So You've Joined CPM. Now what?

[Kait Nolan]

So you’ve found your way to Crit Partner Match, filled out your questionnaire, written a little bio for yourself, but no one’s popped up and offered to partner you yet. What’s next?

Well, since we don’t have computer program to spit out possible matches for you, how about a personal ad? Join the group that most closely matches the genre you work in. If your writing touches on more than one, join a few. If your genre isn’t represented by a group yet, create one (it’s easy!). Some groups will already have a discussion set up where you can place your ad, or you may have to start the trend yourself.

A good ad should be brief, but include enough information to generate interest. Remember that if someone wants to know more, they will likely visit your profile page and then comment or contact you. Here are some examples of personal ads:

Romance Writer seeks Mystery Writer...
Aspiring romantic suspense writer seeks mystery writer for a beta read. Keeping in mind that the main focus of the story is the romantic relationship, a whodunnit type plot is also a major component. I would like the opinion of someone who has read a lot of these as far as whether my whodunnit story will cut it with mystery readers. Please contact me via PM if you can help. Thanks!


Aspiring Crime-Fic Writer Seeks Same

I'm looking for another Crime-Fic writer as a regular crit partner to brainstorm/plot, critique, and motivate each other on a weekly basis. Knowledge of police procedure a plus. Please contact via email if you're interested. Samples of my work available upon request. Thanks!

Published Fantasy Writer Seeks Beta Reader

I am seeking a beta reader for my current fantasy WIP, a 435 page adventure in the land of Blarg. It is a crossover piece, so I'm looking for someone who doesn't regularly read fantasy to see if it will hold interest. Please leave me a message on my page if you're interested.

The variations are endless. The point is, you never know until you ask. Let people know what you're looking for and be patient. It may take a little while for the right person to come along. In the meantime, join or start a group or discussion in the forum. Be active and let people get to know you.

[Tessa Edwards]

how do i get that "what I want in a CP" thing on my page? There's nowhere for me to put the information that I can find! help!

[Kait Nolan]

A good place to do it is in the About Me section, which should be just under your Profile. There will be a little button that says "Edit" to the right. You can also post on your comment wall or write a blog post about it. It's also a good idea to join (or start if there isn't one) the group(s) for your genre and introduce yourself. There are forums for all sorts of genres (click on the Forum tab at the top) where you can go introduce yourself or participate in discussions of...well, whatever.