A review is an assessment of your story accompanied by suggestions for improvement. In a way, it’s like an annual review with your boss or a school report card – they tell you a bit about what you’re doing right and offer you some suggestions on how you could do better.

It is an excellent method to know if your story is strong, prior to sends it to an editor. A good review can make the difference between publication and rejection.

Do you want someone to read your work and tell you how to improve? Exchange opinions with another person. Not only do you get the opinion of another writer, you also improve your own skill set. By critically reviewing the work of others, you learn what works and what doesn’t, and you can apply it to your own writing.

Here are ten things to look for when evaluating the work of others:

1 – Hook

The hook is the first line or paragraph of the story: the opening. Is it enough to interest the reader? Is there a balance between dialogue, action and narrative to set the hook? What works or does not work? How can it be improved?

2 – Character

Discuss the credibility of the characters. Are they well rounded or just two-dimensional? Are they cartoons or stereotypes? Are the characters’ actions consistent? Are their motives understandable? Are the plot and motifs of the characters synchronized? Provide strong examples to demonstrate your point of view.

3 – Configuration

Creating a credible world is crucial. It should also help set the mood. Discuss whether or not the setting is right for the story and give examples of what works and what doesn’t. Is the locale description too much or too little? Did the mood improve? Can you visualize the stage? Can you imagine what the characters see, hear, taste and smell?

4 – Plot

Does the plot make sense? Did the events occur in a logical order? Did the story start in the right place? (Maybe not, if there’s no apparent hook, or if the story looks like the author didn’t get to the point right away.) Discuss the difficult points. Did the story have a beginning, a middle, and an end? If in a particular genre, did it work? Is it appropriate for the chosen audience? Does the rhythm work throughout the manuscript?

5 – Topic

Not all authors write a story with an intentional theme in mind. However, one usually develops at the end of the story. As you criticize, consider whether the story has an open topic and what it is about. If a topic comes up, does it work? Can you rephrase the topic in a single sentence? Is the story plot or plot appropriate for this topic?

6 – Conflict and resolution

Is there enough conflict in the story to create the right tension? If not, what stops the tension from building up? What could be changed to increase it? Is the story solved too easily? If so, is that a reflection of the characters or the plot?

7 – Dialogue

Is the dialogue realistic? Do you forward the plot? Is it obvious who is speaking? Are enough dialog attribution tags used? Are too many labels used? Cross out said bookisms-Attribution of dialogues that are impossible (he smiled, she hissed, sniffed) or those that explain the conversation (he demanded, she insisted, etc.).

8 – Viewpoint

Review the characters and their roles in the story. Are there jarring changes in the points of view of the characters within a scene? If a scene doesn’t work, is it possible that another character has the point of view to carry the plot forward?

9 – General Grammar / Language / Writing

This is a detailed test of grammar, language, and writing. In the manuscript, mark awkward passages, misspellings, hackneyed or overused sentences, incorrect grammar, poor transitions, etc. Point out passive verbs and cross out unnecessary adverbs. Look for places the author may have He said more than him He showed. Were there metaphors or analogies? Did they work? Was there a balance between narrative and action? Did the pattern of the sentence change? Has the author committed a Freudian slip or written in some anachronism?

10 – Summary

Summarize the general impressions of the manuscript. Did you like the story? Why or why not? Did it work as a whole? Did you feel cohesive? And the title? Does it work for the story? Why or why not? Please note whether or not you believe the story is marketable and provide a strong reasoning for the belief, especially if you do not believe the piece is marketable. If you think it will sell, please suggest one or two markets for which the manuscript may be relevant.

Even if you meet face-to-face to discuss the stories, always provide the author with a written copy of your comments. He should do the same for you. It is useful in providing a detailed observation of the writing and can be useful in providing a coherent and articulated oral review.