Is your story all it can be?

You've nourished this idea from a seed through the rough first draft into the novel you now save to your computer. But have you spent so much time lassoing your characters into shape that you've overlooked important details?

Check out the following questions used by readers at a publishing house to see if your story would make the grade. Be honest.
(I hope this comes through without the 'extra' instructions.) 

Reader Evaluation

 

Manuscript Title:			Assigning Senior Editor:
Your Name:			Email:

 

Strongly disagree									Strongly agree
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

Please type the number that most agrees your point of view directly after each question. If the question doesn’t pertain to the story you have just read, please leave it blank.

 

READER INFORMATION

 

1.            This story fell into the normal genre I enjoy reading.  [    ]

2.            I am well versed in the subject matter of this story (example: medical expertise, historical knowledge, myth and legends surrounding this type of story.  [    ]

3.            What genre do you believe this fits. [  ]

OVERALL THOUGHTS

 

1.            The author told a good story. [   

2.            The story was fast-paced with little or no slow sections.  [    ]

3.            The conclusion of the story left you completely satisfied.  [    ]

4.            There were no questions left unanswered.  [    ]

5.            The outcome of the story made sense and did not deviate from the overall direction in which the story moved.  [    ]

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Introduction of Characters and Plot

1.            The first chapter was written in such a way that the story and its characters compelled me to keep reading.  [   ]

2.            The setting of the story was quite apparent, and I had no problem visualizing where the characters were.  [    ]

3.            At least one of the main characters was introduced by the end of the first chapter.  [    ]

Please indicate       Yes  [    ]        No  [    ]

b.                            Because of the information given, or the actions of this character, I developed a reader relationship with the characters (good or bad)  [    ]

PLOT DEVELOPMENT

1.            The idea for the story was plausible.  [   ]

2.            The story moved from scene to scene at a logical pace.  [   ]

3.            Contrivances did not save the story. All things happened for a logical reason.  [    ]

4.            Characters did not disappear simply because they had served their purpose.  [    ]

5.            There was at least one plot point—a twist that was not expected.  [   ]

6.            The story was action and suspense filled. OR the characters emotions held you captive to the climax of the book.  [    ]

CHARACTERS

Heroine (or main character, General Fiction)

1.He/She was a very believable character.  [    ]

2.         His/Her motivations were strong and clearly defined.  [   ]

3.         When He/She deviated from normal behavior, there was a reason for the action besides furthering the story.  [    ]

Hero (or main character, General Fiction)

1.            He/She was a believable character.  [   ]

2.            His/Her motivations were strong and clearly defined.  [    ]

3.            When He/She deviated from normal behavior, there was a reason for the action besides furthering the story.  [    ]

SECONDARY CHARACTERS

1.            The secondary character(s) were a needed asset to the story.  [    ]

2.            The secondary character(s) were as strongly built as the main characters.  [   ]

3.            The secondary character(s) were a constant in the story. (They did not pop in and out to change the logical direction of the plot)  [    ]

WRITING/STYLE

1.            The style in which the author writes enabled me to enjoy the story.  [   ]

2.            The were no abrupt point of view changes in the story.  [  ].

3.            There were little to no obvious misspellings or wrong word usages.  [    ]

4.            There were little to no incorrect grammar problems.  [    ]

5.            The manuscript was presented in a very professional manner. It was as ready for publication as the author could have made it.  [    ]

6.            I would willingly read other submissions by this author.  [    ]

7.            I feel this would make a good addition to the Wings line and it would be an asset to the company.  [    ]

8.            I feel this story uses the five senses to the reader’s advantage. [    ]

 

SUPPORTING ELEMENTS

1.            Any sexual scenes in the book were written in a tasteful manner and not overly graphic. [    ]

2.            The violence in the story was a needed plot element and was not overly graphic. [    ]

3.                   There were no scenes written which portrayed on stage cruelty or violence or violence toward adults of either sex, children or animals, which appeared to have been written solely for shock value. [   ]

4.                   The language used in dialogue and direct thought as well as monologue was not overly vulgar or offensive. [    ]

ADDITIONAL READER THOUGHTS

 

Please take a moment to address any major points about this story that you feel the Senior Editor needs to take into consideration while reviewing this book for possible publication. A major point could be something with which you agreed strongly or disagreed with—something you feel warrants an explanation. Another item might be that you feel part of the manuscript needs to be addressed for its good or bad points.

 

Sable Angel