How do you guys rate stories you read?

[Premier]

If I like it it's a 5, otherwise i don't rate it.

 

[Nhatduongg]

If I manage to read more than 10 chapters, automatically get a 5

 

[Kidd_Wadsworth]

I first ask if the story resides in the a genre I typically read. For example, even fantasy as a genre is quite varied. Often I will see a review--usually negative--from a person who obviously is unfamiliar with a particular sub-genre. So, if you are reading something very different from what you've read before I'd be cautious giving it a negative review. You may simply be doing the author a disservice while simultaneously looking stupid.

Second, I look for all the good things about the story, such as creativity. I have personally been amazed at the imagination I've seen displayed on SH. Humor is also very difficult to write and I believe should be applauded. (Especially, considering the divisions in the USA right now.) If creativity and humor are present I rarely give a review below three stars.

Things like grammar, even spelling, to me are unimportant. (Wow, I can't believe I said that.) I know grammar is important because we must understand what the author means. But to me what is most important is my emotional connection with the main character. If I have that, everything else sort of falls away.

To summarize from most to least important:

1) My emotional connection to the MC
2) Creativity and Humor
3) Mechanics such as grammar


--Kidd

 

[mitkopom]

If I manage to read more than 10 chapters, automatically get a 5

wow may be you can read 10 chaps of my story and give it a 5stars? I like those shining stars a lot!
As regarding the topic
5 stars if i like it and no rating in other cases.
I will give a 1 or 2 stars in very rare cases as punishment. for example slavery not announced in the tags or Synopsys

 

[Representing_Tromba]

I base it off of writing quality, plot, characters, pace, and enjoyment in that order. Each one represents a star I can give. If it has good writing then I will continue reading. Plot and characters are next as you can usually tell if the plot and characters are good based off of the first 10k words. The pacing is next as it isn't always the same. Some stories need a slower pace because of the characters and plot while others need to go faster. If the pace doesn't fit with the story but is consistent then it's okay. Lastly, enjoyment. This is weird because it is completely biased but if the story just feels good to read or creates an emotional connection to the story then I'll give it a star.

All in all, half stars = moderate or okay for each of these.
1 star for any of these = good or amazing, but I'll say what needs work and what is great in the review.

1 star = consider going back to the basics and try another draft.

2 star = needs some work but the base is there.

3 star = good enough to recommend.

4 star = better than most but could use some minor tweaks.

5 star = publish that as soon as it's done.

Any half stars means that something was moderate or just passing.