 Noticing Newbies: April 21, 2010 Issue [#3674] |
  Noticing Newbies
This week: Edited by: Crys-not really here  
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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
| Hello, may name is Crys-not really here and I'll be your guest editor for the Noticing Newbies Newsletter this week! |
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Six Common Errors Reviewers Make
So, you’re ready to start reading and reviewing some items on Writing.com. The process can be overwhelming, and everyone has their own reviewing style, so how do you know what to do and not do? I’ve compiled a list of six common errors reviewers make. These errors are all unhelpful to an author who wants quality, honest reviews. It only takes a quick glance at the Public Review page to see just how prevalent some of these errors are.
#1 “I saw some spelling errors throughout your story.”- It’s great to give authors a heads-up about spelling errors, but be specific in your review. Which words are spelled incorrectly? If the author doesn’t know which words are spelled incorrectly, how can they figure out how to spell them?
#2 “I’m so sorry you went through [insert terrible incident in your story/poem here]!”- Not all stories and poems are influenced by real-life events. It’s wise for the reader to check out which genres the piece is classified under. If it’s not explicitly stated that it’s non-fiction, don’t assume that the writer and the speaker are the same person. Besides, if it is a work of fiction “I’m so sorry you went through this!” doesn’t help the author rework or revise their piece.
#3 “This is a fantastic story with no errors!”- Maybe so, but most stories or poems contain something that can be improved upon. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be at WDC. They’d already be published somewhere and the author would no longer be asking for your opinion! Offer praise for things well done, but balance it with healthy suggestions as well.
#4 “Here is the entire contents of your short story with all of the errors marked in red…”- Ok, so reviewers don’t actually say that. But some of them do copy and paste entire stories into their reviews. The result is a review that looks twice or three times as long as it really is. Regardless of whether or not you’re providing a thorough critique in all of those words, it’s unnecessary and overwhelming to have all of those words on your page.
#5 “Hello my name is ______ and this review has nothing to do with your work. . .”- Uh, then why are you writing it? 
#6 “I don’t like giving less than 4 stars. . .”- You should give a rating based on your personal opinion of the piece, not on a rule that “everything” gets 4 stars. I’m even okay with members saying that they won’t review pieces they feel need more help than they are willing to give. But if you review something, you owe it to the author to be honest about their work. Giving everything 4 stars or higher diminishes the point of the star system.
I’ll admit that everything on this list is a pet peeve of mine. I’d love if you’d share your pet peeves when it comes to reviews. Use the form below and let me know what you think!
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b}Reviewing Resources
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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!
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Thank you to everyone who wrote in and voiced their appreciation for my newsletter last month on WDC Critique and Publishing Groups!
What a wonderful introduction to the groups that can help me with my writing. I really appreciate this.- Christine Cassello 
Great information on some of the groups WDC has to offer. I don't always have the time or take the time to go through everything available so putting it in this newsletter is very helpful.
Thanks! Cindy- clee
Thanks so much for providing this information. I want to get my work published but had no idea where to even start. These groups will be a great asset to me, even if all I do is get the in depth critiques I need. Thanks for all the hard work on the newsletter!- A.J. Barretts |
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