Scribd
Upload
19 views2 pages

Reader's Report Guidelines

The document outlines a structured approach for reporting on manuscripts, including key elements such as a synopsis, author background, writing style, storyline, structure, characterization, and dialogue. It provides specific headings to use for organizing feedback and emphasizes the importance of determining whether to request a full manuscript based on the initial pages read. Additionally, it instructs reviewers on how to handle edited manuscripts and the need for detailed notes if the work is not ready.

Uploaded by

macy.dame9
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
19 views2 pages

Reader's Report Guidelines

The document outlines a structured approach for reporting on manuscripts, including key elements such as a synopsis, author background, writing style, storyline, structure, characterization, and dialogue. It provides specific headings to use for organizing feedback and emphasizes the importance of determining whether to request a full manuscript based on the initial pages read. Additionally, it instructs reviewers on how to handle edited manuscripts and the need for detailed notes if the work is not ready.

Uploaded by

macy.dame9
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

WHAT TO REPORT ON WHEN READING MANUSCRIPTS:

1. Synopsis: Write in one sentence what the book is about (can be taken
from the author’s synopsis)
2. Author—What do they do for a living, what is their day job? Are they a
full-time writer? Do they have published books? Who published them or
are they self-published?
3. If non-fiction, is the author a professional on their subject? Does the
submission read well and is it commercial for today’s market?
4. If fiction does the writing style captivate you in the first 10 pages? If
so, read on. If not make a report as to why- using the following
headings:

Place this heading at the top of each sheet.


Book Title Your Name
Author Name Date
# Pgs. Read

Writing Style: Has the author got a good “voice”? Is there too much telling vs
showing?
Storyline: Is the story commercial in today’s market? Is it like any other book
you have read (provide example if so)? Does it make sense and is it
interesting?
Structure: Does the timeline flow? Is there a clear beginning, middle, end. Is
the structure of the manuscript clear and easy to read?
Characterization: Can you “see” the characters through their backstory and
actions? Are they distinct? Provide some character names
Dialogue: Does the dialogue match the characters and help the reader to
“see” the characters?

General Comments at the end.

If you read the 50 pages and you like them, ask for full manuscript. If not,
say not ready and state how many pages you read. You may stop at any
time, and do not have to read the whole 50 pages if it is not ready.
If it is the full manuscript and you like it, keep reading until you come out of
the story. If you read and like the whole manuscript, say ready, if not, report
as above.
If it is a manuscript that has been edited by us, and it is not ready, please
read at least 50 pages, and provide detailed notes, including page numbers.
Thank you.

You might also like