I have been using episode for roughly 1 year now. I have read everything from action, to drama to romance, to fantasy, etc. I have read featured stories, popular stories, and stories with less than 100 reads. I have also helped a few authors with coding their stories. I am absolutely obsessed with Episode and I think it’s a wonderful and unique platform of entertainment.
I noticed it’s very hard to get attention if you’re a new author. I think a lot of newer authors could benefit from some constructive criticism and some tips and pointers. From what I’ve observed, if a story really is THAT amazing, it will EVENTUALLY get noticed. But, it has to be spectacular. And I want to help people achieve that in any small way I can by giving them some advice in my reviews.
If you post your story here, please know that I will not be sugarcoating how great your story is. Unless your story actually IS amazing, I won’t blow hot air and say it is. I believe that most stories have the potential to be amazing though. And that a lot of newer authors deserve more reads and more notice.
So, on to the important things: I have a lot of passes, hundreds actually. So I will read 3 chapters of your story if you post your story here. And I will give you a rating based on the following criteria:
- Storyline/Plot: How engaging is your storyline? Is the plot good? Does it have potential to enthrall and engross readers?
- Grammar/Syntax: How good is your grammar? I understand English is not the first language of many Episode readers, but since the stories are in English, your grammar and syntax must be excellent in order to keep people reading.
- Directing/Spot Directing/Zooms/Layering: How good is your directing? Do you use advanced spot directing, and if so, how well do you use it? Is it executed properly? Are the characters at the correct spots and are they layered properly? This is a make or break thing when it comes to stories. People will stop reading if your directing isn’t good.
- Story Title/Cover/Description: This is EXTREMELY important. I will be judging you on this, because every other reader will be judging you on this. Everyone judges a book (or story) by its cover. It may seem unfair, but it’s the truth. Is your story title engaging? Is your cover attention-grabbing? Does your description have perfect grammar and does it entice the reader to click your story?
- Chapter Length: Are you chapters the appropriate length? (Roughly 10-20 minutes) Do your chapters end in the correct place, story-wise? Does it make the reader want more? Are readers wasting a pass on your 5 minute chapter? These are all important questions! You have to give the reader a substantial amount of story in each chapter. They should feel satisfied after every chapter, and they should want to read more.
Character Appearance: Do you offer CC? If you don’t, you’d better have a good reason why! It’s harder to get reads if you don’t offer customization, and there should be a VERY specific reason as to why customization is not an option. How good is your CC template? Do you offer ALL the features? I will be judging you on this.
Character Quality: How interesting are your characters? Over the course of the story, is there character development or do your characters act the same way all the time? Is your MC likable, relatable or at least interesting? Is your love interest a likable person as well? If there is no love story, then I will focus on platonic/family relationships. How do you develop these relationships with your writing?
Choices: Do you offer choices throughout your story? Do the choices impact the story? I understand that they might not within the first three episodes. But choices make a story SO much more interesting and they make readers feel like their opinion actually matters.
Music: Do you use music in your story? Even if you prefer stories with no sound, you should use music for those readers who like their stories with sound. If you don’t use music, your story will be less likely to succeed. How well do you use music - do your scenes fit the sounds that you use?
Speech Bubbles:
- Do the speech bubbles cover the characters’ faces? Do they indicate that the correct person is speaking? Are they the correct size and in the right spot?
Additional things I will judge that will not affect your story score:
FANMAIL: Are you responsive and courteous to your fans? Remember that without them your story wouldn’t have any exposure. I don’t like reading stories written by bratty authors. This won’t affect your story score, but it will affect people’s perception of you
RULES
1.) Do NOT spam this thread. ONE post is sufficient for me to read your story. If you post more than once or get pushy, I will ignore you and move on to the next person. Please be patient.
2.) Please try to be courteous and don’t be rude to me or anyone else participating.
3.) Again, be patient. It may take me a few days to get to your review.
4.) Understand that my review is NOT personal. I am simply trying to help you improve your story.
5.) If you improve your story and then want me to re-review it, please make a note of your improvements before posting a second time.
Thanks, and I hope to read many great stories soon!
I would like to know what can I improve in my story
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