Seventh Haven Writerly Advice & Review Shop | Open & Hiring |
Description
re·view
/riˈvyo͞o/ n. an evaluation of something, in this particular instance, your story to give you a thorough reader's insight on your story, with the possibility of recommending change according to reviewer's taste and experience with the writing craft.
Stories will be analyzed based on content, style, and merit.
About the Reviewers: secretseven // DemiDeveron (INACTIVE)
Rules for submission: Here.
Table of Contents: Here.
This will also have composition tips as I encounter them. Future reviewers may be assigned composition tips articles if they show interest and proficiency about the subject matter.
I started reviewing for Changtastic Review and Recc Shop which is unfortunately taken down now. I am still using ChangLord's Rubric as guideline, adapted, of course, according to how I see it applicable:
Edited: This shop is no longer issuing grades.
Title Are the story and chapter titles appropriate? Are they relevant to the content? Do they reflect the mood of the story? Is it original?
Presentation Is the font/formatting easy to read? Is the story cluttered? Is the background/poster distracting?
Plot Is the plot captivating? Is it realistic? Is there a (if necessary)? Does the plot work well with the characters chosen? Is the pacing acceptable? Is it confusing? Does the story feel disconnected?
Language & style Are there basic grammatical mistakes/typos? Do the mistakes distract from the overall story? Is the writing style mature and distinctive? If narrating, does the narration feel natural? Does the diction contribute to the story? Does the story attempt to involve more advanced literary devices?
NOTE: secretseven is an ESL writer, meaning to say, she is unfortunately not the best person to ask about grammar. She tense-shift like a tense- because she can't commit to tense-relationship. I am talking about verbs here.
Flow Does the writing read smoothly? Does the writer make fair use of transitions? Sentence flow?
Characters Are the characters realistic and relatable? Do they have depth? Do they grow or are they static? Do they ever act out of character? Are the relationships profound? Are the characters original and interesting? Do they evoke emotions? Are they relatable?
Originality & entertainment Is the story fun to read? Is it exciting or predictable? Is the dialogue interesting? Is the concept overused? Does the writer take a fresh perspective on an cliched plot, or is the writer merely reformatting an overused storyline?
Foreword
(No, Calvin.)
Hello there, daring venturers of the wild world of feedback!
I am secretseven. Almost everyone calls me sevvy, so don't be afraid to jump in that bandwagon. I am opening this shop to continue working on my editing skills. But seeing that I'm way too much of a lazy to actually seek betaship, I have settled for reviewing.
So let's get a few things out of the way:
What this is NOT:
- A place where you earn praises. No. This is not one of those shops that you go to because you have a fantastic, brain-hemorrhaging beautiful story so someone can fawn over your writing. No. This is a place where you come for constructive criticism. If you think your story is perfect and you are looking for recognition, this is not a place to submit your story. I am generally kind, and I do applaud people for their successes. However, this shop aims to help you improve in writing, hence it will nitpick on things to improve. If your story is perfect, you don't need to submit it here.
- A butcher shop. I do not take pleasure in hacking at your mistakes or weaknesses. I know that it is a very courageous act to show someone your work and actually, truly want to improve. But editorial guidelines is never just words, they are salt to your wounds. But know that I am not a malicious person. I do this not in some vindictive elitistic pleasure. I just adore writing and thinking about how a work can be improved is something I enjoy.
Facts you may want to know:
- I am doing this for myself as much as you because the art of editing is subjective, and I am pursuing editing professionally, so you are actually doing me a favour too! If you give me feedback on my editorial commentary that would be appreciated.
- This shop is currently just me and Devi who is currently inactive. But I am hiring! Please review Rules, Application & Request Status. Your application will include writing one review of your favourite story.
- This shop will close intermittently if it gets more than five requests per reviewer (which at the moment only consist of me).
- Earlier reviews have been written for Changtastic Review & Recc Services [page deleted]. Guidelines and rules adapted from said page.
- For multi-chaptered stories, I can't commit to reading your whole fic. I am only reading until you have my interest or up to 3 chapters or 8,000 words, whichever comes first.
- For one-shots, I will commit to reading your whole story or until 5,000 words if I get bored.
- You must give me access to cut and paste your story, so I can quote you in the review, and paste your story to a word processor, so I can do a word count. Failure to do so will render your story rejected for review.
- I only release reviews once a month, so the quality of the reviews are even. I will read your work more than once, and figure out some commentaries on how your story can be told better using literary techniques. This takes time. I will explain my thoughts, and I welcome any counterpoint arguments. Please be nice, as I always consider your feelings and I expect the same treatment.
- You do NOT need to UPVOTE this review shop, unless you really believe the reviews are helpful. Sincerity is always much appreciated. :)
If I could put out a banner I would, but this shop is currently UNDER CONSTRUCTION and is HIRING.
Looking for:
Reviewers
This review shop aims to dish out lengthier reviews, approximately 2,500-10,000 words. I know that sounds a lot of work! I just think there is always space to evaluate and explain, and taking that time is helpful to both the writer and the reviewer. I am only requiring one review per month, and I have reading caps to help you with time management. I am also available to be asked for advise or help or just general moral support.
Please do consider applying, the form can be found in the Rules, Applications and Request Status page (just hit next>>).
If you have any questions, the comment box welcomes your inquiring mind. :)
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