Every so often, I read a post either on YWS or off YWS by someone talking about how a literary work they posted isn't getting any reviews. So here's a list of seven reasons why your work may not be getting reviews:
1. You're not reviewing
Before reading a new work, a lot of people here look at two things: (1) the number of reviews you have done, and (2) when you joined. If you've done zero reviews but just joined, then it's forgivable. But if you've done zero reviews and you've been here for a couple weeks, then it's not forgivable.
2. You're not reviewing enough
If you review a lot, people recognize you and people are more willing to read something by a name they recognize. The more you review, the more you'll get reviewed.
3. You do review, but your reviews aren't that good
A lot of times, you can look at a review and know the person never read the work. Length has nothing to do with it; a review that spends 500 words critiquing a single sentence can be just as bad as a review that says "This is great!" However, do make sure you spend at least 10 to 15 minutes per review.
4. Terrible Title
Very few writers put enough thought into their title, even though it's the most important element of your work. You want to go with something that sounds interesting and doesn't annoy the reader. So titles such as "Untitled" and "Read This!" will lead to fewer reviews. In fact, you're lucky to get even one with that latter title.
5. Terrible Opening Paragraph / Stanza
The first part of your work should get a lot of attention because that's the part the reader is going to see first. In fact, it's also going to be the only time you're going to have the reader's undivided attention. So make sure it's well-written before submitting.
6. You Were Lazy in Writing
YWSers don't mind reviewing something that sucks. We're here to help after all. However, a lot of YWSers do mind reviewing something where it's plain the writer was lazy. Forgetting periods at the ends of sentences and improper capitalization are both marks of laziness since you learn both in first grade. The biggest sin though? Not running spell-check. In this day and age, misspelling a word shouldn't happen.
7. Your Work Is... Really Quite Good
Reviewers love to review something with a lot of mistakes. It just gives them a lot to review. But when a work is really good, everyone feels like they have nothing to contribute. Plus, they know the stigma of saying "This is great", and so they choose to simply say nothing at all. Whether or not this applies to your work is always going to be hard to tell though.
So there you go! Seven reasons why your work may not be getting reviews. And don't forget, there is a "Will Review for Food" forum in the Writing Resources Area.
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