How many words are submitted for critique? Since BACCA members are expected to prepare for critiques by reading each piece at least twice and carefully reviewing them on style, images, characterization, dialogue, phrasing, as well as an overall reaction on what’s working and what could work better, we ask that pieces not be more than 4000 words.
How long between when pieces are submitted and when they are critiqued? Pieces are submitted 8 days prior to the scheduled critique. For example, if the face-to-face critique is scheduled for Friday April 19th, all pieces would have to be submitted by the end of the day on Thursday April 11th.
The Mission Statement says that BACCA Literary critiques fiction and narrative nonfiction, are there any types of writing that BACCA won’t critique? BACCA shies away from critiquing memoir. Experience has taught us that critiquing memoir requires a high level of patience and sensitivity since the author is often writing about the most traumatic experience of their life. Casting a critical eye on the style, images, characterizations, and dialogue of someone’s life can be overwhelming for everyone in the writing group. For that reason, we believe memoirists would be better served elsewhere.
Where do members meet for critiques? BACCA Literary members meet face-to-face in central Virginia, generally in Charlottesville or Lynchburg. Under extreme circumstances, such as during the COVID19 pandemic, members have the option to meet on-line.
What is expected of BACCA Literary members? The most important expectation is to critique each piece thoughtfully and thoroughly, whether you are submitting or not. Submitting a piece is optional but it is highly encouraged. All submissions are shared via email. Microsoft Word is the preferred format. Additionally, members are expected to write blog posts for the BACCA Literary website. Post should have something to do with writing or reading. Finally, the website costs are split evenly between members.
Can you be more specific on how to critique? BACCA Literary follows Luke Whisnant’s guidelines for critiquing. See Responding to Other People’s Fiction for more details.
Sounds great! How do I join? If you live in central Virginia, the best way to approach becoming a member of BACCA Literary is to become a guest blogger. Two of our members began as guest bloggers. Send us your name, email, and a short introduction and we’ll get back to you.
BACCA Literary 