TheNextBigWriter Premium → Am I doing ok with reviews?
Are you guys able to see my reviews? If so can you look at them and tell me if I am doing ok? I've never written reviews before a few days ago and am doing the best that I can. Do you guys have any tips for me on how you do reviews? Or like a list of questions that I can ask myself and answer on the reviews?
I don't want anybody to report me for generic sounding reviews so that is also why I am asking. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!
Why not look at a few longer works in progress and see the sort of reviews that people write--and the sort that people reply to, and hold discussions about?
Reviewing is a craft developed by practice and by emulating the best examples of others. Nor will every reviewer necessarily review every work the same way. It helps to be able to consider the work under review both as a reader and as a writer.
Writer and reviewer should share one purpose: to make the work as good as practicable. They sometimes differ on the means. It's unavoidable; the reviewer guesses at what the writer is aiming for.
Consider what the writer needs and asks for. Some need more help with typos; some with disconnected ('dangling') modifiers, some with structure or other parts of the craft of writing.
If you're unsure, read the work of many reviewers. See what they offer. Find what you can offer.
It seems I remember on the old forums there were guidelines about how to review. Maybe these could be republished. I learned to review by doing exactly what njc suggests -- I read others' reviews, and in doing so I learned so much, not only about how to write a helpful review, but also about writing. I went astray once by being too critical (the bossy in me emerged) and was reprimanded for it. I appreciate reviews that give DETAILS, that point out lines that work, and those that don't. Instead of saying, "This moved me" or "You write well," give examples of the lines that stood out. I love it when a reviewer points out long or boring or too detailed paragraphs. Sometimes I do run on, almost in stream-of-consciousness mode, which is fine in first drafts but which shouldn't be in the published version. A gentle reminder of this is always welcome.
Sometimes it isn't possible to point to something and say "this is good and here is why I liked it". I've done a lot of reviews on another site, and in some cases I got so bogged down in finding errors that I completely missed the point of the story. On this site, I read the whole post through without trying to find anything. Then I open a text file on my desktop and make notes of my impression.
Then I go back and look at structure, syntax, punctuation, and grammar, making notes in the text file on this also. The primary reason for the text file is to remove the "must get to 50 words or I won't get points" temptation. Another reason for the text file is that I sometimes take quite a while to review. Before, when I was making notes in the review box, I'd find myself getting logged out and have to start again. The text file lets me work at my speed and paste it into the box later.
If there are any 'rules' about doing reviews, I would also like to see them as I am looking to give better reviews also.
There are times when a simple "I loved this!" works very well indeed.
~Tom
Seet that's what is one of my problems. I am not the greatest with grammar so I don't feel comfortable criticizing others. Plus most of the books that I have read I've found no errors that jump out. When I do my reviews I usually talk about the book and then if I have a question or get confused about something I add it on. For example. If the story switches perspectives from one P.O.A. to another but with seemingly no relation I ask why they decided to switch perspectives there. And if it connects in the next chapter I let them know that I understand now. Or if something is too predictable I will tell them but I also say good things. Is that enough? I say good as well because there is nothing worse than receiving a review where somebody just tears your work to pieces and unless they are a published author or a publisher it kind of hurts so I wouldn't want to discourage anybody.
It you can't find something to contribute, then maybe that kind of story or that author isn't right for you to review. Maybe with practice you'll get better--indeed, you almost certainly will.
What genres do you like to work in? What styles?
I've never been good at reviews. A reviewer I am not lol. I like young adult which is what I've been reviewing.
As with everything else, it's study and practice. Give yourself the time to do it.
Take a look at reviews by other people. Read them alongside the work. Do you agree with them? Do you disagree with them? Why? What did the previous reviewer catch, or miss?
Feel free to use my work, or my reviews. (The work is improving, I hope. The reviews tend to be windy.)
I always try to mention something in the book whether it's a character name, sentence or a place in the book and if there is something I didn't like or understand I tell them but not in a harsh way at least I don't think. Ex.
I really enjoyed this chapter. You captured a teenagers rebellious attitude perfectly. I was a bit confused though when you would suddenly switch between Elise and Bianca. Like when Elise was driving I thought it was Bianca and also when you switched p.o.v.'s in the middle of a paragraph. One of them began with Elise and ended with Bianca on the paragraph starting with "bodies everywhere. Bodies, bodies, bodies.
Other than the confusion your story was awesome and I would definitely continue reading it.
That was one of my reviews. Does it sound ok?
Mentioning character names are perfect, you're good! And good luck with this, for some it's not as easy, but it does get easier over time!
JR
Thank you! Any suggestions for receiving reviews? I've reviewed seven writers books but have received none in return and with the seven I reviewed two books or chapters each unless they only had one book and chapter. I'm new and I don't really know what to do. Any tips would be helpful 
Your portfolio shows empty. There's nothing for anyone to review! Have you taken the 'publish' step on your works? Have you published them to either the Premium or Free group where they can be widely seen?
Yes! The writers one. It took away 8.99 points.
I also have it set to allow group members and connections to see.
Everytime I choose allow group members and connections to view and confirm it, it goes back to private. It says that I used points to publish it to the writers group (the one that you are automatically in) I've tried to get it to go to connections and groups only about six times.
Thank you! Any suggestions for receiving reviews? I've reviewed seven writers books but have received none in return and with the seven I reviewed two books or chapters each unless they only had one book and chapter. I'm new and I don't really know what to do. Any tips would be helpful
Have you received any feedback from them yet? Most of us indicate when we reply whether you can expect a recip (majority of writers will recip around here) and when. Sometimes you just have to have patience, but it will happen. Just keep on reviewing, and don't limit yourself to YA either, I know it's a daunting concept, but you will really get the hang of it!
I've received a few replies but no offers to review mine plus I can't get mine off private!! It won't let me set it to allow groups and connects to view my story. I paid the 8.99 points to the nextbigwriter premium but it won't allow me to change the setting. I don't know what to do.
Everytime I choose allow group members and connections to view and confirm it, it goes back to private. It says that I used points to publish it to the writers group (the one that you are automatically in) I've tried to get it to go to connections and groups only about six times.
Meli
On the publish page, select "group members and connections" and tick the boxes of the groups you want to publish to. Then click on that red button that says "update publish settings".
Then you have to go down the page, and also publish the chapter separately.
Fingers crossed this works, otherwise, you need to ask Sol (username SolN) if he can find a problem.
Cheers Janet R
I've received a few replies but no offers to review mine plus I can't get mine off private!! It won't let me set it to allow groups and connects to view my story. I paid the 8.99 points to the nextbigwriter premium but it won't allow me to change the setting. I don't know what to do.
Once it's off private, you'll be okay. There is nothing wrong with what you are otherwise doing - keep on reviewing and things will start to happen! Promise!
Tje chapter says active and I have thenextbigwriter premium group checked and I confirm the uodate as well.
And I have over 15 points left over and I have a single chapter up.
Tje chapter says active and I have thenextbigwriter premium group checked and I confirm the uodate as well.
Just to be clear, to the left of where the green active block is, does the block have a green "yes" in the published column?
Well, as of about 40 seconds ago, I don't see it.
Well, as of about 40 seconds ago, I don't see it.
njc - that's the other problem, it can take up to 10 minutes before it will show.
TheNextBigWriter Premium → Am I doing ok with reviews?
