Reviewing New Writers By Harriet Silkwood, Mon Dec 26th
New writers are very vulnerable and need to be handled gently,but not with kid-gloves. Keeping a friendly tone is veryimportant for the reviewer. Because we are working online, wecan't see each others faces or body language. You may slip intoa tone that sounds arrogant and bossy to the author, but iscompletely opposite your intention; especially if there are alot of errors or suggestions to make, and the reading wasn'teasy. Your mood will show through. It isn't easy to giveconstructive suggestions and avoid destruction of self-esteemwith the same comments. It's always good to sum up your commentswith a few friendly words of encouragement, and always, alwayspoint out the good stuff! Pointing out every technical error or element issue in onereview can be overwhelming to new writers and the reviewer. Theideal way is to work with them step-by-step. Small writinggroups are helpful for this. As a reader/reviewer of novice writers, I try to look past thespelling errors for the story hidden within. Knowing the authorlikes what he wrote, my job is to help him see how a few changesmay make it better. Sometimes it's impossible and I advise himto correct the spelling and I'll try again.
#a side note: I think those who advise against editing until thestory is finished
must not be active readers or reviewers ofnovice writers. Proofreading and spell checks should be donebefore posting for reviews. True self-esteem can only be built on truth. When someone hastruly accomplished something good from a bad first draft,they'll know; they can feel it, and will be justly proud. Toavoid hurting a writer's feelings, especially a young writer,you may be tempted to tell them their work is well written, whenit wasn't. Leave that to their family and friends, it's theirjob. The writer joined a writing site in order to learn how towrite; don't deny him that opportunity or the pride ofaccomplishment. Any item can be improved with honest reviews ifthe writer wants to work at it. Never rewrite it for him, itwill no longer be his work and he will trash it. I would. Reviewing honestly is an integral part of writing - and it'sdifficult to do. Reviewers can get a reputation of being unfair.This is a valid concern, and I too, have it. Remain aware ofyour tone and always encourage, it will do you both good. About the author:Harriet is a reviewer of new writers and has written manynewsletters and articles on the subject of novice writing andreviewing with common sense and encouragement. Her portfolio canbe found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/storytime She is anauthor on a site for CreativeWriting ( http://www.Writing.Com/ ) |