If you've decided it's time to add to the membership roster of your writing group, you might find it's not quite so easy to choose new members. Whether you host a local writing group or one that meets on line, there are a number of considerations you'll want to take into account as you recruit new members.

1. Skill level. Not all writing groups are created equal, so skill level is important to consider when recruiting new group members. A group of advanced writers, who've worked hard to master their craft, may not want to add to their group someone to whom writing is a casual hobby. Alternately, a group of beginning writers who are working together to learn the basics won't necessarily want a polished, published author in their midst.

That's not to say that mixing skill levels is necessarily a bad thing. All writers can learn from each other regardless of skill level, but you'll want a fairly level playing field.

2. Commitment level. This goes hand-in-hand with skill level, and for many of the same reasons. Members of writing groups are often bound by certain shared goals. Writing groups with members focused on publication should look for new members with similar goals. Groups of hobbyists will want the same.

Commitment consists not only of specific goals, but also of member availability and activity levels. Are potential members willing to commit to group expectations, whether it's reading work aloud, or bringing new material to each meeting, or just being prepared to show up once a week or once a month, as necessary.

3. Group focus. What, exactly, is the focus of your writing group? Is it to network? To share the triumphs and frustrations of the writing life? To give detailed constructive feedback and help each other prepare manuscripts for submission? To simply connect with others of similar interests?

Your group focus is an important thing to consider when recruiting new group members, and times of group growth are often great times to evaluate (or reevaluate) your group's focus and approach.

4. Expectations. Remember that there will be expectations on both ends. Important things to consider are:

-- What will the group expect of new members?

-- What will new members potentially expect of the group?

5. Personality. This may sound shallow, but the truth is that for a writing group to function well, members need to develop a rapport. Though personality conflicts are almost inevitable at some point in time or another in the history of a group, by paying attention to the personality of potential recruits, you can minimize trouble.

Adding to your group's roster can be stressful, but with a little effort and much thought, it can also be rewarding to incorporate new members into your writing group.