%%USERNAME%%    %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
%%USERNAME%% %%ACCWORDS%% %%ONOFF%% |
| I try to imagine I've just taken a seat in the waiting room at a doctor's office and picked up a magazine to pass the time. Suddenly - what's this? - I stumble upon your little work of art. As a result of reading your story, either I will 1) I like it so much I MUST have it, so I stuff the magazine down the front of my shirt and hope the doctor isn't checking my heartbeat today, or 2) Become so nauseated at the ineptitude displayed by your chicken scratches that I will beg the doctor to consider me for an emergency euthanasia. Chances are it will be somewhere in the middle. |
| I have a review template that is only used for in depth reviews, usually those that are specifically requested. These will be as comprehensive as I can manage, including everything I have noticed in reading the piece. Most of my reviews, however, are more in the nature of reactions to the piece with brief notes on things I find particularly good and suggestions on dealing with any obvious flaws in the writing. |
| Minimalist. Focus on technical. I also look at how a work would fit into the traditional publishing landscape. I don't use a template. Warning: I am Australian, and so cultural differences may apply. |
Unsentimental. I focus on the kinds of craft issues that will keep a writer from being taken seriously and prevent them from fully expressing their vision.
For more information, see "Writing Hurts: Review Forum"  |
| I am a slushpile reader for a Science Fiction and Fantasy magazine. I have a lot of review and critique experience, and love to celebrate what works in a story. If I feel confused or unsure about parts of a story I am usually able to explain why I think it didn't quite work. If I am able to think of some ideas to explore which might help to improve or clarify things for the reader, I share them in a way that I feel is productive and helpful. |
I try my best to read everything on Writing.com with great care. My reviews always include a first impression, my feelings about theme and structure and where appropriate, some thoughts about possible revisions. |
| I like a review that makes me edit, even if it bothers me or offends me. So I look at your piece with, "What would I change to make this better and why?" And I write down most of what I think... the limit being how much you paid, more than how much you can handle! And of course there's no guarantee that my advice won't make it worse. Well, except the long list of bestseller credits-- oh, I haven't published them yet. But feel free to request a refund if I really like your piece. It's happened, sometimes I'm in too good of a mood and I think your work is perfect. If it was, you'd be submitting it for a royalty advance... praise is nice but it's like Chinese food, you need more in an hour. Whereas critique sticks to your ribs... |
I like to always pick out the positive points in a piece, even if overall I am not enamoured by it.
I tend to point out grammatical and spelling errors.
I will be honest, but not unkind  |
| I focus on plot and characters. Stories I really get into I break down looking at grammar and spelling. I am honest to the core of my reviews and I like to extend as much grace as I can to new writers (cause we've all been there). As far as star ratings go:*Five stars means I think you can publish it.*Four and a half stars means I think just a few changes need to be made (mostly spelling and grammar).*Four stars mean there is something either in the plot, or characters, that aren't working.*Three and a half stars means it's above average for a WDC item, which means revise it once and then call me.*Three stars mean it's an average WDC item, which means revise it once, or twice, and then call me.*Two and a half stars means it's below average for a WDC item, which means something major to the story isn't working.*Two stars means most everything has gone wrong.*One and a half stars means that the only redeeming factor is the premise.*One star means WTF! |
| I will say what I liked about your piece and if I have any suggestions for improvement. My reviews are usually short, sweet and to the point. I prefer to review short stories but will look at poetry if asked to. |
| Disclaimer: I am not good at remembering to do requested reviews. Often I have busy things going on with work and my own novels, so sorry if I decline or don't remember to do a review in the short time given. Just a warning. When I review: Long. Depending on the type of story and reason for review I tend to get anywhere from 4,000 characters to on the rare occasion over 10,000. I will make overall comments, technical points and even offer sources when necessary but a lot is dependent on what I'm reviewing. I can even do a full edit but that's take a lot of niceness and time. |
| I've spent hours upon hours upon hours editing my own work and others. I tend to review in that same mode with the goal of offering suggestions and possible improvements. I give positives/negatives and details. |
| Depends. Sometimes, in depth, and sometimes, "just the feel of the item." |
| I tend to be nice. I never review on subject or anything but more about how things are written and how easy it is to read. If you do that I'll always give a 5 star review. :) |
| Please do not ask me to review your item if you do not want an honest response. I tend to be blunt, but if I can't say anything nice or don't understand your piece, I won't review it. I believe in the peanut butter sardine sandwich approach to critiquing work...something good, something bad, more good. |
| My review style is simple- I like to keep it short and sweet. I tend to use something I learned in college, which is called the "sandwich technique". I will tell you something positive, then include any constructive comments that I feel may be of use to you, then end with another positive. |
| I have a form I use for reviews. I look for a Goal, Motivation, Conflict and Resolution. It also allows me to tell what I liked and what I thinks needs improving. In my reviews I may make suggestions by adding my take on what the author is trying to say. Purely a suggestion to take or leave as needed. |
| Is honest, encouraging, motivating and helpful with revisions. |
| My opinion will rely heavily on content, character and story arc, and reflect anything that catches my eye...purely from a readers standpoint. |
Places of Interest: Unique Wedding Invitations for unique wedding needs. Color Copiers found here.
Baby Names can be hard to pick. Hands-free hygenic toilet seats covers. Dramatic Music rocks.
Vampires are people too. Write Poetry here. Try this Stock Market quiz.
Teaching is a noble job. Get info on Tax Refunds.
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
