Topic: Beta Readers

Hey all,
Not sure if this group is still active or not, but I am about to embark (finally) on the first rewrite of my crime fiction novel, Sister Margaret's One Big Lie. I could really use a few more eyes on the draft if you have the time. Let me know how I can return the favor. Thanks!

Re: Beta Readers

Hi Linda,
Would be glad to read.  If your novel is posted, I'll find it and get started. Randy

Re: Beta Readers

It's a great story. I'll be free to read intensively again after 9/16.

Re: Beta Readers

Randall Krzak wrote:

Hi Linda,
Would be glad to read.  If your novel is posted, I'll find it and get started. Randy

Thank you Randy!

Re: Beta Readers

I hope this group is still active! Hey, I'm an absentee landlord, and not really a landlord at that. JP does a good job with her quizzes in her group, and they're fun. But I don't want to insert myself into this group, in which everybody can do his or her own thing. I can lend a hand with your story, Linda, if you need it.

Re: Beta Readers

For what it's worth I would love to read it Linda.  Don't look for punctuation help, but I catch some other stuff.
Keep on keepin on.
Mike

Re: Beta Readers

I'll take help from anyone who's willing!  I had originally planned to have the rewrite over by now but a death in the immediate family, as well as some major changes to living situation as a result, my writing plans were postponed. I am just now beginning the rewrite.

Also, I've had a considerable amount of feedback already on grammatical issues and general punctuation nits--so I'll offer a list below of some of the areas I'm most keen to get feedback on. Don't feel like you have to only concentrate on those thing however. I offer it only as a suggestion. At the end of the day--comments on reading comprehension and enjoyment are probably the most cherished and helpful overall.

1. Pacing, pacing, pacing. Be it overall (entire novel), or chapter, or even scene pacing, I want to hear from you if you notice anything--good or bad.

2. Plot continuity--I do have plans to cut several threads, and to bolster others--but I would like to hear your comments good and bad as written. It helps give me ideas of what works well and what doesn't. Also to continuity--if you see something that doesn't make sense or fit, please let me know.

3. Characterization--I want to know how, or if these characters move you. Are they clearly defined? Are there areas of specific improvement I could make? Do you like/dislike them?  Are they consistent?

4. Emotional evolution--yes this is a crime fiction novel to be sure, however at it's core, it's also intended to be an emotional journey. If you notice changes to the characterization of my MC in this area, I want to hear about it.

Thank you to anyone who has the time and willingness to help. And do let me know how I can return the favor.

Re: Beta Readers

Hi, Linda,

I am new to the group and the program. I plan to post my own psychological mystery. I would be more than happy to read yours as you post it. Tomorrow, I will post the first chapter. The issues you describe are ones for which I have interest in reviewing because I learn as I critique. I do not care to be a line editor. That doesn't allow me to read for content or process. I will point out an error if it is an obvious one but I prefer to read material that shows that it has been edited for grammar, spelling and punctuation. My own is at a similar stage and I am looking to polish it for submission for publication. I am published in non-fiction but this is my first attempt at a novel. Nobody ever got published without readers to catch the invisible issues. I know what I think I said but I don't know how a reader sees what I said until it is tested by real readers. I don't know if that makes sense but writing is a collaborative act and the most important part of the contract is the reader.

My own work is a psychological mystery. Although it is not based on my real work as a psychotherapist, it uses the knowledge base and the kinds of character traits and story line that could happen in real ... nightmares. My own issues as a writer looking for feedback are identical to yours.