I'm done with editing! After five long months, cutting 20,000 words and 10 versions, I actually have a FINISHED manuscript. I hope. Cross my fingers.
Now it's time to ask others to beta read the story.
Tucson romance author Allie McCormack shared this gem on her beta reader solicitation page: What is Not Required of a Beta Reader. I recommend all potential beta readers read it first.
Then, some authors decide to go with a beta reading service, like Beta Books. I'm seeing these paid services advertised more and more. I emailed the founders asking if they offer any added protections for my MS and the short answer is no although they do document who reads and when and provide analytics of the read. But if I already know who's reading the MS, I don't really need that. One of my readers is providing that kind of feedback, as he reads (THANK YOU!). It's amazing to me what aspiring authors will pay for.
For the first round, the story was read by all women. My first round readers featured one woman who was absolutely astounding -- a fellow teacher! THANK YOU! -- and her comments identified character development and plot issues and helped shaped the story as it stands now. But I knew at some point I had to test it out on my target audience, men and teen boys.
To prepare for asking for a second round of beta readers, I critique partnered and beta read several stories for other authors, all of them men. They're my second round beta reader heroes! After I get their feedback, if I feel I need more feedback, I may post this ad and my Beta Reader Expectations on a few FB groups looking for additional readers.
I feel really good about my beta readers this round. The story's been worked and reworked until I think it shines but I'll be asking about voice (YA or adult), pacing (where can I cut in the middle), and anything that isn't clearly understood.
Then I'll take the feedback and rewrite. It may be close to querying but I'm reserving my hopes, staying realistic and waiting to see what the beta readers say. If they come back with too many issues, I'll have to hit the drawing board again (or the plotting board!).
