Odile Sullivan-Tarazi

In this assessment, we’re looking only at the sort of story that follows the traditional conventions of story, whether of short story or flash length.

To be used holistically or with individual attributes

Many writing contests and book award programs use a 10-point scale, but sometimes without any clarifying labels or description. Nothing, that is, to anchor the qualitative in the quantitative.

From mechanical correctness to cohesion of thought

Although rubrics are traditionally tools used by teachers — and so perfectly aligned as tools for editors and reviewers as well — writers can benefit from studying them as well.

A rubric encapsulates degrees of mastery

When a piece of writing works well, everything coalesces into one beautiful whole. Conversely, when the writing falls short, it can sometimes be difficult to sort out from the tangle where it’s working and where not.

A high-level checklist for evaluating the substance of a collection (or anthology) of short stories

When reviewing a collection of short stories, whether for an awards program or for the purpose of writing a review, you’ll want to consider all the essential elements that go into the spinning of a fine story, short-form style.

A HIGH-LEVEL CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING THE SUBSTANCE OF a YA NOVEL

When reviewing a young adult novel, whether for an awards program or for the purpose of writing a review, you’ll want to consider all the essential elements that go into the spinning of a fine story — but through the lens of what resonates with teens, what they’re looking for in a story.

A HIGH-LEVEL CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING THE SUBSTANCE OF A MG NOVEL

When reviewing middle-grade fiction, whether for an awards program or for the purpose of writing a review, you’ll want to consider all the essential elements that go into the spinning of a fine story — but through the lens of what resonates with the audience. What kids in this age group are looking for in a story, and what it is they can handle.

A high-level checklist for evaluating the substance of a novel for adults

When reviewing a book, whether for an awards program or for the purpose of writing a review, you’ll want to consider all the essential elements that go into the making of a fine story. And to do that, you’ll want first to consider the category of fiction it is. From there, you dive into the story.

For a quick assessment of an indie trade book’s (either published or publication-ready) cover treatment

Use this “prompt” checklist as a quick check that everything’s as it should be in a trade paperback’s exterior, whether fiction or nonfiction. The book may be published or in galleys.

For a quick assessment of an indie trade book’s (published or publication-ready) interior presentation

Use this “prompt” checklist as a quick check that everything’s as it should be in a trade paperback’s interior, whether fiction or nonfiction. The book may be published or in galleys.

For a quick assessment of an indie trade book’s (published or publication-ready) interior presentation for text-based books

Use this “prompt” checklist as a quick check that everything’s as it should be in a trade paperback’s interior, whether fiction or nonfiction. The book may be published or in galleys.

Using a checklist keeps the work consistent

Checklists are an essential tool for ensuring that the editing you do is both comprehensive and consistent. Checklists can help you determine the level of edit a particular doc needs . . . and checklists can also help with quality related to doc type.

USING SYSTEMATIC QUESTIONING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO SAY OR WHETHER THERE’S MORE TO BE SAID

Editors are typically well familiar with working with checklists. Writers perhaps less so. But checklists can serve either role well.

USING SYSTEMATIC QUESTIONING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO SAY OR WHETHER THERE’S MORE TO BE SAID

Editors are typically well familiar with working with checklists. Writers perhaps less so. But checklists can serve either role well.