Questions to ask when reading
I’ve been recreationally reading since 2021 following a pretty damning reading slump throughout my teenage years, however I’ve always been scared to review any book I’ve read honestly. The thought of being perceived by anyone, especially an author, was daunting. However, to establish myself as a freelance proofreader, I had to get used to having an online presence. To combat this, I decided to create a separate Goodreads account and start posting book and ARC reviews.
I have compiled a list of questions I often ask myself when I am reading or preparing to write a review. It is also handy to use these when beta reading or editing!
Base Questions
Did you enjoy the story?
Why did you enjoy the story?
What would you rate the book?
What is the book about?
What convinced you to read this book in particular?
Story Questions
Does it open with a gripping first line or scene, one that compelled you to keep reading?
Does the action start soon enough? Or is there too much exposition and scene-setting?
Is it any good? Did you consider DNFing?
Does it make sense? Are there any plot holes?
Does it flow smoothly?
Is the pacing good?
Does the story have a satisfying climax? Does it come at the right part of the story?
Plot Questions
How was conflict executed in the story?
Was the plot easy to follow?
Was the plot too predictable? Or was the ending a surprise?
Were you invested in the characters?
Was the character and plot development done well?
Character Questions
Who was your favourite character and why?
Who are our main characters?
Were the characters consistent? Did their decision-making and actions make sense?
Which characters did you not like?
Was there a lack of character development?
Other things to consider
Is the dialogue believable and credible?
Are any sentences overlong and clunky? Would they be better off broken into two or more sentences?
Are the grammar and punctuation correct? Did this affect your reading experience?
Did you like the worldbuilding?
What were the themes in the book?
Is the book worth reading?
You don’t need to hit all of these points if you are writing a review or report; choose the questions you think are most relevant to whatever it is you are reading! I hope this can help you if you are struggling to find a place to start, but once you get the hang of things, it gets easier!
Lauren Ternent | The Editorial Geordie