Tell me about a time when you had to provide feedback on a manuscript. How did you approach it?

Sample answer to the question

I had to provide feedback on a manuscript when I worked as an editorial assistant at XYZ Publishing House. The manuscript was a fiction novel submitted by an aspiring author. To approach it, I first read the manuscript thoroughly, taking notes on its strengths and weaknesses. I then compiled a detailed report for the senior editor, highlighting my observations and suggestions for improvement. I made sure to provide specific examples from the manuscript to support my feedback. After submitting the report, I had a meeting with the author to discuss my feedback in person. I approached the conversation with empathy and constructive criticism, emphasizing the positive aspects of the manuscript while also addressing areas that needed improvement. Overall, it was a collaborative process aimed at helping the author refine their work and increase its chances of publication.

A more solid answer

As an editorial assistant at XYZ Publishing House, I had the opportunity to provide feedback on a manuscript written by an aspiring author. To approach this task, I first read the manuscript multiple times to fully understand its content and identify its strengths and weaknesses. Using my strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, I then compiled a comprehensive report outlining my observations and suggestions for improvement. I paid close attention to detail, providing specific examples and quotes from the manuscript to support my feedback. Additionally, I utilized my strong organizational skills to structure the report in a clear and concise manner. After submitting the report to the senior editor, I arranged a meeting with the author to discuss my feedback in person. During the conversation, I maintained open and effective communication, utilizing exceptional written and verbal communication skills to convey my thoughts with clarity and empathy. I focused on highlighting the positive aspects of the manuscript while also providing constructive criticism for areas that needed improvement. Overall, my approach was aimed at fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that would help the author refine their work.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific details and examples to showcase the candidate's skills and abilities in the evaluation areas, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, and attention to detail and strong organizational skills. However, it can still be improved by adding more emphasis on how the candidate managed multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, which is one of the required skills mentioned in the job description.

An exceptional answer

During my time as an editorial assistant at XYZ Publishing House, I had the opportunity to provide feedback on a manuscript submitted by an aspiring author. To approach this task, I developed a systematic process that allowed me to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines. First, I read the manuscript attentively, taking detailed notes on its plot, characters, pacing, and overall structure. Next, I conducted extensive research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current literary market and identify potential areas of improvement for the manuscript. Utilizing my exceptional written and verbal communication skills, I compiled a thorough report that included a synopsis, an analysis of the manuscript's strengths and weaknesses, and actionable suggestions for improvement. I accompanied my feedback with specific examples and quotes from the manuscript to ensure clarity and relevance. Moreover, I utilized my strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to provide an insightful analysis of the manuscript's commercial potential and align it with current market trends. To ensure attention to detail and strong organizational skills, I created a comprehensive tracking system to keep a record of the manuscript's progress, author correspondences, and contract negotiations. Finally, I scheduled a meeting with the author to discuss my feedback in detail, approaching the conversation with empathy and professionalism. I highlighted the manuscript's unique qualities and praised the author's talents while providing constructive criticism to guide them towards further improvement. My comprehensive and thoughtful approach aimed at nurturing the author's career and increasing the manuscript's chances of publication.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive response that showcases the candidate's exceptional skills and abilities in the evaluation areas. It demonstrates exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, and attention to detail and strong organizational skills. The answer also highlights the candidate's capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, which is one of the required skills mentioned in the job description.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the publishing industry and stay updated on current literary trends. This will allow you to provide relevant feedback on manuscripts.
Develop a systematic approach for reading and evaluating manuscripts. Consider creating a template or checklist to ensure you cover all aspects of the manuscript.
Practice providing feedback on a variety of writing samples, including different genres and writing styles. This will help you cultivate your analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Improve your written and verbal communication skills by seeking feedback on your own writing and practicing delivering constructive criticism in a professional and empathetic manner.

What interviewers are evaluating

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.