#WWoW! Cherish Your Beta Readers
WoW is a Smart & Savvy Group of Authors who host this weekly feature each Wednesday. While we don't claim to be experts, the goal is to impart what we've learned about writing, editing, getting published, book promotion, and more along the way.
I'm not married to my beta readers. I'm married to their advice. Some of us use crit partners or groups. I use beta readers who might participate in an entire book as I write it, or be brought in at pivotal points. Perhaps surprisingly, I change my readers with each book. You see, I select the readers based on some specific experience they have. They might be a lawyer, gay, a cop, a shrink, a horse owner, have a particular kink, or be a Dom. They might be an avid reader in the genre I'm writing. In other words, they have expertise in the story or lifestyle that I don't.
Krewe Daddy
by Margie Church
Luis is the Daddy, a sought-after lover, with an ego to match the mammoth-sized Mardi Gras floats he designs. His lifestyle and reputation are wearing him out, but Luis can't find a satisfying way to break the cycle and be happy, too.
Drew's insecurities pushed him to have a foolish affair six years ago. It destroyed his relationship with Luis, and he's never been able to commit to anyone since. Now, he's taken control of his life and changed his submissive personality by becoming a model for Kevin Marks, and a wildlife enforcement agent in New Orleans.
These men haven't forgotten each other, or settled their differences. When they accidentally meet in a French Quarter gay bar, the years of regret, anger, and pent-up emotions erupt. Their passion is as hot as ever, their mistrust just as potent. When Drew's future is in Luis' hands, will he choose his lifestyle or love?
Featuring Kevin, Teak, and Drew from Hard as Teak.
Get it on Amazon
About the Author
Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years. She is 2011 GLBT Author of the Year, and her book, Hard as Teak, was named 2011 GLBT Book of the Year at Loves Romances Café. If you enjoy books you can't put down, read one of hers.
Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh. She also writes children's books under the pen name, Margaret Rose.
Keep up with Margie
BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | AMAZON | WEBSITE
I'm a pretty confident writer, but these readers aren't in my head, so they provide fresh eyes. They have to be able to forget about who I am, and provide honest commentary on the story. If all I'm getting is high-fives, I stop using them. I know I'm not that good. They've steered me clear of landmines that could alienate publishers and readers (unless you're self-pubbed, your first audience is a publisher). When I wasn't sure the book was worth reading, they've helped me evaluate characters and pacing. They point out areas that are weak, and information that's wrong. In between, they let me know when they really like. Sometimes sorting through all this information has been very challenging. Ultimately, it's my book, but I always remember that I asked for their counsel. If I'm not willing to listen, why am I wasting their time?
I've also hired professionals to critique the opening chapters of a work in progress, or review a story premise for marketability. Some might say I'm nuts to pay for services I likely could get for free, but when you're really busy, and know you don't have time to reciprocate, you have to choose. Again, this sort of critique can tighten your manuscript in ways you didn't realize. These editors can uncover a writing issue you must master, or let you know you're on the right track. They're career investment, not business expenses.
I've also hired professionals to critique the opening chapters of a work in progress, or review a story premise for marketability. Some might say I'm nuts to pay for services I likely could get for free, but when you're really busy, and know you don't have time to reciprocate, you have to choose. Again, this sort of critique can tighten your manuscript in ways you didn't realize. These editors can uncover a writing issue you must master, or let you know you're on the right track. They're career investment, not business expenses.
There are many factors that contribute to literary success. Working with talented, smart beta readers is an important component in mine.
TALK TO US: Do you use beta readers? Belong to critique groups? Some authors find this helpful; others find it a waste of time. Share your experience so we learn from each other.
TALK TO US: Do you use beta readers? Belong to critique groups? Some authors find this helpful; others find it a waste of time. Share your experience so we learn from each other.
Krewe Daddy is a book that required and received a lot of input from beta readers. Because of its legal and law enforcement issues, I had numerous experts on the story right through editing. The Daddy aspect in the gay community is also something I wanted guidance on. You'll see my beta readers cited in the acknowledgements. With their help, Krewe Daddy is a compelling sequel to my bestseller, Hard as Teak. I hope you'll enjoy Krewe Daddy.
Krewe Daddy
by Margie ChurchLuis is the Daddy, a sought-after lover, with an ego to match the mammoth-sized Mardi Gras floats he designs. His lifestyle and reputation are wearing him out, but Luis can't find a satisfying way to break the cycle and be happy, too.
Drew's insecurities pushed him to have a foolish affair six years ago. It destroyed his relationship with Luis, and he's never been able to commit to anyone since. Now, he's taken control of his life and changed his submissive personality by becoming a model for Kevin Marks, and a wildlife enforcement agent in New Orleans.
