My latest WIP is at the point where it’s been read several times by my alpha-reader (whose command of story structure is amazing!), and by my critique group members, who’ve all had input and positive feedback. It’s been revised several times after each reading, and line-edited each time, from top to bottom, with the aim of eliminating repetition, passive verbs, rewriting dialogue, effective transitions between scenes, etc.
It’s time for beta-readers to read the work.
At conferences, agents and editors admonish authors not to pitch their work until it’s the “very best you can make it” -- and beta-reading is part of that process. Figuring out if my writing reaches its intended audience, before I pitch it, is vital.
I went through this process with an earlier WIP and got very little feedback from two beta-readers.
With that unsatisfying experience to inform this process, I asked beta-readers about a year in advance if they were interested. I recently followed up with them, when I was line-editing the final version (see text of email below), confirming they were still interested in reading.
I chose people I knew were voracious readers of YA / MG or high fantasy, journalism ex-colleagues, teachers in the age-range I’m trying to reach and a bit below (MG readers frequently read up), and teens.
I received immediate replies and will follow up in several weeks with my expectations for beta reading.
E-MAIL USED TO ASK FOR BETA-READER REVIEW
Hi, __________________,
About a year ago, I asked if you would be willing to beta-read my first novel. You indicated you would, but I realize circumstances can and do change, so I thought I’d touch base and see if the offer still stands.
I’m about 8 weeks out from asking you to read Draegon’s Leap, a 320-page dragon murder mystery.
You may think, “I grade enough student rough drafts in school,” or “I read enough raw copy at work.”
Please let me reassure you, you won’t be reading a rough draft or raw copy. I have re-plotted and totally rewritten this story several times. Three fellow writers have read and critiqued it for the better part of a year, and I have incorporated much of their feedback. It is being line edited by a fabulous journalism ex-colleague.
In short, it’s as good as I can make it without additional reader feedback -- your input. And I'm asking you to beta read this work because I highly value your opinion.
If you’re still willing, I would love to hear what you think of it.
Please, let me know if you would prefer to read a shared file on Google docs (.docx), or a hardcopy printed on paper.
- If you prefer a Google shared file, I’ll send the link in a subsequent email.
- If you prefer a hard copy, please include, in your response to this email, an address where I can send it (work or home, whichever you prefer). It will come in a 3-ring binder, with pre-paid return postage. I want to make this as easy for you as possible.
If you decide you want to beta read Draegon's Leap, I’ll send you another email in a few weeks, as I get closer to finishing with line edits, letting you know what to expect and when.
If not, I understand. Either way, I’m excited to hear back from you, and wish you all the best, always.
Have a great week,
Anita
