can then use these credits to post their own writing for feedback. The platform supports a variety of genres and allows writers to receive both line-by-line and overall feedback. Critique Circle offers private and public queues, workshops, and a range of writing tools such as manuscript progress tracking and submission trackers.
2. Scribophile
Scribophile is an online writing workshop with free and paid versions that has been helping writers for over a decade. The platform uses a “karma” system where writers earn points by critiquing others, which they can then use to post their work for feedback. Scribophile stands out for its high-quality feedback and supportive community, offering forums, writing resources, contests, and groups for different genres. Its premium membership provides enhanced features such as additional posting slots and access to more advanced critique options.
3. Pen Factor
Pen Factor is a unique competition-style writing feedback platform where writers submit their work and receive anonymous critiques from other writers. In return, they must also critique other submissions. The platform’s goal is to create a fair and constructive environment where emerging authors can hone their skills and gain visibility. Winners from the competition rounds often get opportunities to connect with agents or publishers.
4. Absolute Write Water Cooler
Absolute Write Water Cooler is a bustling forum for writers of all levels, featuring discussions on all aspects of writing and publishing. Launched in 1999, it has grown to be one of the largest writing communities online, offering critique sections, industry insights, agent interviews, and more. The forum covers a wide range of genres and writing forms, with many members actively offering feedback and sharing resources.
5. Goodreads Beta Readers Forums
Goodreads, known primarily for its book reviews and reading communities, also has beta reader forums where writers can connect with readers willing to provide feedback on manuscripts. While not as structured as some other critique platforms, the Goodreads beta reader groups allow for more informal exchanges of feedback, making it a great place to find potential readers from a vast and diverse audience.
6. Critters.org
Critters.org is a long-established online critique group founded in 1995 by Dr. Andrew Burt, catering mainly to science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers. It operates on a weekly submission and feedback schedule, requiring members to critique others’ works in exchange for receiving feedback. Critters.org is known for its comprehensive feedback and dedication to improving writing craft, as well as for being a great stepping stone for aspiring writers to prepare their work for professional submission.
7. WatersCafe.org
WatersCafe.org is a smaller, close-knit writing community that focuses on providing detailed and constructive critiques. This forum is particularly appealing for writers who prefer a slower-paced, more personal interaction with their critique partners. The community offers workshops and various writing challenges aimed at helping writers refine their craft.
8. The Next Big Writer
Founded in 2005, The Next Big Writer is a platform where writers can share their works and receive detailed critiques. It operates on a credit system, requiring members to review others’ writing before posting their own. The site also features writing contests, workshops, and opportunities to connect with publishers. Writers can upload their work chapter-by-chapter, making it a great option for long-term projects.
9. Wattpad
Wattpad is a highly popular writing and reading platform launched in 2006, where writers can share their stories with a global audience. While not exclusively focused on critiques, Wattpad allows writers to receive reader feedback through comments and votes, which can help refine their writing. With millions of users, it’s an excellent place for authors to build an audience, though more structured critique may be harder to come by compared to dedicated critique sites.
10. FanStory
FanStory is a community for writers of all skill levels offering contests, challenges, and feedback on writing. It uses a feedback system where members critique each other’s work, with points and rankings given based on the quality of the reviews and the stories. The platform hosts regular competitions and provides various writing prompts to encourage creativity and improvement.
11. ABCtales
ABCtales is a UK-based writing community that offers free space for writers to post their stories, poetry, and articles. Members can give and receive feedback, with an emphasis on providing constructive criticism. ABCtales often highlights exceptional work through its editorial picks and offers opportunities for writers to publish in anthologies or participate in writing events.
12. Young Writers Society
The Young Writers Society (YWS) is a vibrant online community focused on helping young and aspiring writers under the age of 25. Established in 2004, it offers critique forums where members can post their work for review and receive feedback from peers. YWS also hosts contests, writing prompts, and forums to encourage discussions on writing techniques and publishing tips.
13. Story Write and All Poetry
Story Write is a community for short story writers and poets to share their work and receive feedback. It has a sister platform, All Poetry, which is dedicated exclusively to poetry. Both sites operate similarly, offering contests, group discussions, and feedback features, and they cater to writers who prefer a more collaborative and interactive experience.
14. FictionPress
FictionPress is an offshoot of FanFiction.net, created to cater specifically to original fiction. Writers can post stories and novels for free, and the platform allows readers to leave reviews and comments. While the critique structure is less formal than on other platforms, FictionPress offers a large audience for writers to share their work and gather informal feedback.
15. Inkitt
Inkitt is a free platform that allows writers to publish their work and receive reader feedback. The site uses an algorithm to identify popular works and occasionally offers publishing opportunities to standout writers. Inkitt has a large community of readers, and while it doesn’t focus as much on formal critiques, the reader engagement can offer helpful feedback for writers looking to improve their work or gain exposure.