You finished your novel! Congratulations.
And you’ve edited and edited and edited. Even better!
Now you’re ready to self publish or start querying it around, right?
Almost.
There’s one more step that can turn your story from a four star review to a five star review.
And that step is Beta Readers.
Beta Readers (also called Advanced Readers) are a small group of people who have agreed to read your book before it's published and offer you feedback.
So, how do you find Beta Readers? Hopefully you’re in a local writing group (if not, start one!). That is a good place to start. Be sure to return the favor when someone else in the group is looking for beta readers.
Another option is to ask your email list (if you don’t have one, start one!). This is my preferred method. Four or five people usually sign up each time. And I’m extremely thankful for them.
Another method is to ask people you know. For instance, if your story involves someone being in prison, maybe you know someone who has been in prison or who works at a prison. Their feedback will be invaluable to you.
I’ve found that people are generally will to help, if you treat them well. We’ll go over how to treat your beta readers well next week.
Jump. Build, Fly.
F.C. Shultz