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Prepare your software in advance of a software review.

Different reviewers from different magazines and review sites use different criteria for reviewing software, so it is important to realize and understood that applications might garner very different reactions from different reviewers. Additionally reviews and reviewers are subjective. Keep in mind that reviews are opinions and nuances of different reviewers might be evident in thereviews of the same application.

That said software developers should properly prepare for reviews and areas that are typically looked at during the review process. Software reviewers tend to look at a variety of criterion to rank and evaluate software.

Prior to requesting a review from a specific reviewer, read their past reviews. Pay attention to the areas they are most critical. How will your software fare? Did the reviewer consistently comment about documentation? Do the reviewers favor built in wizards?
Do the reviewers prefer standard menus and hot key use?

Identify any areas where your software may have an issue and implement improvements, so that your software is sure to shine in the review.

Regardless of the criteria used for a review most reviewers take the following into account.

Install / Uninstall
Pay specific attention to the install process. This will give the reviewer their first impression of the software. Does the software safely install and function; does the software uninstall without damaging or changing existing files? How easy is the software to use and figure out? The easiest way to get a bad review is to damage the reviewer system during the install or uninstall process.

Support
While reviewers do not need documents for general use they might refer to documentation and figure out a specific feature or function. Prepare thorough documentation or implement in application contact sensitive help to direct users. Most reviewers are accustom to testing and reviewing a large number of applications. Reviewers do not generally take the time to read the documentation they expect the software be easy to "figure out". If your software is complex consider implementing a wizard or startup demo that walks users through basic use.

Some reviewers provide a list of review criteria that they use to rank software. Check the review website or ask for a checklist prior to the review.

Additional Resources:
Childrens Software Evaluation Criteria - http://www.childrenssoftware.com/rating.html

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