These days there are abounding places online longitude a writer can post effort, merry to get from feedback. Feedback helps an author know they have reached their audience. It again helps chunk author learn and improve, both on content since hearty because the specialist aspects of writing.
I hear numerous people put forth that they savor reading but that they shy away from reviewing. They do not fondle " licensed "; feel they need the enlightenment about the scientific aspects of writing.
Rest assured that if you are a academic, you are experienced to pony up feedback. Most authors embrace division feedback, whether it ' s just a note to sight you enjoyed an item ( or not ), or an in - depth review dissecting the piece bit by bit for widespread analysis.
Owing to a writer and reviewer, here are a few tips for those who would love to throw in a more expanded review than " I liked this ".
Reading the story
I advise reading the item first. This may go without saying, but the reason for my advice is that it will help you get the endure of the piece.
Along the way you can make some mental notes if something in reality stands out; that may be something you find arduous to interpret, a deficiency of matter definition, or things that you all told like. Drag out pen and paper, needs be.
Some things to look at
- Does the beginning capture you, does it make you want to read on?
- Does it stir any emotions in you?
- Does it read and flow well?
- Does it hold your attention all the way through?
- How do you feel about the characters - are they believable? Can you relate to them?
- What do you think of the ending?
Below are a couple of questions I have been asked by new reviewers.
What if I don ' t enjoy reading an item and do not want to review it?
That is fine. You do not have to review an item. If it loses your interest then stop reading it if you wish. If the story makes you at all uncomfortable for any reason, stop.
I am not an experienced reader of the genre, so am I still qualified to review it?
Of course you are. There is no such thing as " being unqualified ".
The good thing about writing websites is that you stumble upon all kinds of genres and you may find items you really like of a totally different genre than you are used to.
You can still give your opinion on it. In fact, I have found authors wish to know if their items are a good read to people new to their genre!
Overall Impression
Now that the item has been read, this is a good time to write a brief overall impression.
This can be only a few lines long or more in - depth, expressing how you felt about the story, the characters, the flow and what you thought of the beginning and the ending. You can always give more detail later on in your review.
Suggestions
Personally I start with the grammar issues, punctuation and sentences that read strangely... anything that stands out and could be improved on to make the read a better one. This can be pretty time consuming, I know, but many authors do appreciate the effort.
How long does a review like that take?
That will depend on the reviewer, of course. For me, anything from 30 minutes to... well my longest review on a short story took me 7 hours. You can make your review as long or short as you want, though.
How do I point out my suggestions?
That is an important question. Respect is the key. Always be respectful and encouraging.
I also advise any new reviewer to not simply copy the item text into your review. Such is frowned upon by many as it is not your text and it could spoil the story for other potential readers. I also avoid doing so out of respect for the author.
Therefore, I tend to use partial sentences when I can or none whatsoever if I see something repeated all throughout the item. If using partial sentences, simply do so in the right order and the author will be able to find them.
Characters
It is always helpful to give feedback on the characters. Can you relate to them? Are they well defined? Do you feel you know enough about them to make the story work? Is the author ' s description of the character ' s personality consistent? What about the character interaction, does it work?
Is there anything you really liked about them? If so, you could mention that here.
Are there any suggestions you have about the characters? You could write about that here as well.
Plot
Did it work for you? Did you enjoy it? Or are there things that are unclear?
Wording
Is the wording well chosen? Did it make for a good read? Is the wording suitable for the item?
Layout
The layout is important. So do not feel afraid to comment on it.
Are thoughts expressed in Italics? Most authors do so because it makes things clearer. Were the paragraphs clearly defined? Does the item look inviting or is it one big block of text?
Rating
Now that you have reviewed the item, on many writing websites it is time to give it a rating. Did you enjoy the piece? Did you have any suggestions?
Your rating will reflect your opinion and review. So be honest in your rating.
It is also nice to thank the author for sharing their work and to say something encouraging.
Note: Having said that, I wish to state that a review should at all times be helpful and positive and encouraging. It does not do any good to be rude.
The same goes for if you do not agree with the author ' s opinion. If it upsets you it is best not to review. If you do wish review, then my advice is to not let a difference of opinions affect your rating. It is the quality of the item that matters.
Last but not least... have fun reviewing!
