NOTE: I've hit the maximum number. Good luck for next time.
I've finished the latest draft of Broken 4, and it's finally in a semi permanent state. That means it's time to put out the call for beta readers.
For those interested: Please, please, please, don't volunteer unless you have the time and attention to do this. You'll take the slot from someone who does.Most people are good about getting back to me about their observations, but I've had a few instances where people will volunteer and then disappear after I've sent them the file.
For those unused to the term "beta reader", this is the stage of the process where the author (me) reaches out to readers (you) to get their impression of the book. It's a way to check the story's temperature and make sure it hits all the notes I want it to with readers. Warning -- this is not a finished product. Things are still very much in flux.
At this point, it's still fairly unpolished with odd grammatical and factual errors. I'm not looking for a hardcore grammar edit. Instead, betas help with pointing out inconsistencies in the story line or characters.
For example: Aileen has a gun at the beginning of the scene, then big bad attacks and there is no gun by the end of the scene. What happened to the gun?
Or - I don't understand how we got from point a in the story to point b. Something just doesn't feel right.
In Dawn's Envoy I actually rewrote the prologue based on reader feedback, so your comments could affect the end product. For Wayfarer's Keep, I rewrote a good part of the ending because people felt Shea did something that was completely out of character.
If the above hasn't scared you off and you're still interested, keep reading. Below is an explanation of my expectations. It's a first come, first serve type of opportunity and priority will be given to those who've beta read for me in the past.
Beta Reader Guidelines and Caveat
Here's how you can volunteer: Private message me through my Facebook page or email me at info@tawhiteauthor.com asking to be a beta reader and committing to the guidelines posted below. Also, please let me know if you'd like a kindle version or other ereader version. I can't guarantee I'll choose you as there has been a lot of interest in this in the past, and I can only wade through so many comments at a time without getting overwhelmed and falling into a dark pit of despair.
Beta Guidelines:
At this point of the process I'm focused on comments on the story- pace, structure, characters, things that don't make sense. I will outline these questions in more detail for those who participate.
The other thing I ask is for people to send it back to me in the time allotted. This time I would like it back by July 29.
I also ask that you agree not to share the story with anyone or upload it to any sites. I know for most of you that would never cross your mind, but I need to say it anyway.
Also, be aware that I may not use your suggestions as my opinion trumps everyone else's. Sometimes you ask questions that I want asked or a suggestion goes against what I'm trying to accomplish.
One final note: Beta reading is not for everyone. For instance, I don't beta read for people because I like getting caught up in the story and not paying attention to the things that irk me. For that reason, I will be doing advance reader copies that will take place at the end of the process and will require less critical thinking on the reader's part--hopefully.
If you're interested, let me know. If you're not, I hope you enjoy the book when it comes out.
