Writer’s Profile

Like the folks at eharmony.com, we want every writer using this site, our book and our method to find the best possible match in their writing buddies. The best writing relationships result from a mix of  common interests, similar skills, and complementary strengths and weaknesses. Before you can find your best writing group match, you must learn what you bring to the table in terms of your work and goals as a writer. (Don’t worry, we won’t ask questions about your horoscope sign or whether you prefer moonlit walks on the beach to dinner and a movie.)

This exercise  is painless, easy and pretty fast to do. It’s a sample of the kind of thing that awaits you when you read our book, The End of the Book: Writing in a Changing World.  Our testers completed the Profile in under 3 minutes–less time than it takes to brew a cup of coffee.

Click here to order The End of the Book: Writing in a Changing World.

When describing myself as “A Writer,” I would say:

_____I just started to write.

_____I’ve been writing for some time now, but haven’t finished anything major yet.

_____I’ve finished at least one piece of writing that I want to revise and perfect.

_____I’ve sent out my work for publication with some/much/no success.

_____I’m a published writer.

In my quest to become a better writer (check all that apply):

_____I’ve read at least one book on craft.

_____I’ve attended a creative writing class or writing workshop.

_____I’ve worked in a writing group before.

_____I’ve read and critiqued for other writers.

_____I’ve had my work read and critiqued by other writers.

I want to write (check all that apply):

_____poetry

_____novels

_____short stories

_____essays, articles, or other short nonfiction

_____book-length nonfiction

_____screenplays

_____dramatic plays

_____graphic stories

_____blogs

_____personal journals

_____memoir

My writing habits are:

_____Occassional. When my muse drops by to inspire me.

_____Regular. Three times a week, more if I have the time.

_____Religious. Every day, rain or shine, come hell or high water.

I want my writing partner/group to:

_____help me get kick-started and sustain a regular writing habit.

_____encourage me to finish something I’ve started and advise me on a few points.

_____help me revise a finished piece.

_____connect me to markets, literary agents, or publishers for my work.

As a writer, I aspire to:

_____write for personal reasons. I have no desire to publish.

_____publish from time to time.

_____make writing my career.

I want to work with writers who:

_____focus exclusively on one genre (i.e. poetry, memoir, science fiction, romance).

_____focus primarily on my kind of work, but with a broad base (i.e. any kind of novelist).

_____will expose me to all different kinds of writing.

I need a writing group to share feedback and revision for:

____short pieces of work (i.e. poems or journal entries) exchanged frequently, on a daily or weekly basis.

____longer pieces of work (i.e. book chapters, short stories, or essays) exchanged every month or two.

____book-length manuscripts exchanged once or twice a year.

I’d also like my writing group to participate in:

_____a book club so we can read & discuss common titles

_____a round robin

_____directed writing prompts/exercises

When working with my writing group I’d most enjoy:

_____exchanging work snail mail/email/online.

_____meeting from time to time in person, if possible.

_____attending a writing workshop with my group.