Jessica's Review Policy
I have been a professional writer for
about 8 years, as of 2014. I think that stemmed from my love of
reading growing up. I was always reading books ahead of other kids
my age. By the time I was 10 or so, I was practically going through
them like candy. I couldn't get enough of them. It would be fair to
say I was addicted, but I can certainly think of far worse
addictions.
I am the type of person who has always
thought of a good book as a loyal, trusted friend. While I'll try
reading almost anything once, I have a habit of returning to my
oldest friends quite often. Even at the age of 33, I can often be
seen curled up reading the Chronicles of Narnia, Anne of Green
Gables, or a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys mystery.
I don't own a Kindle or any sort of
e-reader, and I don't really want to. I love the feel of a good book
in my hands. I have never lost the child-like giddiness that comes
from wondering what I'll find on the next page and actually feeling
myself turn that page. However, I am capable of reading manuscripts
on my laptop, as needed.
My tastes range from children's
classics (anything from Anne of Green Gables to Alice in Wonderland
to Robinson Crusoe) to mysteries and suspense (anything from Murder
She Wrote novels to the DaVinci Code) into the realms of science
fiction and fantasy (anything from Star Wars to The Lord of the Rings
to Harry Potter).
Actually, Harry Potter is the perfect
example of a book that spans just about all of my literary interests.
It's a child-like fantasy, it contains a lot of action and
adventure, it takes place in a (mostly) fantasy world, and it doesn't
hurt that there's an occasional mystery or secret passageway thrown
in for good measure. I love books with secrets, codes, and things
that make me think.
My tastes definitely don't include
romance novels. However, I don't mind a good sci-fi or mystery novel
with a touch of romance weaved in, if it's done properly and
tastefully. I will not review erotic stories.
I'm also much more interested in
fiction than non-fiction. However, a semi-historical fiction story
is always a good thing. For example, the DaVinci Code is one of my
favorite books. It includes historical elements, but puts them
together in new and interesting ways. If you would like me to review
a non-fiction or semi-non-fiction book, it needs to be something
along the lines of exploring the JFK assassination from a new angle,
putting a new spin on the search for the Loch Ness Monster, or
something else with an element of whodunnit or intrigue. Otherwise,
it probably won't be up my alley.
As for how I review a book, I start
with the general structure. Since I am in the professional writing and editing field, I am likely to notice any glaring typos or misuse of words in the books that I review. If your book has too many of those issues, I may list some examples of those issues and decline to review the book until it has undergone further editing. However, I am willing to review the book after those issues have been fixed. Another problem would be language that is just too
cerebral. Reading is a hobby for me, not a chore. So, I may reject
your book if I simply can't get into it. It needs to be
straightforward and entertaining.
Your book also needs to make some
degree of sense. The characters need to be clear, and the plot needs
to flow (more or less). It's one thing to immerse me in a fantasy
realm by making up certain things (for example, Tolkien's Hobbits or
Rowling's Quidditch), but it's quite another to simply expect me to
accept certain random things as true. Mrs Smith can't just pull a
button out of her pocket and go “Here's the answer to the mystery.”
How did she get the button in question? Again, if I find too many
glaring holes in your logic or reasoning, I'll be happy to review the
book after those problems are corrected.
Finally, it's important for you to know
your demographic. For example, if you want me to review a book that
is supposed to be for children ages 5 to 10, the vocabulary and the
plot points should be appropriate for that age group.
If your book passes those major tests,
I'll give it one of these ratings:
3: The book is structurally sound and
age appropriate, but it has some issues with plot, setting, or
general concept that distract or annoy me. It may not make sense in
certain areas, and it may not hold my attention well.
4: The book is clear, to the point,
structurally sound, age appropriate, etc. It's an enjoyable read,
but it doesn't immerse me in the story or hold my attention enough.
I don't have that “I can't put this down.” sort of feeling when I
read it. It's likely that there's too much or not enough of
something, such as dialog or scene descriptions. If I feel that way,
I'll explain why.
5: The book is beautifully written,
enthralling, and has elements that draw the reader in. In other
words, it's a real page turner. The story has to be more than just
believable. The plot and characters have to completely suck me in.
A rating of 5 may also mean that I feel as if the book could
potentially turn into a series or become a classic later down the
line. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that I think the book is
perfect. I'm not sure that there's any such thing as a perfect book,
even among some of my favorite classics. So, I may still indicate an
area or two where I see room for improvement.
If you want me to read a book that is
meant for small children, it needs to be fun and entertaining. It
needs to be something that I think children will actually like, not
just something that contains age-appropriate words.
If you want me to read a book that is
meant for teens or adults, it needs to make me think or use my
imagination in some way. Like I said, a good book is like a good
friend taking me on an exciting journey. So, please take me on an
interesting trip.
