Noticing Newbies: June 03, 2009 Issue [#3079]
<< May 27, 2009Noticing Newbies Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueJune 10, 2009 >>

Newsletter Header
Noticing Newbies


 This week: Simple Review Guidelines
  Edited by: esprit Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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!


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

What I have working for me is that I'm very emotional and I'm analytical, and that's not always in the same body.

So I can look at my work and I can write it and try to make it as scary or loving or whatever the scene is supposed to be. And I can step back from it and analyze whether I've come anywhere near creating that.

James Patterson


Simply a 'Reader' Review Guidelines.


There have been a few requests for a 'how to review' guideline, so I made one.
This is a basic guideline for members who feel they don't have enough knowledge to review other writers. All you have to do is give your thoughts on the piece as a reader. Many writers actually prefer reader's comments because it lets them know if the write is coming across as they intended.

*Bullet* - A Reader's Read Through - Is a simple "I liked this" enough?

It is. You have told the author that you enjoyed his work and thanked him for sharing the story. If you'd like to leave slightly more elaborate comments, here you go.

- "I really enjoyed this piece."

- "This was a lovely story."

- "Thank you for sharing this with us."

- "Truly magnificent."

These short phrases take very little thought or effort, and can give an author a good day.

I loved it!" is a valid review. Don't decline to leave a review simply because you don't have time to give thorough feedback or don't have the knowledge, and please don''t think you will come across as a lesser reviewer because of it. Your feedback is desired and appreciated regardless.

It's a friendly gesture to return a review for a review, so consider doing that when you can.

*Bullet* Tips On Getting Started As a Reviewer

Keep in mind that the purpose of the review is to give the writer feedback-helpful feedback that will improve this writing while you learn the art of self-editing.

As much as possible, recognize your own preferences and choices and keep them separate from the writer's while you're doing the review. If you can't keep your biases out of the review, admit them so the writer will understand why you may not like something. Or alternatively, choose another piece to read. You really don't have to comment on everything you open. *Smile*

*Bullet* - The Reader/Reviewer Read Through - Giving a Little Bit More.

Reviewers generally read a piece at least twice. Read the selection straight through as a reader. During and after the second read write down your general impression from a reader's perspective.

Did it make sense?
Did you enjoy it?
What parts gave you problems or brought up questions?
What kind of reader would enjoy this piece?


*Bullet* - If you would like to continue on with corrections or suggestions

Add mechanical and technical comments and suggest changes in addition to those done above.

Grammar
Spelling
Punctuation
Fragment Sentences (Many writers use fragments on purpose. Determine if the use of them is effective in the work you are reviewing.)

Unclear or confusing sentences, misplaced modifiers, etc.
Overused words (that, the, and, etc.)
Overuse of adjectives


Begin with positive overall comments. If you have suggestions, state them clearly and try to offer solutions. End with another positive statement or summary. Be as specific as possible with both the likes and the 'needs work' comments. If you feel something is weak, point out the first place you noticed it so the writer can revisit it. Review as far as you feel comfortable, then end it. Check your spelling, choose a rate to match your comments and send it out.

Learn how to choose a rate here. "Comment-In-A-BoxOpen in new Window. It's also linked below in Helpful Links.

*Bullet* Reviewing Teaches How to Self-Edit.

As everyone knows, reviewing is the best way to grow your own writing. You'll learn to love the process and begin to look at your writing in a whole new way. After reviewing, go back to your writing and assess what you learned. Find your weak spots. Find out what you can do to make them stronger; repeat and practice day after week after year. Leave your good points alone. They can only get better.

*Bullet* To get the most from your public reviews.

If you would like the review to show on the Public Review Page for everyone to see, be sure to check the box inside the review comment box. Posting on the public page will get you noticed and possibly credited with gift points. Remember to make your review at least 250 characters long or you won't get credited for it, either on the public page or in the daily counts. These are 'characters', letters and spaces, not words, so it's an easy requirement.

I like to click on the Reviewing link at the top of the page and read the reviews when I can. I find items there to read, and I find reviews there to spend my gift points on - both are fun. Another way to get more reviewing gift points is to show your review count in your portfoliio. To do this, go to your My Account and click on the top link of: Edit Text & Special Settings. Then read the info on Public Rating and Review Counts: and click, 'Yes, display publicly'. Don't forget to Save It! at the bottom of the page. Your review counts will then show below your Bio box so anyone can see them and reward you.

No writer springs fully formed from the earth. None.

** Image ID #1565606 Unavailable **

** Image ID #1528028 Unavailable **
Logo for Writing.Com Moderators - small.
noticing newbies committee sig


Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 The Cat Open in new Window. [E]
A very short story inspired by a picture.
by ccsi Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 Clure, Prolouge Open in new Window. [18+]
Clure's sister was mugged and blinded by theives. Clure must make the money to buy a cure.
by John E. Keige Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


SUBMITTED ITEMS

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor



Remember to read your neighbor's work too!

********************


Helpful Links

 Guidelines To Great Reviewing Open in new Window. [E]
Writing a detailed review takes time. Follow these guidelines for best results!
by The StoryMaster Author Icon

 Comment-In-A-Box Open in new Window. [E]
My view on and methods of rating items on Writing.Com.
by The StoryMistress Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Find a Review Forum Open in new Window. [ASR]
If you're looking for a review forum, look here!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

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


********************

 
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!



Ask & Answer

Comments on "Invalid EntryOpen in new Window.

Submitted By: sarahreed
Submitted Comment: Thanks for the tips on requesting reviews. I've gotten to know a few people on the site and always appreciate their feedback. I was hesitant at first to ask for a review, but I asked them very nicely to review my work if they had time and said that I wouldn't be offended if they didn't. My hesitancy was unfounded as I got feedback right away. I thanked them and gave them some GP for their time. It worked out great. I'm always so grateful of the people here on WDC and the much needed support and encouragement that they give. I can only hope that I can do the same for others.

WDC members love to practice 'pass it on', don't they? I like to encourage use of the review forums as much as possible. There are so many to choose from that anyone is sure to find what you're looking for. And most importantly, they are set up especially to review.


Submitted By: J.T Moore Author IconMail Icon
Submitted Comment: Thank you so much for featuring my work in your newsletter! I'm very honored and excited.

You're very welcome, J.T. You know you can always submit your work to any of the newsletters, don't you? The link is at the end of the letters - don't hesitate!



We always appreciate the feedback, thanks!

Editors:

Cubby Author Icon
laurencia
Your host this week is esprit Author Icon


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

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B0CJKJMTPD
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


<< May 27, 2009Noticing Newbies Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueJune 10, 2009 >>

This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright.