Writers' Roundtable Critique (WRC) Program

WRC Program will be available in January 2026 Meeting on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. EST

A minimum of six participants is required to start a program.

A structured, small-group critique cohort to help you write better.

The Writers’ Roundtable Critique (WRC) Program is a nine-session, small-group (from 6 to 8 participants) editorial cohort designed for writers who want consistent progress, deeper critique, and a professional-level approach to improving their craft.

Where the free Writers’ Roundtable Critique group offers open access, the WRC Program is a paid group that provides a guaranteed seat at the table every session, with the same committed group of writers allowing you to build momentum, accountability, and lasting improvement.

This isn’t a class and it’s not coaching.

This is a guided critique environment that helps you write better through structure, repetition, and focused editorial practice.

A cohort you grow with

This program is run as a closed cohort. The same writers participate in all nine sessions, reading, critiquing, and improving together.

The program will begin when a minimum of six participants have signed up with a maximum of eight participants which ensures everyone gets the time to effectively read and critique.

Because each participant depends on the contributions of the others, the entire program is paid up front, and attendance is expected for all sessions. Your seat is yours for the duration of the program.

A closed cohort creates:

A high-trust environment
More thoughtful, informed critique
Strong insight into each writer’s intentions
A deeper connection to your writing
More measurable progress

You don’t compete for a seat.
You don’t rotate in and out.
You commit and the cohort commits with you.

Program structure (nine sessions)

My advanced Writers’ Group Zoom Programs are interactive developmental editing sessions with other writers. This is a successful formula that helps all writers improve their craft.

Session 1 — Orientation & Introductions
We begin by getting to know one another, learning what each person writes, clarifying program expectations, reviewing the critique process, and establishing the workflow for submissions and feedback.

We also set the reading order for upcoming weeks.

Sessions 2–8 — Weekly Roundtable Critique
Each session, two writers read their work, followed by group critique.

With a full eight-person cohort, each participant will:

Read twice
Critique fourteen times

This structure develops arguably one of the most important skills a writer can have: the ability to critique and edit your own work.

How the critique process works

Each critique session follows the same rhythm:

All members will receive in advance the material to be read as an MS Word document
Prior to the session members will read each piece and mark it up adding comments using the MS Word track changes and comments features, which avoids a cold read during the session
During the session each reader will read their work aloud as the other members follow along and note any additional comments in their copy
Following the reading, participants will offer focused verbal critique
Additional notes are made during and immediately after the reading
Everyone sends their markup file back to the writer after the session

As editing represents about 70% of the writing process, we focus on editing and critiquing. As your editing skills improve your writing will improve.

You learn not just from giving your feedback, but from hearing other writers provide their feedback.

That's how you write better.

What you will submit to the group

While the free WRC limits readers to a maximum of 1,500 words in the interest of time, the WRC Program allows for a 6,000 word submission. This enables writers to offer longer form material providing depth and context to the other members. However, when you read your work to the group you will be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes of reading time within your one-hour slot.

This is critical because you need to leave enough time to allow for meaningful critique. If you're submitting a longer piece, during the session you will read an excerpt of your choice. Since everyone will have read the entire piece beforehand and marked up their copy, members will be able to critique on any part of the piece whether it was read aloud or not.

Pre-reading requirement (five-day rule)

To maintain consistency and respect everyone’s time:

The scheduled writer must send their piece at least five days before the meeting
All other participants must read and mark up the piece before the session
Initial comments, questions, and editorial suggestions are made prior to hearing the live reading
Everyone arrives prepared

This preparation is essential. It deepens the critique, sharpens your insight, and leads to clearer, stronger writing. A second reading during the session will reveal more insight than a cold read the first time.

MS Word is required

All participants must use Microsoft Word (desktop version or Word Online).
Track Changes and Comments are a core part of the WRC Program.
Word ensures:

Consistent markup
Clear revision tracking
Professional feedback
A unified workflow for the entire cohort

Other formats (Google Docs, Pages, PDFs) are not accepted.

What you’ll gain

Across the nine sessions, you will:

Understand how readers truly interpret your work
Strengthen your editing instincts
Improve pacing, clarity, and structure
Gain consistent accountability
Develop confidence in revision
Build a supportive circle of committed writers
Write better because you’ve practiced the craft that often matters most: editing

Content guidelines

To ensure a respectful, productive critique environment, the following content is not permitted:

Gratuitous or graphic violence
Explicit sexual content
Any sexual content involving minors (strictly prohibited)
Hate speech or targeted harassment
Extremist political content or rants
Graphic depictions of self-harm or suicide
Material designed solely to shock or disturb

Allowed categories include:

Fiction
Memoir
Creative nonfiction
Essays
Scripts

All writing is subject to moderator approval.

Conduct

As the moderator I reserve the right to ban anyone from the group who fails to follow the guidelines or makes themselves a nuisance or distraction to the group's operation. By signing up, you agree to these terms and conditions. My goal is to make each session as productive, friendly, and safe as possible for all participants.

Cameras & nicrophones

Cameras: Shall be on for all participants to support a connected roundtable atmosphere
Microphones: enabled only during critique

This keeps each session efficient and focused.

Attendance expectations

Because each writer depends on the others in a closed cohort:

Attend all sessions unless an emergency prevents it
Meet submission deadlines
Arrive with markup completed
Provide thoughtful critique
Markup, comment, and return each piece
Maintain confidentiality of all shared work

Your consistent participation strengthens the experience for the entire group.

Who this Program is for

The WRC Program is ideal for writers who:

Are working on short form, long-form, or book-length project
Want structured, reliable critique
Want to improve their editing skills
Learn best through repetition and analysis
Need accountability to keep moving forward
Are ready to write better through editorial practice
Want to meet with other writers in a face-to-face real-time venue

Registration, pricing & Substack discount

The WRC Program is paid up front and guarantees your seat for all nine sessions.

Program Fee: $200.00

20% Discount for Substack Paid Subscribers

Paid subscribers to my Substack ($10/month) receive a 20% discount on the program fee.

To find out more about my Substack: Randy's Wild Ride select the link or the image below to see what my Substack is all about. If you're interested in getting the discount you can become a paid subscriber and receive 20% discount on all my services.

How to register

Registration is completed through the Contact page on this website (link below).

To register:

Go to the Contact page
Write a message stating you’d like to join the WRC Program
Include your email address
If you are a paid Substack subscriber, please mention it

After I receive your message, I will email you:

Confirmation of your seat in the cohort
The Zoom link for all nine sessions
A discount code if you are eligible
Payment instructions
Orientation materials

Your seat is officially reserved once payment is received.
If the current cohort is full, you will be placed on the waitlist for the next cycle or available program.

Your seat at the table

When you join the WRC Program, you’re not simply attending a meeting.
You’re taking a seat at a committed roundtable—reading, critiquing, learning, and improving together.

You’re also interacting face-to-face with other writers committed to the same goal of improving the writing craft. This interaction promotes community and connections far beyond messaging, newsletters, and engagement on various platforms can ever provide

This is where writers grow.
This is where your editing and writing evolve.
This will help you write better.

WRC Program