Happy Saturday, Everyone!
Just a quick note to let you know that it’s time for one of my favourite steps in the manuscript process: beta reader time! As subscribers of this newsletter, you all get the opportunity to sign up to be a beta reader for Love, Julie. How exciting! If you already know what a beta reader is, scroll down for sign-up information. If you don't, read on:
What is Beta Reading?
Beta reading is a crucial step in the book publishing process. It involves reading an early draft of a book and providing constructive feedback to help the author enhance the story. Beta readers play a pivotal role in shaping the final version of the book by offering fresh perspectives of real readers, highlighting areas that need improvement, and identifying any inconsistencies. As a beta reader, you'll have a direct impact on the development of the book. Your feedback can help shape characters, plotlines and even the overall direction of the narrative!
What's Expected of Beta Readers?
Constructive Feedback: Read the full manuscript and provide honest, specific, and thoughtful feedback on plot, characters, pacing, and any errors or inconsistencies you find.
Completing a questionnaire on specific areas of the book I am looking to gain more insight into.
Timely Responses: Read the manuscript within the provided timeframe and meet the agreed-upon deadlines for feedback.
Confidentiality: Keeping the content confidential and not sharing it without permission.
Basically, I’m looking for real readers' responses and feedback in order to improve this final draft before it goes to editing. So, both positive and constructive criticism is good.
For those of you who are new to the newsletter, Love, Julie is a romance with a strong women’s fiction arc. It’s meant to be humourous but it isn’t a rom-com. It deals with some tough topics such as alcoholism and abuse, so be mindful if you’re triggered by those kinds of things.
**Note that what you will be reading is NOT a final copy-edited version so there will likely be grammar/spelling things I might have missed. You don't need to comment on that, it's more about plot, story, characters, etc.
KEY DATES:
The manuscript will be sent to you on September 17th and feedback should be completed and emailed back to me by October 15th.
If you're interested in becoming a beta reader for Love, Julie, please either reply to this email or send me an email at jamieandersonwrites@gmail.com. On September 17th I'll send you a digital copy of the manuscript along with guidelines for providing feedback. Your insights will be immensely valuable to me, and I genuinely appreciate your willingness to help.
If you like this kind of stuff, you can join my Facebook group Get Lit with Jamie, and find out about these kinds of things before anyone else!
I'd be happy to answer any questions and thanks in advance to those who sign up!