These men haven't forgotten each other, or settled their differences. When they accidentally meet in a French Quarter gay bar, the years of regret, anger, and pent-up emotions erupt. Their passion is as hot as ever, their mistrust just as potent. When Drew's future is in Luis' hands, will he choose his lifestyle or love?
Featuring Kevin, Teak, and Drew from Hard as Teak.
Get it on Amazon
About the Author
Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years. She is 2011 GLBT Author of the Year, and her book, Hard as Teak, was named 2011 GLBT Book of the Year at Loves Romances Café. If you enjoy books you can't put down, read one of hers.Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh. She also writes children's books under the pen name, Margaret Rose.
Keep up with Margie
BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | AMAZON | WEBSITE
Read all this week's posts.
Carol Burnside http://AnnieRayburn.com/blog
Lacey Wolfe www.laceywolfe.com/blog.html
Melinda Dozier http://melindadozier.blogspot.com
Tammy Dennings Maggy http://tammydenningsmaggy.blogspot.com
You can follow us on twitter at #WWoW. Or find us on facebook at Words of Wisdom. And soon we'll be opening our official WWoW blog - details to come!
Yes, I agree. If you aren't willing to listen, don't waste the readers time. Great post Margie!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Lacey. Thanks for your comment. I think a lot of us are looking for positive reinforcement when we're working, myself included. But, I think we really do need to dig deep and realize that the anger and disappointment we'll feel over rejections will sting twice as hard if our beta readers are thinking, "I told you so."
DeleteThanks for hosting me today, Paloma. I'm looking forward to hearing from others on this subject.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought this subject up. It surprises me how many authors DON'T use beta readers. I had beta readers before I was even published. They came from my book club. We'd formed a review site. Then I got brave enough to show them my writing and they began critiquing before I even asked for it. They were also the first to tell me to get published. Even their negative comments build me up into a better writer.
DeleteI don't know where I'd be without my critique partners. They are fabulous, and I've learned so much from them all. They are also like Beta Readers, too, as they pick up on all of the same things you mentioned. With one of my recently released stories, I also brought in a pilot/author to not only help me with one particular scene, but also to read the entire thing to make sure I had no discrepancies. I think they're essential to every author.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've branched into BDSM and spanking, I added a few new beta readers with experience in this lifestyle. They helped where my regular betas might not have been able to. Subject Experts are sometimes necessary too - I agree.
DeleteMy SMEs aren't usually looking for grammar issues, although they sometimes point them out. I want them looking at plot development, character likeability and believability, pacing, and of course, whatever their particular expertise is - accuracy. We all know there's somebody waiting to nail us on a mistake. I'm sure we all should send them flowers or whatever their favorite thing is!
DeleteBetas and critiquers are worth more than gold and diamonds. My very first beta read was for Margie and it hooked me on her work...another plus!
ReplyDelete*waves at Kate and blows kisses* Yes, you were and look at you now! A respected author in your own right and still one of my best friends.
DeleteYou are spot on, Margie. Betas are invaluable and should give honest critique and not all kudos. No wonder your work is so good! Lots of talent in the writing and savvy betas.
ReplyDeleteHugs my friend. All your success is well deserved.
Thank you, Brita. I've taken more than one cue from you.
DeleteNot everyone responds well to constructive criticism (and there is definitely a difference between being unnecessarily mean and offering helpful critiques) so it is important to hammer out those parameters before beginning. One of the authors I worked with as a proofreader/copyeditor asked for my opinion of the story itself (which I don't usually offer unless asked for to avoid hurt feelings)...I gave my honest opinion and have now increased the scope of our professional relationship but only after I ascertained that the author had thick enough skin to not be offended by my comments. The important thing is to find someone who shares your desire to produce the best possible story who has the skills to complement your own.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very valid point. I couldn't agree more. Thank you.
DeleteI've learned so much from my beta readers. However, I may have learned just as much being a beta reader. Seeing the mistakes others make helps me avoid them in my own writing.
ReplyDeleteIt also makes writing less solitary. In a way, it becomes a real community event.
Hi Joseph. I agree with the solitary aspect. It's so easy to get lost in your own head. If you have time to beta read for others, more power to you. Thanks for stopping.
DeleteMy beta readers have been a HUGE help over the years. They know who they are. The long term ones know my style better than anyone else and I'm thankful for them.
ReplyDeleteThat's the way it should be. Thanks for stopping in.
DeleteFrom this post it would seem that I need new beta readers! I sent my book out to 5 readers. 2 of them got back to me after a month and said barely nothing.
ReplyDelete"It is very clear what the story is and who the characters are."
the other said,
"Nice job. I love your MC. I wish the story was longer though."
The other 2 have yet to get back to me after almost 2 months because they are just "busy".
Finally I had ONE reader give me some excellent feedback on what the characters were lacking and the direction of the first 5 chapters.
Where can I find good betas that have actual practice in this??