Finding and Engaging Early Readers
Everyone has their own process for writing a novel. This is mine, based on research, on advice from authors, agents, editors, and designers, and on experimentation and experience. Much of it applies (sometimes on a smaller scale) to producing and publishing short stories, poetry, magazine articles, and non-fiction books.
This blog builds on the last two, and covers finding early readers and the first half of dealing with them.
Part 1: The first draft Part 2: Early edits and rewrites
The early reader (or beta reader) process should start when the first draft is done. You want to start lining your readers up early enough that you know who they are and how to get manuscripts to them when you are ready, but (unless this is an expected sequel) you may not be able to fully articulate what you have until the draft is done. Pantsers, especially, need to finish the draft first.
Some of your readers need to come from your target audience, whether this is early readers, middle grade, young adults, or adults. These readers should love the genre you're writing. You need people you can trust to be honest with you, who are likely to have insight into what works and what doesn't (as well as what they like and don't like), and why. If you can get writers whose judgment you trust to read as well, that's a big plus. I knew some of the people I wanted to ask for the first novel, but I also posted on social media looking for readers. I set out my base criteria and used personal and online interactions to narrow down the list.
It's good to look for specialists, as well. I tried to have at least one Scot read each book in The Dragon Lord Chronicles since all four books heavily involve Scotland. I also asked people in Albania to read the last two books since large swaths of them take place in Albania. I also sent requests to translate or verify Albanian phrases, names, and ideas. Were I writing true historical fiction as opposed to fantasy, I would look for an historian or someone else very familiar with the period to read. If I were writing about modern rock bands on the road, I'd want a reader who's lived the life.
When I ask if a potential reader is interested, I explain that I will seriously consider everything they have to say, that they will be acknowledged in the book, and that they will get a free copy when the book is released. I ask what format they will want- a printable PDF, an actual paper copy (I put these in three ring binders), or an ebook format (iBooks/Nook or Kindle?) I give them my best guess at a timeline of when they can expect the manuscript and when I'll need feedback.
When I'm ready, there's a set of things that goes to each reader. For hard copies, I put each copy with extra material in a three ring binder like this one: https://tinyurl.com/y9kysatx . I put a title page in the outer sleeve and printed copies of the extras (sample below) in the front, inner pocket. I hand deliver these locally and ship the rest. Printable PDFs and ebooks go via email, along with the extra material. I send:
the list of what I'm looking for and not looking for;
the deadline for replies;
an appropriate manuscript copy.
Here's an example of the extra material:
I need feedback by the 18th of July if at all possible. You can send it piecemeal if you need to, but if you can collect it all and send everything (or most of it) at one time, that helps me a great deal.
I really need more than just a "I loved it" or "Meh." I also want to know:
what you especially did or didn't like;
what you thought of the pace;
questions you were left with;
what surprised you;
anything that was too obvious;
how you feel about the characters;
which ending you prefer (I sent two possible endings with the series finale);
any discrepancies;
any other feedback you have.
If you feel the need to note formatting, grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. errors you can, but I'll be rewriting based on feedback, and that's what I have a professional editor for at the end of the process.
Let me know if you do NOT want your name in the acknowledgments.
This is nothing close to a professionally formatted version. Don't judge it by the crude cover or the lack of interior layout.
Your husband can read it, too.
No one else may read or have the manuscript without my explicit permission in writing.
Thank you in advance for your feedback. Feel free to ask about anything I haven't mentioned that you want or need to know.
The line "Your husband can read it, too." was for a specific reader whose husband was likely to provide useful feedback. I trust the couple completely.
Note that specialists will get more detailed instructions, as may others.
Next week: What to do while waiting, and as the feedback comes in.
Image: Rube Goldberg device, public domain. Copyright 2019 Miles O'Neal, Round Rock, TX.