New Reviewers

New Members

Just because you're a new member doesn't mean you're new to writing. Don't judge the first reviews you receive to be the norm. We have to get to know each other to know the stage you're at in your writing. First reviews can be either a good or bad experience, so hang on to your sense of humor, you're may going to need it.

Whether you’re a new writer or have years of experience, you’re going to be receiving several types of reviews. Some full of praise and some nit-picky. The tone we strive to keep is encouraging and constructive, but we are human and humans tend to have bad days and bad moods. Know that you will probably receive and give at least one ‘bad job’ review. The trick is to expect it, and don’t let it wreck your life.

Getting one rude review shouldn't ruin anyone, so go ahead and cuss if it makes you feel better, then forget it. Take comfort in knowing that if anyone makes a habit of tearing apart the writer, instead of the writing, they won’t last anywhere very long.

Some of your reviews will be given by new reviewers. You may know more about writing than they do, but they will be able to tell you if they liked your work, or if not, where it lost them. I’ve noticed that usually when a poor review is given, it’s done by someone who hasn't learned how to read as a writer yet. Please--be patient with new reviewers.

For New Reviewers

To review, you simply need to make notes as you read. If something is confusing, say so and say where. If you can say why it confused you, that’s great. If a particular action or dialogue is good, tell the author that too. You don’t want them to start cutting good scenes (In Your Opinion) because either no one told them it was good, or a previous reviewer mentioned he didn't get it. They need balance and counter-balance to help them decide how to revise, so don't be afraid to be honest--it's the most helpful method. Most of our writing is a combination of good and bad. Pointing out both is encouraging and helpful.

If a piece is clearly a work-in-progress, or first draft, don't point out a lot of punctuation errors. Do mention the need for a final punctuation edit though. It will be revised a few times before the final edit and punctuation will change with rewrites. Think about the story elements. Plot and/or Characters is a good place for new reviewers to begin.

When Reviewing New Writers

New writers have plenty of desire and imagination, they need encouragement and tips from those of you who are more experienced. Posting for public consumption is scary, and we don't want to scare anyone off. Read the content, find the intention of the piece, and consider the intended audience the piece is written for. Let the writer know that you got the idea of the story; that you know what he’s trying to do--or not.

Be honest.

If there are a lot of errors, don’t point out every one; that only overwhelms and discourages a beginning writer. Leave something for the next reviewer. If you’re good with characters, but not so good with plots, comment on the characters and leave the plot to another.

No reviewer is required to cover every element in each review. Attempting to do so will cause severe burn-out and you'll stop doing your best. Keep in mind that reviewing is supposed to be for the reviewers benefit too.

Be Honest with Rates.

I think more of us have the most trouble putting a rate to an item than anything else. The sensible way to handle rating an item is to go by the guidelines suggested by WDC. Keep this in your favorites or notepad and use it; it will relieve you of a lot of stress. Rates aren't intended to be used as encouragement to the writer, nor as a vote for 'Like' and 'Don't Like' of the item. They are intended to show where the level of the writing 'that's on the page' is at this point, with all its errors and issues shining for all to see.
"Comment-In-A-Box"   by The StoryMistress

Be positive and encouraging.

It’s difficult for any writer to keep their spirits up and work on a piece when nothing good has been said about it. They have to care about their work and know that readers care too. If you honestly find nothing constructive to say, please don't say anything. Don't send the review.

Writers who can't find the intended theme in another's writing isn't trying hard enough to be useful. Encourage by praising the intent at the very least. They are here to learn--and so are you.

Leave their pride intact by--never re-writing the piece for them. Offer suggested word changes instead so they can see what you mean.

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Learning to critique is the other side of learning to write. We all know it’s easier to see the problems in someone else’s writing than our own. Keep that in mind when you receive suggestions on your own work.

There are plenty of review forums to post your work and ask for reviews. This one is for serious critiques. You should be tough skinned to post here, though anyone can. Just read the review header carefully. These reviews are usually pretty thorough.

"The Review Request Page"   by Writing.Com Support

If you're not quite ready for that one, there are lots more. Look in Site Navigation under the Things To Do & Read link, and click on Review Forums for a list. And remember--reviews are free. How useful they are to your writing goal is up to you.

Writers, Readers, Reviewers. We need each other to succeed.