There is no formal process to start a writers group. Many begin in impromptu fashion, when an author asks a trusted friend to critique a working manuscript. The friend then mentions a third writing acquaintance interested in sharing work, and a group is formed. Most writers know at least one other peer within their craft; networking with these contacts can usually produce a number of people interested in forming a group. If you are not acquainted with any other authors, an Internet search of your area with keywords like “writing” or “writers group” may turn up some results.
Try to find writers with roughly equal skill levels, or at similar stages in their careers. Joining a group that includes Stephen King and Michael Crichton would be amazing, but unless your work is on that par, your comments may not be useful to them. A writers group is about mutual support and criticism. It is not a workshop or classroom for new writers.
Group size varies, but usually ranges between three and eight. If the group is too large, authors may become inundated with all the submissions from the other writers. A warning sign of Manuscript Overload appears when members regularly show up to the group meeting without having read the other pieces. This does not help the submitting authors, and places undue stress on the overloaded member.
Virtual Groups
When writers cannot find other like-minded individuals in their area or do not have the time for regularly scheduled meetings, virtual writers groups can be formed. In this format, writers are linked through email, chat rooms, blogs, or other electronic forums. Manuscripts are transmitted via email or posted as files to a central access point, and members return criticisms online. While this may not be as aesthetically rewarding as sharing your comments over a cappuccino in a cozy bistro, it is much more adaptable to busy schedules and negates the need to haggle over mutually acceptable meeting times.
Keep in mind, however, that electronic communication lacks the nuance of body language, tone, and gesture that face-to-face communication affords. Be careful that your criticisms are conveying the message you are intending to send. Comments made in an electronic critique may be overly harsh or misunderstood by the author in a way that personal dialogues rarely are. Let the poster beware!