There are also many groups that have no restrictions on genre. To get in you merely have to be willing to write critiques. But those still clawing their way up the literary ladder find critique groups indispensable. There is no better way to learn your craft than receiving and giving feedback. A writer .
Test marketing is what critique groups are all about.
Since you cannot be objective about your own work, you have to seek objectivity from others. Friends and family members, unfortunately, cannot be trusted to furnish honest opinions. Depending on how they view you, they may seek to either hurt or spare your feelings. For example, my father had a friend who fit the opening scenario to a tee. My father did not have the heart to tell Tony that his novel was about as exciting as a rainy day at the beach.