Too often, I’ve come across reviews that either make me shake my head or, quite literally, “headdesk”. It does get quite difficult to restrain myself from wanting to write reviews for these “reviews”.

It seems to me that, here on AFF, the concept and notion of reviewing isn’t being taken as genuinely as it should. Sure, people argue that 'it’s no big deal' and question the need to 'take it so seriously', but reviewers need to understand that, like your fanfic, a review is also a formal piece of writing.

As soon as you accept the request and call yourself the reviewer, you are being placed in a position where the author of the fanfic has placed their trust in you – they approve of and have faith in your ability as a reader, a writer and a critic. They have placed the fanfic, which they have spent good time and effort (well, we hope they have) nursing and raising into the story they think is presentable to an audience, into your care, hoping you can improve it and give it the extra enhancement it needs. And when it comes to placing their cherished piece of art into the capable hands of someone who is supposed to critique, assess and, well, review, you are expected to do the job “properly”.

And so, what defines “properly”? This, of course, varies from person to person, or, in this case, reviewer to reviewer, and so these tips are simply my point of view and perspective on reviewing. People may disagree with me, and if that’s the case, I’d love to hear your opinions and approaches, too.

I am not saying that I am the most amazing reviewer, or that everything I do is “proper”, nor am I implying that I am somewhat superior to all other reviewers out there, but as a reviewer with at least a year’s experience, I have seen the likes of “good” and “bad” reviews, and I’d assume it to be safe to say that I do have an idea of the basics and what should and shouldn’t be done.

These tutorials are not rants; I have written them with the sole purpose of giving advice and tips for those who may have questions in relation to the world of reviewing. The chapters will vary in length, too, depending on the importance of each topic and how much I have to say on them. Some should be pretty self-explanatory, anyway.

Oh, and of course, if you have any questions or things that you want me to cover, feel free to drop them in the comments. Also, if you have anything to add or disagree with anything I have proposed, you’re also more than welcome to let me know and share your opinions, too. :)

I do genuinely hope that you all find this helpful in some way!

Thank you to The Party Scene Graphic Shop for the beautiful poster and background!!! <3