Writing Partner Agreement: Critique and Author Accountability Guide
A writing partnership can offer useful feedback and a reason to return to the work. It is more likely to help when both people agree on the purpose, the material they will exchange and the kind of response they want. Start with a short trial before making a longer commitment.
Download the editable worksheet
Download the author conversations worksheet (Excel) →
Open the Excel file in your spreadsheet application or import it into Google Sheets and review the formulas after conversion. Save a separate copy for your project. Fill in the pale-yellow cells and use the Review status dropdown. Ready items and Items to review update from those choices; Not applicable removes an item from the remaining review count. Your edits stay in your file and do not sync to Author Rise.
1. Choose the purpose of the conversation
Decide whether you want critique, accountability or discussion of a publishing decision. These activities require different preparation. A critique partner needs the agreed pages and questions; an accountability partner needs a small goal and a review date. Do not assume one person can provide every kind of support.
2. Agree on a manageable first exchange
Discuss genre, interests, length, format and timing. Begin with a chapter, short piece or one focused conversation rather than an entire manuscript. Ask whether the other person can provide the type of feedback you need. Keep your own approved master file separate from shared drafts.
3. Ask useful feedback questions
Replace Is it good? with questions such as Where did you lose interest? or What did you expect this character to do? Explain whether you want structural observations, clarity feedback or line-level comments. A partner's response is a perspective you can evaluate; you remain responsible for your creative decisions.
4. Set boundaries and a realistic rhythm
Agree that drafts will not be redistributed without permission. Avoid making personal disclosure or public praise a requirement. Choose a meeting interval that fits both schedules and name a simple process for pausing or ending the exchange. If the work becomes a paid professional service, scope it separately.
5. Review whether the arrangement helps both people
After the trial, ask what was useful and what should change. For accountability, record the actual next action, what happened and what blocked progress. Make the next goal observable and achievable. A supportive partnership should leave room for honest feedback, changing needs and a respectful decision to stop.
A practical starting point
Conversation prompts: What part of the writing is working? What decision feels unclear? Which question would useful feedback answer? What is the smallest next action? When should we review it together?
Adapt this example to your own work and the recipient's requirements. Complete the first three relevant worksheet fields, then choose one action you can take today.
Continue with related Author Rise resources
Further reading and useful tools
Find a connection and keep your working files
Explore the Author Rise Directory → to review the directory and its current contact options. Agree availability, deliverables and any fees directly with the person you choose. Example listings are illustrative; browser-created profiles are not shared member listings.
Download all ten community worksheets (ZIP) → or return to the Author Rise Community.