Separate from a beta reader, writing partners are there to keep each other honest. Note, I’m not speaking of a co-writer for a project. More like an accountability buddy.
A writing partner should:
- make sure that their partner is on track with their current writing project
- offer up advice as necessary
- beta read/critique work as it gets submitted back and forth
- chat often: either online or in person
- be a shoulder to lean on when writing is hard, or when you get another rejection
This partnership should be 100% mutual. Both people should put forth the same amount of effort into helping one another. If one person cares more than the other, only one person benefits (and the partner who doesn’t benefit will be pretty upset).
There’s some pros and cons to consider before beginning the search for a critique partner:
PROS:
- With a good partner, you will get great feedback for your WIP.
- They will keep you honest, making sure that you’re actually writing something and not just saying you are (nudge, me*).
- They are there to support you through thick and thin, success and failure.
- Your partnership could very easily turn into a FRIENDship
The Caffeinated Writer 