  Noticing Newbies
This week: Simple Review Guidelines Edited by: esprit  
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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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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.
 - 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.
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. 
- 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?
- 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-Box" It's also linked below in Helpful Links.
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.
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.
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SUBMITTED ITEMS
Remember to read your neighbor's work too!
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Helpful Links
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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
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Comments on "Invalid Entry"
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
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 
laurencia
Your host this week is esprit
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Noticing Newbies: June 03, 2009 Issue [#3079]
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