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Join Rust & Ink
We're a small, friendly critique group for fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, and the occasional poem. Here's exactly how it works, and how to get in.
Where the name comes from
We started as an in-person group in Pittsburgh — Rust for the Steel City, Ink for the writing. We've since gone virtual and picked up members in other cities, but the name (and a soft spot for Pittsburgh) stuck.
How the group works
We meet every other Sunday, typically 4:30–6:00 PM Eastern, over Zoom. Times occasionally shift around group availability — once you're in, you'll get calendar invites so you're never guessing.
Submitting pages
- Length: under 20 pages of prose is the norm (most folks send around 10). Screenplays can run longer since they read faster.
- Format: Word (.docx/.doc) is easiest for people to mark up; PDF works too.
- Timing: aim to send your pages about a week before the meeting. A few days ahead is fine in a pinch — just give the group a heads up if you're cutting it close.
- A note to readers: feel free to flag what you'd like feedback on, or what to skip, when you send your pages.
How a meeting runs
We use a slightly looser version of the Milford Workshop process. Since we're on Zoom instead of sitting around a table, we run our list shuffler to randomize who gives feedback first.
Can't make a session? A quick heads-up to the group is appreciated — and you're welcome to send the author your written notes directly even if you miss the meeting.
Want in?
Drop us a note below — tell us a little about what you write and how you found us. An organizer will get back to you personally (we're a small group; every request gets a real reply, no bots involved on our end either).