In the winter of ’25, Ooligan Press added Reader Reports to its acquisitions process.
A Reader Report is when someone reads a manuscript that’s been submitted to an agent or publisher and writes up an analysis. This report looks at the strengths and weakness of the story as well as how it fits in the market, then makes a recommendation for the publisher or agent to either accept or pass on the submission.
This report was on a manuscript originally called What the River Knew by Cindy Brown, the author of the Macdeath series. The title has since changed to Echoes of the Lost, and it will be out on May 12, 2026, also known as the same day my graduate thesis and final portfolio are due.
I’m so excited for this book to come out. This will be the first of a handful of posts on the same book, because I took part in several stages of its editing process. It’s a great mystery, and I can’t wait to read it in book form.
Because a Reader Report is more internal to a publishing company or literary agency, rather than a pitching document from outside, and because the reader is evaluating the manuscript as a whole and passing on the most important information to the publisher or agent, they often contain spoilers, and this report does include some mild spoilers for the tone of the ending. Read at your own risk, and then read the actual book!
Here’s the cover, designed by my Ooligan Press colleague who taught me everything I know about ebooks, Madelynn Sare. Again, I did NOT design this, but wanted to include it for the visual element of the cover, as well as to plug Madelynn’s work!
Chrys Buckley 