A writing group can be a valuable tool for both aspiring and established authors. If you’ve been hesitant to join one, now is as good a time as any to think about what it can offer you.

In short, a writing group is simply a group of fellow writers who meet on a regular basis either in person or online to read their works, talk about everyone’s pieces, and provide a supportive community that fosters the creative process. Your experience will likely depend greatly on who is in your writing group—some are oriented toward more professional or aspiring professional writers, for example, while others focus more on writing as a hobby.

But whichever kind you’re looking for, the benefits are numerous. Read on for some reasons why you should seriously consider joining a writing group today.

Accountability
We all know how hard it can be to stick to a writing schedule or a list of goals—especially when no one sees that list but you. By joining a writing group, you’re suddenly not just writing for yourself anymore; you’re writing to present to people who care about your progress.

Being held accountable for hitting a word count or finishing a particular story or chapter is a fantastic way to keep up momentum and meet those self-imposed deadlines. When you’re tempted to procrastinate or are struggling with writer’s block, often just knowing that someone else will soon be reading what you write is enough to get over the hump.

Inspiration
There’s no one better to chat about writing with than fellow authors who understand the joys and frustrations that come with this particular creative outlet. Another added bonus is that they can be a fountain of inspiration for just about everything.

From your characters to your settings to what qualities make an intriguing antagonist, you may find that your best ideas begin to flow more naturally when you’re talking it over with others. You may also begin to see the same old story tropes in new and exciting ways—ways that will benefit your book and prompt a reevaluation of what you want to ultimately accomplish.

Feedback
If you talk to different members of a writing group, they may have wildly varying feelings about this element of the meetings.

The trick is to first establish what kind of feedback would be most helpful. You, as the writer, get to set the tone for what you’re looking for when others read your piece. Would you like others to pay attention to plot holes? Flat characters? Or are you emotionally and mentally prepared for a complete possible takedown if some find issues with the fundamental foundation of your work as a whole? Figure this out in advance and communicate, communicate, communicate.

When you’re giving feedback, remember to make it constructive. Listen to what kind of feedback the writer wants and adjust accordingly, of course, but be sure it’s always done respectfully and is objectively focused on the manuscript’s strengths and technical weaknesses.

Career Advice
While a writing group can certainly be good at boosting your productivity and outlook on writing, it can also sometimes prove valuable as a career tool. Not only can you network within the group, depending on the professionalism of the members, but you’ll also likely hear about many different writing opportunities (think workshops and contests, for example) that you may have never gotten wind of before.

Those in the group with publishing experience can also help you navigate which publishers might work best for your specific needs. You may hear about collaborative writing opportunities, and members can invite professionals from the writing industry to give talks or presentations. You may even decide to join a writing conference or professional workshop together as a group. Depending on the kind of group you join, you can certainly find some valuable advice and networking from people who have been there and done that in the writing world.

Beta Readers
Some authors pay good money to hire beta readers—these are readers who will read your first draft and give constructive feedback on it before you submit the completed manuscript to a publisher. When you’re part of a writing group, you’ll find that you often have a group of built-in beta readers who are more than willing to give you their thoughts on your book.

A group like this is invaluable, with readers from diverse backgrounds approaching your novel from different points of view. This is exactly what you want from beta readers! Group members may consider or notice things that never even crossed your mind, leading to insightful critiques and plenty of potential improvements. Just keep in mind that being a beta reader is a serious time commitment, so be sure you’re willing to return the favor when the opportunity comes.

Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.