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Writer's Digest Review

Writer's picture: Kelsey ReynoldsKelsey Reynolds




Judge, 31st Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards review:


12/11/2023

Structure, Organization, Pacing: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

This book is exemplary in its structure, organization, and pacing. The structure of the chapters/parts aid in a compelling organization of the story or information. The pacing is even throughout and matches the tone/genre of the book.Structure, Organization, Pacing: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Production Quality and Cover Design:

The story is well-structured and well-paced.


Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

This book has spelling, punctuation, and grammar corresponding with the region of the world from which the author hails (ex. British English or American English) or with where the book is set (including slang, vernacular, or dialect). These choices are intentional and implemented consistently throughout with few, if any, errors.

Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Production Quality and Cover Design:

No errors were found.


Production Quality and Cover Design: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

This book is exemplary in production quality and cover design. The physical materials, printing, and binding are of professional quality and traditional industry standards. The typesetting and page layout (including illustrations, images, or figures) are easy to follow, thoughtfully designed, and error free. The cover appears to be professionally designed and is compellingly related to the content/genre of the book.

Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Production Quality and Cover Design:

The watercolor illustrations are exceptional.


Plot, Story, or Topic Appeal: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

This book is adequate in its choice of topic or theme for the story. It has few unique elements and therefore may only appeal to few readers in its intended genre. If the book is fiction or narrative nonfiction, the plotting is minimal, does not work as intended, and needs significant improvement. If the book is poetry or prescriptive nonfiction, the theme or delivery of information has potential, but needs significant improvement to work.

Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Plot, Story, or Topic Appeal:

This book is not age-appropriate. There is one page that could be linked to suicide ideation. Toward the end of the book, the author quotes Peter Pan, “One of the biggest adventures of life is to die.” This quote is taken out of context, and could be misunderstood by young children. It was written for World War I families who were struggling with the loss of loved ones. A small child might not understand the nuance of this quote. Just as children watch Superman and then try to fly, there should be a concern is for young children who might link death to an adventure. My second objection is the detailed and accurate skeleton decomposing in the compost. Since you are referring to the remains of an actual person, this could terrify children. Outside of these objections, the author takes on a contemplative view of death that includes many philosophies and religions. The conclusion is to live your best life.


Character Appeal and Development: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

Non applicable (for poetry and prescriptive nonfiction)

Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Character Appeal and Development (for fiction and narrative nonfiction only:

This is a themed story without the development of any characters.


Voice and Writing Style: Please choose the statement that best applies to this book.

This book is satisfactory in its voice and writing style. Both are generally consistent throughout but may need to improve on uniqueness. The style and tone may appeal to readers of its intended genre.

Optional: Additional reader commentary related to Voice and Writing Style:

The voice has thoughtful quality, but the author may have lost sight of her immature audience.


In a few explanatory sentences, please share with the entrant 1-3 of the most important aspects that need to be improved for this book to be more appealing/useful to readers and why.

You overlooked the sensitivity of a young audience. Children may take your words literally.


In a few explanatory sentences, please share with the entrant 1-3 things that you enjoyed or that readers will find compelling about this book and why.

The illustrations are exceptional. You make an insightful journey into a variety of religions and philosophies

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