#PBCritiqueFest is an annual event with a heap of picture book critiques to be won.
This year, there are 31 picture book critiques up for grabs from a mix of literary agents, authors, and author/illustrators.
Last year I was lucky enough to win a critique, which was my very first ever agent critique, so I’m back again this year to try for another.
What’s so great about winning a critique?
Writers know that receiving feedback is EVERYTHING. And that goes for all writers — newbies and established alike.
No one — and I mean NO ONE — writes a perfect manuscript without any feedback whatsoever (if you know of a brilliant, magical, unicorn writer who DOES write perfect manuscripts without help, please do tell me about them in the comments below). We all need guidance and fresh eyes to view our work so we can figure out what’s not working, and also what is.
Admittedly, the critique I received last year was a step towards shelving that particular manuscript, which was disappointing at the time. And yet, it’s exactly what I needed. I needed to hear that my story wasn’t as strong as it was in my head and that it really just wasn’t very good.
Has that stopped me from writing? No, not at all. It’s only motivated me to continue writing more and to work towards creating stories that will one day be published. Continuing to receive critiques is a huge part of how I’m learning and growing as a writer.
Plus, many professionals within the publishing industry charge money for critiques, so the chance to win one is indeed an fab opportunity.
Right, you’ve convinced me … how do I sign up?
#PBCritiqueFest is run by Brian Gehrlein on the PB Spotlight website, so check out the link below that will take you straight to all the info you need to know to enter. You’ve got until October 31 to get your entry in, and don’t forget to take a look at all the ways you can get additional entries (this blog post is worth 50 of them!).
Good luck, friends!
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