Excluding my regular critique group (except during COVID), I've probably had over 100 professional writing critiques. Some harsh, some dismissive, some encouraging, some insightful, some throwaways. I've made a substantial investment in my writing career and I've learned a solid professional critique can put you on an enlightened path.
Our Oakland Intensives for Picture Book and Novel writers were spot on and sold out. The attendees were terrific and the faculty of authors Bill Konigsberg and Katheryn Otoshi, and associate editors Taylor Norman (Chonicle Books) and Susan Dobinick (FSG), complimented us on the fine work they read in the critiques. We billed the Intensives for developed writers — and we got them. They were attentive, inquisitive, experienced, thoughtful and probing. The faculty was outstanding. A hard day of craft, work and inspiration for all.