Those of you who have been in book clubs before know how quickly clashes can spring up. To avoid this, we are asking you to use this template to comment on all stories.

General Rules:

Motto: Honest and helpful, but never sugar-coated, feedback.

At the end of the story, leave a comment about the following.

1. Overall personal impression. (Examples: I enjoyed this story because I really like stories about dogs. I felt sad for the MC and was glad they didn't die in the end! This reminds me of a Hemingway story I read once.)

2. What didn't work for you and where you see the biggest problems with the story. Think: plot, pacing, characterisation, phrasing, reveal, use of vocabulary, concept. Do you have any suggestions for improvements to that?

3. What DID work for you and where you see the story's greatest strength. Think: plot, pacing, characterisation, phrasing, reveal, use of vocabulary, concept.

4. Would you recommend this story to a friend? Why or why not?  This is to let them know how marketable you think the story is. 

There is no required sentence amount, but make sure all 4 points have been addressed.

Feel free to make in-line comments, too. Make sure they are phrased in a friendly, helpful manner. That means: no command forms (ex: Change this. Take this word out. Remove.) or too harsh of language or opinions.

Use phrases like: "For me, this line...", "You might like to consider ..." or  "I'd suggest. . ."

VOTES ARE NOT REQUIRED NOR EXPECTED. GIVE THEM IF YOU WANT, DON'T IF YOU DON'T. 

FOR AUTHORS: when you receive a critique DO NOT ANSWER each and every comment. Only reply if what they write is not clear to you and you want more information, or if they ask you a direct question. (example: Do pears really grow like that in Indonesia?  Is that true?)

Otherwise, a simple "thank you for reading and commenting" is enough. Or, you can tell them what you found helpful. Keep it short and don't say too much.  

Remember, these are all opinions and you can take or leave what you want. Discussion, defending a choice or apologising gets you nowhere. We understand it's hard sometimes to keep your trap shut -- we want to bark people's heads off, too -- but it's best in the long run. 🙇 🙏