What is a reader's report?

What is a reader's report?

Alexandra Pringle (Editor in Chief) gives expert video advice on: My rejection letter was very short - what does this mean?; My rejection letter was full of detailed criticism - what does this mean?; My manuscript was returned really quickly - what does this mean? and more...

A reader is somebody who is employed by the publisher to read the manuscripts that are submitted. They will sit in a room in the publishing house, or sit at home, and they will read the manuscript. Then, they write a report which is one or two pages, which give a synopsis of what the book is about, what the themes are, the characters, the plot, etc., and then a summary of what they think of the strengths and weaknesses. At the end of it, they recommend whether it should be taken further and looked at seriously for publication, or whether the book should be rejected.