My Review Technique

I review A LOT!

The major premise behind my review style is based on the ‘Golden Rule'—“Do onto others as you would want done onto you.” Basically, my reviews reflect the content I would like to receive from members when they review my work.

I only review short stories and long form fiction. It's what I write, and it's what I enjoy reading. I know about detailed character and world building... it's what I do, so it's what I feel most comfortable critiquing. I'm not a very good poet and can't possibly review the technical aspect of a Bard's work, so I avoid reviewing poems at all cost.

First off, when I cruise the Item Lists I look for interesting titles or descriptions. Then I travel to the author's portfolio and look around. I read the members Bio-block in an attempt to grasp the type of person the author is. Then I glance at the types of Items he or she has populated their port with. If there is a first chapter or prologue I begin with it and work my way forward in the storyline.

Once I have chosen the Item, I read it twice. The first time is strictly a technical read. I look for spelling, grammar and other architectural elements; taking notes as I go. During the second read, I focus on Character development and also on the enjoyability* of the work; also taking notes. More often than not, I discover a few things I missed during the first read. Then I compile my notes and write what I call an “uber” review.

In the review, I divide the content by element: plot, characterization, setting, grammar and spelling. I make both positive and negative comments and suggestions as well as listing a majority (if not all) of grammar and spelling errors. I also include the correct spellings and ways to fix the grammar issues. Who has time to spend hours going through a dictionary? And the way I look at it once the author sees the error, he or she is less likely to make the mistake again. I also include a paragraph or two that isn't technically based. When I write this section, I think from strictly a reader's perspective. What I liked and didn't like as a bibliophile.

I also rate in an interesting way. EVERY work starts with five stars. Each section: PLOT, SETTING, CHARACTER, GRAMMAR / SPELLING, READER'S EYE starts out with its own whole star. I then start deducting for problems. I deduct either half or a whole star for each area of problem. Then I look to see if any area has any outstanding elements which might prompt the addition of half a star (for example: an extraordinarily built or voiced character or an extremely detailed setting description). Very rarely does a work's rating drop below three stars.



*~ Yes, I know enjoyability is not in the dictionary. It's just a little word of my own. If Dr Seuss can do it, so can I!