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:
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Assigning Senior Editor:
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Email:
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Strongly
disagree
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Strongly agree
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1
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2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
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8
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9
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10
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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.
