11 Online Writing Clubs That Foster Support Among Writers

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Writing can be a lonely endeavor. Granted, a great deal of writers are self-proclaimed introverts, so all that time spent in solitude might not seem like an issue at first.

However, even the shiest writers will agree that one of the best ways to improve their craft is by getting feedback from others and talking through some of their big ideas.

That’s where the importance of writing clubs and communities comes into play. These groups offer support systems for writers of all levels, and the good news is that you don’t even need to leave your house to reap the benefits of membership! We’ve rounded up the best online writing clubs that unite writers across boundaries.

Online Writing Clubs and Communities

Below are 10 great online writing clubs and communities where writers can support one another from all around the world.

1. Critique Circle

Critique Circle is an online writing community where you can review other writers’ work and receive feedback on your own.

Start by critiquing a few submissions to earn credits, then use your credits to submit your own writing.

In addition to providing a safe, productive place for writers to exchange honest feedback, Critique Circle also offers storyboarding tools, writing prompts, workshops, name generators, fun games, and more.

Best for: Writers seeking to grow and improve their work with honest feedback.

2. Camp NaNoWriMo

If you don’t already know about NaNoWriMo, it’s “National Novel Writing Month,” a challenge that encourages writers to finally tackle the novel they’ve been meaning to write in just one month.

Each April and July, you can enroll in Camp NaNoWriMo to set your own writing goals (novel or not), create projects, and easily track your progress.

Once you’ve reached your goal and completed your project, the site will automatically confirm your success and you’ll receive a certificate to celebrate your achievement, plus other writing-related goodies.

Best for: Writers who want to track their goals and progress.

3. Scribophile

Scribophile is one of the largest communities in the world where writers of all skill levels can participate in workshops, tutorials, and exchange critiques across all genres.

This community is perfect for writers in search of beta readers and advice on how to get published. Note that although it is free to join, only users who pay for a premium membership ($9/month) get access to all advanced features.

Best for: Authors looking for beta readers.

4. She Writes

With over 34,000 members, She Writes is the largest writing community exclusively for women. The site offers insightful articles with helpful advice on writing, editing, promoting, and marketing books of every genre.

Here you’ll also find forums divided up based on specific niches, like travel writing, writing about personal experiences, NaNoWriMo, and many other subjects.

Best for: Female writers looking to build connections and learn from fellow writers.

5. Chronicles

Chronicles is the world’s largest online community for science fiction and fantasy writers. The site offers dozens of forums where writers can discuss the latest news, book releases, and pop culture of the sci-fi and fantasy worlds.

There are thousands of active threads where writers exchange critiques, publishing advice, and even participate in genre-specific challenges.

Best for: Writers of science fiction and fantasy.

6. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Introverts aren’t exactly a minority among writers, and many tend to feel shy or insecure about showing their work to others.

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group aims to help writers of all experience levels overcome their self-doubt and insecurities by hosting this community of like-minded authors in a safe place for exchanging words of encouragement and constructive feedback.

Best for: Shy or insecure writers in need of encouragement.

7. The Next Big Writer

The Next Big Writer is an international forum where writers can exchange feedback on their writing and support each other throughout every part of the creative journey, including the road to getting published.

Membership comes with a monthly cost of $8.95, but critiques tend to be thorough, and many even come from published authors, so you may find the price worth it.

Best for: Writers who want thorough feedback from a knowledgeable audience.

8. Underlined

Underlined is a writing community hosted by Penguin Random House. While the information and advice shared here is helpful to all authors, it tends to cater more to younger writers.

Members can take fun quizzes, get genre-specific tips, and read up on the latest publishing news. The community also hosts some fun giveaways.

Perfect for: Younger writers in search of genre-specific advice.

9. Talentville

Talentville is an online community for aspiring screenwriters, designed to “give a voice to screenwriters everywhere who may lack insider connections but still share the dream of being produced.”

Members can get feedback on their writing, gain exposure, and learn the skills necessary to take their work to the big screen.

Best for: Aspiring screenwriters looking to network.

10. Writers Helping Writers

Writers Helping Writers is a community where writers, teachers, and editors can all find helpful writing resources.

Their vast library includes webinars, marketing tools, story maps, idea generators, and more. It’s free to join and register.

Perfect for: Writers, editors, and teachers looking for helpful writing tools.

11. Facebook Groups and Reddit

If you prefer using traditional social media outlets to meet like-minded writers, you can find plenty of Facebook groups for writers that cover a variety of topics and niches, including genre-specific tips and publishing advice.

In fact, TCK has our own Facebook group for writers that you can join to discuss all things writing and publishing-related, and grow together with others.

Likewise, Reddit has a myriad of ‘subreddits’ where writers of all niches and experience levels can gather to exchange advice, critique each other’s work, and offer support.

More Support for Writers

Even amidst a global pandemic, there are still countless ways for aspiring writers to stay connected and support one another.

Check out this list of online writers’ conferences scheduled for 2021, or learn how you can start your own writers’ group.

Are you a member of any writing clubs? Tell us about them in the comments below!

 

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