Beta readers look at your manuscript as a reader with an eye for entertainment mistakes. They arenotthe first person to read your book or work as a replacement to an editor, but theydoread your story prior to publishing so that you can revise your book with mindful critiques. They are al...
often thrill at the idea of being part of someone else’s creative process. All they might want in return is a free copy and a mention in theacknowledgements pageof your book. (That being said, if you struggle to find volunteers, there are also professional beta readers available for hire...
The most important part of being a beta reader is the feedback you give. Authors use beta readers not to hear “it was good” or “I didn't like it.” They use them to find out what works and what doesn't. This is why it's important to seek clear expectations from the beginning...
You have the idea for your book, but the next step in learning how to write a novel is researching. For instance, I’m writing a story where theprotagonistsbecome involved in an international scandal that takes them from the U.S. to Europe, from London to Paris to Athens. They are pur...
process from idea generation to publication. We emphasize the importance of understanding your audience, validating your book idea, conducting thorough research, using storytelling techniques, keeping the language simple, self-editing, fact-checking, and seeking feedback from editors and beta readers. ...
It’s also a good time to send your books to beta readers and get outside feedback. See also: How to find beta readers and make the most of their feedback. The Challenges of Taking A Break There’s a possibility you’ll pick it up again too soon and worry it from place to place...
How to Self-Edit Your Book (Even Though You Shouldn't) How to Include a Ghost in Your Fiction Writing The Four Steps of Editing How to Beta Read a Novel 50 Questions About Books and Reading to Ask Your Friends
You’ve written a novel! First, take a moment and congratulate yourself for making it to the end. After you’ve edited, revised, and gotten critical feedback from critique partners and beta readers, you might be thinking: What’s next? For anyone considering a career in traditional publishin...
Additional things you need to do to start and finish your book include: Doing research on your topic Setting word-count goals that you can reach Asking for feedback from people you trust or are knowledgeable on your topic Utilizing beta readers for feedback before professional editing ...
From there, you can ask for feedback from your beta readers, ideally people from your book's target audience. Ask them how they find the book and determine whether it's marketable. After these initial editing stages, you can work with a professional editor. Editing can get relatively ...