Those words are one of WDC’s catch phrases, and they are probably the most important benefit of showcasing your writing on the site. We all appreciate reviewers taking the time to read and comment upon our work. A good reviewers will give you positive feedback about your writing, giving advice about the way your story/poem/chapter/article makes him/her feel. There is a reason I’ve underlined the word “positive”, because while reviews are something all WDC members hope to receive, you may find yourself disappointed by a few of them. And most of the time you shouldn't feel that way.

A positive review may not tell you your work is “the next best thing” or that you are “greater than JK Rowling/John Grisham/Stephen King”. A positive review will be encouraging and tell you where your reviewer feels you writing can be improved. A positive review may concern some criticism, but it will also be encouraging. Do not be offended if a reviewer gives you a lower rating – rather read through any suggestions made and see if you feel the ideas might improve your work. Concentrate on areas where you might improve your writing. Remember you don’t always have to incorporate the suggestions made; they are one person’s point of view. Another reviewer may give you a high rating, praising all the points the previous reviewer felt needed work. Don’t take a review to heart and don’t take it personally. Rejection and criticism are common companions to the written word, and many renowned authors have stories of publishers who didn’t like their work when they were first looking for a publishing deal.

A good way to interact with members of the site is to do a return review after receiving a review. After thanking the reviewer for taking the time to read, review and rate your work click on the suitcase next to the reviewer’s name and you’ll be take to his/her portfolio, where you’ll find something to read. If you’re unsure about how to prepare a review just click on the “reviewing” button on the top right hand side of your screen. This will take you to the Public Review Page, and there you can read the last 1,000 public reviews. This gives you an idea of how people review, and you might find a review that encourages you to read an item and write your own review. One word of advice: be respectful and considerate when writing a review. Always put yourself in the writer’s shoes, and think about how you’d feel if you were to receive the review you’re wanting to write.