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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1437-Novice-Reviewers.html
Noticing Newbies: December 20, 2006 Issue [#1437]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week: Novice Reviewers
  Edited by: esprit Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter! Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com

We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!

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Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

noticing newbies - newsletter header


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Dear StoryMaster... Open in new Window. [E]
My personal thanks to the StoryMaster, creator of this wonderful place.
by The StoryMistress Author Icon



Novice Reviewers


As a member of the Welcoming Newbie Committee, I want to welcome you to Writing.Com, the premier online reading and writing community!

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 'tear apart - bad job!' review. The trick is to expect it, and don't let it wreck your confidence. If anyone makes a habit of tearing apart another's work, they won't last anywhere very long.

Some of your reviews will be given by novice 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 us.

*Bullet*For Novice 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 because no one told them they were good. Most of our writing is a combination of good and bad. Pointing out both is encouraging and helpful.

*Bullet*When Reviewing Novice 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 overwhelmes 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.

*Bullet* Be positive and encouraging.

It's difficult to keep the 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. Leave their pride intact, and try not to re-write the piece for them.

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. This is a good point to keep in mind when you receive reviews on your work.

There are plenty of review forums to post your work and ask for reviews. This one is for serious critiques. You should be more tough skinned to post here, though anyone can. Just read the review header carefully. These reviews are usually pretty thorough. "Please Review"  Open in new Window. by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

If you're not quite ready for those, there are lots more. Look in Site Navigation under the Item Jumps link, and click on Review Forums for a list. And remember, our critiques are free. Look at what they charge on editing sites, and it's worth every penny.

Rates for Novice Writers
Critique and evaluation: $72/hour
Content editing: $49/hour $7.50/page

Write, Read, Review; you can't do one without the others.

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 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


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Editor's Picks

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 Old Lady Ranch Open in new Window. [13+]
This a work in progress, so thanks for looking!
by coldnorski Author Icon


 Close Your Eyes Open in new Window. [ASR]
This is a poem I entered into an international competition, and I placed in the top ten.
by Katya Python Author Icon


 A Poor Sucker Thanksgiving Open in new Window. [13+]
Nothing brings out the dysfunction like the holidays.
by dbarryfan Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Badger Open in new Window. [13+]
My experiences with the benevolent badger.
by verkanmass Author Icon


Items Submitted by the Authors.

Submitted By: whiterose Author Icon
Submitted Item:
 The Christmas Memoirs Open in new Window. [E]
I revised and expanded the lesson i wrote.
by whiterose Author Icon

Submitted Comment: This is a little diddy i wrote because i was asked to. It started out as a lesson on inspiration.
Whiteroseagain


Remember to read your neighbor's work too!


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The Getting Started area is filled with valuable information for visitors and members. The more you learn about this vast, exciting website, the more fun you will ultimately have each time you log in!

Getting Started: Table of Contents Open in new Window. [E]
Visit here for a tour of Writing.Com and learn about this vast, exciting site!
by The StoryMistress Author Icon


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by A Guest Visitor


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by A Guest Visitor


Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. [E]
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


THE DROP-OFF BOX  Open in new Window. [13+]
Monthly newbie contest.
by Tammy~Catchin Up~ Author Icon


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Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

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Feedback from last month's "Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.


Submitted By: SHERRI GIBSON Author Icon
Submitted Comment: I thought this was one great newsletter. How right you are when saying every writer has something to say that is expressed in his/her work.
Sherri


Thank you, Sherri!

Submitted By: Cubby Author Icon
Submitted Comment: What a beautiful newsletter, Esprit! Absolutely perfect for the Thanksgiving holiday. And I especially liked that quote at the beginning. I'll have to find that book. Have you read it?
Cubby ")


Thank you, Cubby! Yes, I have read it. It's very inspiring. *Smile*


We always appreciate the feedback; it's good to know you're there. Thanks!

Editors:

Cubby Author Icon
Puditat Author Icon
laurencia

Your host this week is esprit Author Icon

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*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

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