Surprise! We’re unveiling a brand-new feature this year: CP MATCH! The first-ever online “dating” site for writers looking for critique partners. We couldn’t be more excited about it!
While the internet has made it much easier for writers to connect than ever before, finding the perfect critique partner (CP) can still be a challenge. We’ve found that many CP match resources only give a brief snapshot of potential matches, meaning finding lasting partnerships can often be a matter of trial and error.
So we’ve developed an OkCupid-style database for kidlit writers. You’ll be able to more thoroughly search for compatible CPs based on a wide range of criteria, such as kidlit age category, genre, CP style – and many others, like writing experience, availability, or even time zones. You’ll also be able to see writing samples in advance, so you can get a feel for someone’s writing and fall in love before reaching out.
WHO CAN USE CP MATCH:
Everyone! No, we mean it – everyone! If you write kidlit, CP Match is for you. You don’t have to be a WriteOnCon conference attendee.
Simply sign up for a (free!) WriteOnCon user account. If you’ve attended WriteOnCon before, or if you bought admission this year, then you already have an account – use the same login info that you would to access the conference. If you don’t have an account yet, then you can make one for free here.
WHERE TO USE CP MATCH:
Once you have an account, log in here. Then visit the CP Match home page to get started! You can find the CP Match site through the main navigation menu at WriteOnCon.org, too.
WHEN TO USE CP MATCH:
CP Match is open year-round! Not just during the conference. Need another CP? Then swing by and add a listing! Once you’re all set up, check back regularly till you find your perfect match.
You can keep your listing active for as long as you’re searching for CPs. Once you’ve found your partners, you can deactivate your listing to make it private. It will remain on our site till the next time you need it.
HOW TO USE CP MATCH:
You can set up your own listing so other writers can find you from the CP Match dashboard. The set-up page is thorough to help you find the best matches, but you don’t need to fill everything out if you don’t want to. Set the listing to searchable to publish right away, or to private to save and come back to it while you work on it.
Or search other listings at the CP Match directory and browse for partners based on whatever criteria you like. You can use the filter button to narrow down your search results and find someone with whom you’ll mesh well. When you find someone you’d like to reach out to, use the handy form at the bottom of the listing and it will email them directly.
Share your listing on Twitter or other websites where you’re looking for CPs. For instance, you can use your WriteOnCon CP Match listing during the #CPMatch Twitter event on December 15 – just add the URL for your listing to your Twitter pitch and potential CPs will have all the info they need to know about you and your project!
Both the dashboard and directory links are also accessible from the menu on the CP Match homepage, where you can also use quick-filters to automatically go to the results for a search category. For more detailed instructions on how to use the site, check out this helpful FAQ page.
Because CP Match is just getting started, our database is small but quickly growing. Tell your writer friends about CP Match and encourage them to spread the word too — the more people who know about it and sign up, the better the odds of finding just the right CP for you!
If you have any questions or run into any issues, you can reach us at [email protected]. Happy matchmaking!
