Errors on score cards- I disagree. Am I wrong?

[Kace Gauthier]

So my review got rejected, I'm still learning the ropes and I'm sure it had more to do with the grammar problems, that is not why I am posting this, but this sentence is bothering me SO BADLY! Okay, here it is.

"I’m not a fan of authors doing this, but the actual story, the science fiction, and the horror that gave me nightmares is what kept me reading."

Both score cards changed is after nightmares to are and I feel like that's wrong.

[Diana Lowery]

Your independent clause has three subjects: the actual story, the science fiction, the horror. That compound subject requires a plural verb. For example: The apple, the banana, and the peach are what I put in the fruit salad. The editors are correct.

[Claudia Angelucci]

Your independent clause has three subjects: the actual story, the science fiction, the horror. That compound subject requires a plural verb. For example: The apple, the banana, and the peach are what I put in the fruit salad. The editors are correct.

Sorry Diana, I disagree.
The phrase "the actual story, the science fiction, and the horror" is treated as a singular entity because it represents a singular concept or idea, even though it consists of multiple elements. When discussing a collective or composite subject that is seen as a unified whole, singular verb forms are often used. In this case, "is" is appropriate because the speaker is referring to the overall impact or essence of the combination of story, science fiction, and horror.
"Bread, butter, and jam is my favorite breakfast." In this sentence, "bread, butter, and jam" form a collective idea of a breakfast combination, and despite having multiple elements, it is treated as a singular entity.
Here's another example: "The excitement, the anticipation, and the joy of the event is palpable." In this case, "the excitement, the anticipation, and the joy" collectively represent a singular experience or feeling, so "is" is used for agreement with the singular subject.Therefore, "is" is used to maintain agreement between the subject and the verb.

[Diana Lowery]

Your independent clause has three subjects: the actual story, the science fiction, the horror. That compound subject requires a plural verb. For example: The apple, the banana, and the peach are what I put in the fruit salad. The editors are correct.

Sorry Diana, I disagree.
The phrase "the actual story, the science fiction, and the horror" is treated as a singular entity because it represents a singular concept or idea, even though it consists of multiple elements. When discussing a collective or composite subject that is seen as a unified whole, singular verb forms are often used. In this case, "is" is appropriate because the speaker is referring to the overall impact or essence of the combination of story, science fiction, and horror.
"Bread, butter, and jam is my favorite breakfast." In this sentence, "bread, butter, and jam" form a collective idea of a breakfast combination, and despite having multiple elements, it is treated as a singular entity.
Here's another example: "The excitement, the anticipation, and the joy of the event is palpable." In this case, "the excitement, the anticipation, and the joy" collectively represent a singular experience or feeling, so "is" is used for agreement with the singular subject.Therefore, "is" is used to maintain agreement between the subject and the verb.

I can see how this could be interpreted both as a singular and a plural verb. Thanks for clarifying. With the information you provided, the reviewer could ask for a recheck and have her points restored.