READER’S GUIDE
Thank you for considering or volunteering your time to read and offer feedback to writers of manuscripts and/or e-books. If you know anyone who'd like to be a reader, please have them contact me at jls1422@yahoo.com.
Every writer needs and values this service.
I want to connect good readers and good writers!
My role is to ensure manuscripts and e-books in progress are worthy of your time as a reader.
Submissions must be approved by me for them to get posted on the genre page.
If you wish to be a regular reader, email your name and preferred email address to me at jls1422@yahoo.com. Your contact information will not be shared with anyone other than authors, unless I am to be the go-between.
How it Works:
1. Once a manuscript or e-book is approved by me, I contact you to see if you're available for a read.
2. You select the one(s) you’d like to read and offer feedback on; you contact the writer. All correspondence is between you--unless the writer (or you) prefers I act as the go-between.
3. Do not request a writer’s phone number or mailing address. Do not give them yours. However, you’re adults. If you exchange more than email information, you agree not to hold me or this site responsible in the event such an exchange sours. However, if you have a complaint about a writer, based on the advised interaction method, please contact me.
4. Writers may or may not provide a questionnaire. They will ask you to agree to keep their writing confidential, via email. Do not agree to confirm confidentialitly via fax, U.S. Post, or any method other than email. However, you know not to share, discuss, or use any part of such interactions or manuscripts.
5. If you prefer, keep emails with writers separate from your regular email account. Create a free email address at either Yahoo or Google’s gmail service--unless I act as go-between.
6. Writers will either tell you the time period they prefer your read and feedback take, or will ask you to tell them what you can commit to. Please honor your commitment. Contact them if your ability to keep the promised deadline changes. The average is two weeks.
7. Your role is to provide feedback on how good a read a manuscript or e-book is, if it flows, character and plot development, etc. Your role is not that of a proofreader or editor. If you choose to offer such comments, you may; but it isn’t your obligation, and writer know not to expect this of you.
7a. If you are a freelance editor, you can let a writer know this; but please don’t solicit your services as this is not the purpose of this Web site. However, should a writer choose to use your services, that arrangement and outcome is between you; and neither of you will hold me or this site responsible.
8. When you offer feedback, be honest and considerate. The writing process involves more work and challenge than many first-time writers realize. What you read is still in draft form; though the submission process makes it clear to writers that copy filled with errors will not be approved for readers. These works may or may not have been assisted by an editor before you read them. It’s not required. A writer’s editing, yes; editor, no.
9. Your feedback is truly valuable. However, a writer may or may not follow some or any of your suggestions. This may be important if a writer asks you to consider reading one or more revisions and you agree.
10. I've requested writers notify me if they are non-American writers. This is important for readers to know as certain spellings and punctuation rules differ.
11. Should submissions grow beyond what I can manage to read myself, this will become a paid freelance position for readers.
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