We think our critiquing skills are pretty great here at the Soaring ’20s Picture Book Debuts blog, but one critique probably won’t take the winners of the MEGA SOARING ’20s CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY, or their stories, all the way to the finish line.

The ability to receive a critique with an open mind and the willingness to change course when needed is one of the hallmarks of a professional writer or illustrator. But no matter how “pro” you go, sometimes feedback stings.

If you read our last blog post, you know the Soaring ’20s Picture Book Debut crew loves critiques so much, we’re giving them away. Today, we offer tips on how to critique a picture book manuscript or dummy for a glimpse into what the 20+6 winners of our MEGA SOARING ’20s CRITIQUE GIVEAWAY can expect (and for some advice on how to help your own writing buddies take their manuscripts and dummies from good to great).