Like any mother, writers only see what they want to see in their “children.” It takes that expert critical eye of another person to identify the steps we need to take to make our written offspring as good as they can be. Recently I got the benefit of the Finesse Writing and Editing Services' “critical eye” on a story I had written for the Faithwriters’ Challenge. The remarks made and suggestions given for improving what I had written were precise, professional, comprehensive, and gently delivered. The input was valuable and much appreciated. Lynda Schultz, Timmins, Ontario

I've never seen such a complete and detailed report. It was honest and it was fair. If you feel you're stuck in a writing rut and don't know why you aren't moving ahead, I encourage you to look into this service that's available to FaithWriters' members for a very nominal fee. I won't look at my entries the same way again, I can promise you.  Mariane Holbrook, North Carolina

I appreciate very much the ratings feedback report I received for my poem in the Challenge. The criticism was constructive without being unkind and showed me exactly the writing areas most needing attention. I particularly like the new rating criterion: How publishable is this entry for its target audience? I will definitely work in the future on the specific suggestions for improvement. Verna Mitchell, North Carolina

The ratings feedback was very helpful to me as a wanna-be writer. I will use the suggestions in my future entries in the Faithwriters'  Writing Challenge. Thanks again and blessings to you and all at FaithWriters. Brenda Rice

The ratings feedback report for my entry in the Century Challenge was very helpful for my growth and confidence as a writer. I highly recommend this assessment.  LeRoy Dean, Wordsmith's Creative Writing Journal

In college, I enjoyed writing research papers and stayed with the rigid instructions of just the facts. I excelled in those papers, but since having a Ratings Feedback done on one of my favorite Challenge entries, I have discovered that creative writing is so much more than just an informative term paper.    The Ratings Feedback Service is somewhat like a critique of a research paper in that it provides an analysis of each of the criteria the judges use. Under each area, it list what ratings the judges reported. According to the judges my story read more like a report; telling instead of showing.   Even as an occasional writer, getting the Ratings Feedback is a valuable tool to utilize, and I highly recommend this service. I will use it again and again, until my brain realizes that creative writing is not the same as writing college research papers. Barb Culler, Southern California

I really appreciate the thorough approach taken with this report. The comments are very interesting, and will be most helpful as I work through them and apply them to improve my writing. Lois Farrow, New Zealand

I really wish I could have the ratings feedback report for every challenge entry that I submit...and even for other writings I've done! It not only showed me specific areas I should work to improve but also told me what I did well, which will make doing revisions easier.  Megan Starbuck, Georgia.