Almost two months ago I sent my book away to be read by a beta reader. During that time I didn’t tinker with it, read it, or even think about it. Okay maybe that last one is a lie, but I really tried hard to put it out of my mine. I highly recommend doing this. I know it’s hard, because we want to finish it, but the break has really made me look at things differently.
Anyway, today my book came back. It’s a little battered and bruised, but also much wiser.
I’ve had the great privilege of having two great beta readers who have finished reading my book and given me great advice, wisdom, and most of all hope.
I now have two weeks to tighten dialogue, add a bit more romance, make sure the ending is the way I want it, and correct a few echoes (okay maybe there’s more than a few). After that I will finish the query, it’s almost done. Update the synopsis and press the send button. I’m not sure to who and how many yet, but I have two weeks to decide.
So thank you to my beta readers, you did an awesome job and I don’t know where I’d be without you.
Feel free to leave a shout out to the people who read your work and nicely tell you how it can be better.
15 comments:
I agree - beta readers (and critique groups!!) are the BOMB!!
YAY that you got some constructive criticism that you can use for its betterment!
Go you!
Yes! Beta readers are really undercover angels. At least mine are anyway. I even start my group email to the three of them with, "Good Morning Angels!" (in my best Charlie voice of course.)
Glad yours are wonderful too.
Good luck on the revisions! It's so exciting to start querying.
Jen: I've really come to crave constructive criticism.
Amanda: I'm sure you'd make a good Charlie.
Natalie: I'm excited and nervous.
I love beta readers! I left my ms alone for three months. It was the best thing because when I went back to it, I saw all kinds of things I hadn't before. But the beta readers have seen even more.
How exciting!! Happy editing! Keep us posted on how the querying goes!
Susan: It's amazing how you can see things more clearly after a break.
Jody: Thanks for the encouragement.
Just for the record, since I have finished your book I have been thinking about it and hoping for it. I haven't been out in the querying-world yet, but I have great hopes for Hidden People.
Thanks Jessie, your suggestions and feedback were invaluable.
I don't know where I'd be without my critique groups and "Ideal Readers" or Betas.
Thanks for dropping by my blog and commenting on trailers! What is your book about? You might have guessed, mine's a fantasy set in China. :)
Victoria: It's a YA fantasy based on my Icelandic ancestors legend of Hidden people. thanks for coming by.
I'm excited for you! I hope the revisions and the querying go super well!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. :)
Beta readers are awesome! And so are good critique groups. I've been blessed to be part of two amazing ones--online and in-person. Both have helped me grow as writer and fix my writing in so many ways.
That sounds Awesome, Patti! There aren't a lot of people working with lit from up there, so that's a big bonus right there. I do Chinese fantasy and have a little more competition. I'll follow you. I'm interested to see where you go with it. :)
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. Good luck with the editing.
You are fortunate to have readers. My work doesn't get shared with anyone until it's published but I can see that getting advise from a trusted reader would be most beneficial.
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