Procedure

       Our operating procedure is simple. Manuscripts are distributed to group members, in one of two ways. Copies of the manuscripts may distributed at one meeting and critiqued at the next, or (preferably) may be uploaded to our passworded yahoogroup site (WorD-Pgh) for other members to read and print out. A typical meeting starts with a short session of writing-related Show and Tell, then old business. The word count determines the order of the manuscript critiques--the longest piece goes first. We take turns in a circle giving oral critiques, beginning with the person to the right of the author, and at the end, we all hand the author the written critiques. We follow Clarion rules. Duct tape helps the author keep quiet during the initial critiquing session. When the author is finally allowed to speak, it is not to defend the story, but to ask any clarifying questions. Some people do line edits, others give market suggestions. We manage to get through two or three manuscripts per meeting, which currently coincides with our output.

       It can be very hard to hear comments about a story you've sweated blood over--we understand that. We are strictly pledged to honesty, but no one has ever become insulting or abusive. Initially, a moderator was selected each week to guardian the peace (someone who didn't have a story on the block), but we found it wasn't necessary. The WorD group has very few guidelines. Some of the ones we've established are:

• Manuscripts distributed at a meeting must be returned to the author (even if comments haven't been written on them).
• It is acceptable to show manuscripts to a close friend, if you are having trouble critiquing it and need another viewpoint.
• Stories may be emailed between members. Some members have guidelines for electronic distribution (text only in body of manuscript), so check first.
• Cover letters, poetry, and any lengths from flash fiction to novel are all fine to submit for critique. For non-fiction and non-SF/F/H fiction, ask other group members first, and critique privately, not during WorD meetings.
• We have no attendance, production or submission requirements.
• As novel critiques can take up 7, 8 or more sessions--that's a third of a year--the group does not look at entire novels at once, but rather looks at a synopsis and the first 60 pages of the novel, and makes a determination from there as to whether or not the group should devote a quarter of a year or more to critiquing the entire work. This way, we don't block out so many meetings working on just one person's material.
• No discussion of manuscripts between WorD members before the critique--individual opinions are highly valued.
• No food or drink is allowed in the library.