I have good news. Maybe not what you're hoping for, but good nonetheless.
I am in a huge burst of creativity right now. I've taken a short break from the neverending (I hope) flow of words to update you. I'm a few thousand words from the end of Earthquake. Once that's done, I will proofread it and get it to my beta readers. I always edit as I go, but proofreading helps me find most of the inconsistencies and cringeworthy errors.
What's exciting? I'm getting a professionally done cover! My ambitions for Earthquake's cover were way beyond my skill level. I found a great person who has done some lovely covers for not a ton of money. If I like what she does, I'll get Wildfire's cover updated as well. I just submitted my request to her, so I should be hearing back soon.
Things are moving!! Yay!
Then I can concentrate on Rarity, Lora Fletcher #2! I know the majority of you are here for her, and I appreciate your patience as I get out my other stuff.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Beta readers for Earthquake
I'm in the final chapters of Earthquake. I need two volunteers to beta read for me, as my usual beta readers are pretty busy with other authors. First come, first serve.
What is a beta reader? Well, a beta reader reads a book before it is published and looks for errors and inconsistencies. They typically take notes, either in a second document or using track changes (insert comment function). Prior to being sent to beta readers, a work should have been proofread for spelling, grammar, and usage errors, but since we're not perfect, some still slip by. Which reminds me, I need to upload a corrected version of Common.
Anyway, a beta reader checks for plot inconsistencies, i.e. a guy is named Steve in the first 6 and last 6 chapters, but his name somehow changes to Lance for the middle 12 chapters... I've seen this and it drove me freaking nuts. Or if the name of a place suddenly changes. Or if someone's physical description is not the same throughout.
Does the story make sense? Are there unnecessary paragraphs or chapters that add nothing to the story? Are there areas that need more detail?
Most importantly, beta readers are brutally honest. If it's there, they will not gloss over it. That being said, I need harsh beta readers. I need to know what has to be changed or cut. I want everyone to enjoy the books they wait so long for. Will I make every change? No. There's stuff in Wildfire that my beta readers hated because I felt it was integral to the story. My most recent review on Goodreads is scathing, mostly because of the stuff I left in. But I digress. I also expect a two week or less turn-around time.
As beta readers, you get first crack at Earthquake for free. You can still buy the final version or read it on KU if you want, since it will be slightly different. But if you like to read, have a critical eye, and want to save your $2.99 (or other amount of non-US funds to purchase the book), please contact me ASAP. Hopefully this will keep me on track to finish, too.
Thanks!!!
What is a beta reader? Well, a beta reader reads a book before it is published and looks for errors and inconsistencies. They typically take notes, either in a second document or using track changes (insert comment function). Prior to being sent to beta readers, a work should have been proofread for spelling, grammar, and usage errors, but since we're not perfect, some still slip by. Which reminds me, I need to upload a corrected version of Common.
Anyway, a beta reader checks for plot inconsistencies, i.e. a guy is named Steve in the first 6 and last 6 chapters, but his name somehow changes to Lance for the middle 12 chapters... I've seen this and it drove me freaking nuts. Or if the name of a place suddenly changes. Or if someone's physical description is not the same throughout.
Does the story make sense? Are there unnecessary paragraphs or chapters that add nothing to the story? Are there areas that need more detail?
Most importantly, beta readers are brutally honest. If it's there, they will not gloss over it. That being said, I need harsh beta readers. I need to know what has to be changed or cut. I want everyone to enjoy the books they wait so long for. Will I make every change? No. There's stuff in Wildfire that my beta readers hated because I felt it was integral to the story. My most recent review on Goodreads is scathing, mostly because of the stuff I left in. But I digress. I also expect a two week or less turn-around time.
As beta readers, you get first crack at Earthquake for free. You can still buy the final version or read it on KU if you want, since it will be slightly different. But if you like to read, have a critical eye, and want to save your $2.99 (or other amount of non-US funds to purchase the book), please contact me ASAP. Hopefully this will keep me on track to finish, too.
Thanks!!!
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