Authored by Cheyenne Clenney, UNG Press Intern
Whether you work in the publishing field or are an aspiring author yourself, the ins and outs of publishing a book can be overwhelming—and full of steps that you might not have ever considered. For instance, how does a manuscript actually get to an editor’s desk? Well, the process involves a reader’s report. A reader’s report is a stepping stone between the submitting of a manuscript and its acquisition, but what exactly is it?
A reader’s report is a 1–2-page written evaluation of a manuscript that assesses if it should be acquired for publishing. It is typically written by assistants and interns of literary agents, and it is read by agents and eventually acquisitions editors (Filament Publishing). From there, the press either accepts or rejects the book; the report must contain a detailed, definitive recommendation.
What do reader’s reports look like?
While the content within a reader’s report differs across genres, they are all structured similarly. Here is the general formula for a good report (Filament Publishing):
- Introductory paragraph that breaks down the basics: title, author, length, and genre.
- Concise plot summary that identifies what makes the manuscript unique and how it is organized.
- Critical analysis that describes the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript.
- Ultimate recommendation that states whether the publisher should publish the manuscript, including a polite draft pass note if rejected (All About Publishing).
What makes a reader’s report effective?
Reader’s reports are rhetorical—providing supporting evidence is key to writing an effective one. Quoting the manuscript, discussing style, pacing, or marketability, and using concise language are all ways to make a report more persuasive. Remember that you are making a recommendation, not a decision to publish.
Additionally, editors and publishers are looking for manuscripts that fit with their lists, so a description of the plot, target audience, and sales potential are expected (InterSECT Job Simulations). Reader’s reports are essentially a sales pitch for those who haven’t read the manuscript; you must be convincing!
How do reader’s reports vary across genres?
All reader’s reports should include the first two elements in the formula: introduction and summary. When discussing the strengths and weaknesses of a manuscript, however, there will be stark differences for separate genres. Reports for fiction titles might consider more plot-driven topics, such as predictability, pacing, or tense (Wingfield). Reports for nonfiction titles—especially academic books—might include more feedback on technicalities, like accuracy, thesis, and readability.
Why is writing a strong reader’s report important?
Reader’s reports are the key to getting a book in the hands of the right publisher, so making a strong recommendation is very important. Oftentimes, the editor or agent has not read the manuscript yet; the responsibility to inform them of plot and potential falls to the writer of the report. Backing the claim with evidence from the text increases credibility and makes for a “good” reader’s report.
The feedback given in a report is also beneficial to the author, who may very well face rejections before their manuscript is accepted for publishing. Revising and resubmitting can strengthen a draft considerably.
What are some tips for writing a strong reader’s report?
- Quote the manuscript at least 3 times (especially when discussing strengths and weaknesses!)
- Be direct: “My recommendation is that this manuscript should/should not be published by . . .”
- Provide a tagline for the manuscript in the introduction (not required, but helpful!)
Works Cited:
“Editorial Intern Tool Kit: What to Expect, Key Terms, and Readers Reports.” All About Publishing, n.d., https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/intropublishing/?p=1547.
“Humanities: Publishing.” InterSECT Job Simulations, 2024, https://intersectjobsims.com/humanities-simulations/writing-a-readers-report/.
“What is a Reader’s Report?” Filament Publishing, 14 Jul. 2018, https://filamentpublishing.com/2018/07/14/what-is-a-readers-report/#:~:text=A%20Reader’s%20Report%20is%20a,all%20of%20their%20own%20reading.
Wingfield, Claire. “Reader Reports.” Claire Wingfield Editorial and Literary Consultancy, n.d., https://www.clairewingfield.co.uk/reader-reports.
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