Writing a Reader's Report

I have to write a reader’s report for a potential client and I thought the process may interest some of the writers and curators on Steemit.com.

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A Reader’s Report is a one-page brief on the manuscript’s main plot-points and commercial potential – marketability, film, TV and series potential, other titles in the same (or similar) genres/categories.

Usually, an Editor will write a reader’s report to give the publisher an idea whether the book is worth going ahead with. In this instance, I’m writing a reader’s report for a client to see if there are areas where the manuscript can be improved upon.

If the manuscript is a shorter piece – 50 pages, give or take - then half a page is fine.

Research your stuff! Speak to the Author – or at least read their Bio(s). Look at similar titles in the genre to see how it compares with the ‘competition’ (it’s not a competition, by the way).

If you know the manuscript is not up to scratch, don’t spend time trying to justify your instincts. Say no if you don’t like the book.

As I said, in this instance, for my client, if I don’t believe the book is up to scratch, I’ll be offering my advice on editing and other improvements.

Use a header:

Report by - Your name, the date, the title.

A short description next:

Genre, short (very short) summary of the book, mentioning the main protagonist.

Deadlier – By A.N. Onymous is a Horror/Urban Fantasy telling the story of Hazel who needs to prove her worth and fight for her place in a tough society or die in the attempt.

Summary:

For example -
Protagonist’s aims and goals first. Second, the hurdles he/she faces. Third, the possible solutions to the problems. Finally, the success/failure of the project.

Hazel has to make her way in a male-oriented world, fighting for her place in the greater scheme of things in a society she has been thrust into. She has made an enemy of Darius, one of the more senior members of the new society and he seems determined to ensure she fails. She has spotted his guile and slyness and must persuade other, higher members of the society that he isn’t as benevolent as he appears and is in fact a danger to their way of life. At last, the plot to overthrow the hierarchy is foiled and Darius’ plot is discovered and his aims are thwarted. Darius is ostracised and Hazel realises she has made an enemy for life.

Commentary

What you loved about the story, what you hated – If this is for a client, I always recommend constructive criticism. Give the good points first, to soften the blow of any bad points. Finally finish on a good note – destroying someone’s confidence in writing is not my aim and I’ll never ‘Author-Bash’ for the sake of it.

As an Author, I know we’re putting ourselves in the firing line as soon as the book is published so we should try to grow an iron hide for such eventualities as someone taking a severe dislike to our work, but as a reviewer, there’s no need to be vicious.

If the report is going to the publisher and the book is really terrible, then you do, of course, owe it to your boss to give exactly what is wrong with the book. If they then decide to give feedback, as a professional, they will sift through your report and give constructive criticism to the Author.

Bio

To hand in a more comprehensive Reader’s Report, do your ‘due-diligence’ and find the Author’s bio. Write it in third-person and add it to the report.

Conclusion

This story would fit in with the werewolf/vampire scene – polishing and editing could be better and I recommend Deadlier on this basis.