What is a “Reader Notes” mean?

Our internal process is transparent, and pretty straightforward. Two readers independent read each submission. They score the submission and jots a few rough notes. Nothing fancy or long, just enough to job their memory about what they liked, or didn’t like, about the piece.

Why do I have to “opt in” to get “Reader Notes”?

There was a time when we always provided these reader notes to every person submitting, but we found some people just don’t want feedback. Or, they want to pick a fight with our feedback. In fact, we even got some hate mail… So, for a few years, we decided to charge for reader notes ($3USD), not because we wanted the money, but because we wanted to make sure you wanted the notes!

Recently, Fiction On The Web started the “Fish List” as a way to rank literary magazines. We really love the “Fish List” and one of their categories for scoring is providing reader notes for free. So, we decided on a compromise. We will provide the reader notes for free, but only to those who “opt in” to getting the notes. And, hopefully, this will spare us getting so much hate mail…

What is the “Reader Notes” feedback going to be like?

Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Like all literary magazines, we have volunteer readers. Some are great, some are still learning. Some are really supportive, some are kind of rude. This isn’t “Development Feedback” where someone does a full explanation of the pros/cons of your story. “Reader Notes” is a quick and dirty review that decides if your story moves on to the next step in the process.

Example Reader #1 - EQ is not explored adequately or made to be a significant part of the action -- in fact no mention occurs until briefly in the last scene. Mostly a rant, rather than a story, on the part of the protagonist.

Example Reader #2 - I agree with the first reader's comments that the author shows basic competence. I can see that the author spent considerable time and thought composing this story. I would recommend a writing coach. This is a recommendation I rarely make as one needs the basic talent or it is not worth the effort. I think the protagonist, needed some bitterness to do what she did. It might be better if her internal dialog read less like the author's narrative so it did not seem so much a rant. I think this author has potential. I see the main problem for ADC is that it does not fit well with the ADC format, that is, going back and forth, not knowing what is the right thing to do, and making moral choices complex. Characters need to be human on both sides. Not to say they aren't here. This story does not really divide into good guys and bad guys which kill moral discussions as it is clear.

“Reader Notes” Feedback Example

How is “Reader Notes” different than a “Fast Pass” or “Feedback/Critique submission?

A “Reader Notes” submission follows our regular submission process, the only difference is we include our unfiltered reader notes when we respond to your story in 6-8 weeks. It is free.

A “Fast Pass” submission means you skip the line, go straight to our editor, who reads and responds to your story within 3-5 days. He will include his brief thoughts/notes on your story as well. The cost is $25USD.

A “Feedback/Critique” submission follows our regular submission process, however, our Story Editor will go over your submission line-by-line and give you will get back and several hundred word review of your story with suggestions related to story, pacing, writing style and more. This is a fairly involved and time-consuming process, so the cost is $80USD.

Are my chances of getting accepted better if I use the “Reader Notes” system?

Nope. You get the exact same reading and consideration as everyone else. You just get to see our internal notes.

How do I submit via “Reader Notes?”

It’s easy! When you submit your story, just check the box that says “Reader Notes.”

How will you know my submission is a “Reader Notes” submission?

When you are sending us your story, you’ll check this “Reader Notes” box as part of the submission process to alert us.