1.) One of the interesting thing about writing art books is that when you are jurying images, you have to always be objective vs subjective in your analysis of art work. I have had individuals people tell me how art is really a "subjective game" and while that may be true on isolated occasions, it does not hold true overall. I recall co-jurying a show with another artist and we were in 99% agreement on which images to accept. For the few we disagreed on, neither of use felt strongly one way or another about the work. And one cannot select work based on a person being a friend or other personal or social ties. Maintaining a reputation for impartiality is critical is you want to jury art work for shows and publications.
2. Developing a broad knowledge of the arts by taking a variety of courses in different mediums has been a great help to me in jurying work. Be willing to get your hands dirty. For example, while I have no personal talent at painting, I have taken many classes and know what universal qualities make for a good vs a less successful painting.
3.) As a last tip, once your book is out, please don't respond to reviews on your book. I have seen authors with books on Amazon who respond to every comment posted about their book. Responding with comments such as "well perhaps this book genre is not your cup of tea, etc" makes one look a little desperate. After your first book, you should be busy at work on your second book. Ignore both the good and bad comments. Short of someone saying something false like you did not write the book, etc, do not respond to the comments. When I see an author do this on Amazon, they always seem a little less professional in my eyes.
