We've decided on an exclusion period for new entries in the Top Ten in the last seven days of each month. Having looked at proceedings over the first 3 months, this seems a fairer way for chapters that enter during the month to be more on an equal level with each other. This is how we see it working to best effect.

As members have seen, if a set of chapters enters within the last seven days, it may not have had the same fair balance of feedback from other members.

The Top Ten has to balance accessibility for those who may not have as much time as others, with a system of equal feedback - as far as this is possible.

You guys are so fair minded, is there nothing we can bribe you with?

By the way, if I upload a new version of Snagglefoot later in the month will it have to be in the chart 7 days before the end of the month to be in the running, even if the current version is on already?

Just keeping your brains busy.

How you tease us with such tantalising technical contortions. Ohh, I've come over all alliterative.

Hi Barryl

Thanks for your query. We don't have backdated Top Tens, but when the Best Sellers Chart is fully implemented you'll be able to see each set of chapters that has progressed there from the Top Ten each month.

Hi Crossmouse

Thanks for your query. It is indeed the date that a book got its fifth review, and chapters that would have qualified but got their fifth review within the last 7 days of a month will enter the next month. Currently your chapters have a Top Ten rating level.

Chapters that maintain a period of longevity in the Top Ten, even should they not qualify for a free critique, will enter the Best Sellers Chart, which will display the highest rated books. This will highlight these books, but also take a more sustained look at their ratings feedback e.g. a book that may have been lower rated in the Top Ten could find that over time its feedback surpasses other initially higher rated chapters. There will be a minimum of two months for a book to try to qualify for a free professional critique in the Top Ten before a highly rated book - through longevity -will enter the Best Seller chart even if it doesn't get a professional critique. Also, rewrites based on feedback tend to do better, so member can revise their chapters if the ratings are indicating that the current version isn't reaching the higher levels of the Top Ten. When the charts are expanded, books that 'drop off' the Top Ten will be displayed in their chart position in the Top Thirty.

The aim is to give everyone opportunity, but also to strike a balance so that the charts keep flowing and everyone has fair opportunity. We'll watch and explore the amount of rewrites re attempting to qualify for the Top Ten to achieve this aim.

When the new system comes in, we'll be adding the crib sheet of the rules on The Top Ten so everyone is clear on the process.

All very best and well done.

Hi Perry,

Congratulations, that was quick!

The answer is, as you suggest, that you won't find out till next month exactly how well you're doing.

Statistically, the odds must be against your getting precisely the marks to take you to 11 - plus, of course, five extracts above you will be whisked away to the Best Sellers on the 2nd October.

So your position looks very promising... Lexi

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I don't get it. My book went into the top ten on the 28th (or might have been 27th) feb. According to this rule that shouldn't have happened.

Also what are the 3 ways to get a professional review? I know you say that in the To 10 rules but i can only work out 2 ways. What am i missing?:

Thanks for the help. Great site. Some wonderful writing going on out there... You always get more of what you focus on in life...

DOh! Thank you.

You always get more of what you focus on in life...