Randi Liz Drake's Blog
April 21, 2020
New book to watch for!
I've been working on a few projects since the release of the final Forged from Fate book and I've got some exciting news.
I'm almost done with my newest book called Dust to Darkness. This Paranormal Romance is a tale about Pandora's Box, it's true origins, and what happens when it is found in our modern day world. It will be featuring your favorite Angel's and Daemons, but I've got a new surprise in there as well.
If you want to read the blurb before the book is up on Goodreads you can bounce over to FB and check out my group: Randi Liz Drake's Romance Readers. You'll find early cover releases, book recommendations, giveaways, new updates, and discussions.
As soon as this is done, I have a few other things immediately lined up, including the second book in the Holland Broken Pack series, and Bate's story from the Forged series.
Stay safe and happy reading everyone!
I'm almost done with my newest book called Dust to Darkness. This Paranormal Romance is a tale about Pandora's Box, it's true origins, and what happens when it is found in our modern day world. It will be featuring your favorite Angel's and Daemons, but I've got a new surprise in there as well.
If you want to read the blurb before the book is up on Goodreads you can bounce over to FB and check out my group: Randi Liz Drake's Romance Readers. You'll find early cover releases, book recommendations, giveaways, new updates, and discussions.
As soon as this is done, I have a few other things immediately lined up, including the second book in the Holland Broken Pack series, and Bate's story from the Forged series.
Stay safe and happy reading everyone!
March 5, 2020
Forged from Fate: Origins Release!!!
Only two more days until Forged from Fate: Origins is out!
The conclusion to this Paranormal Romance will be out March 7th (My Birthday!) and I can't wait for you all to see what is in store for Lexi, Cade, and the gang.
The ending of this book was the hardest thing I've ever had to write, but I'm in love with what my characters led me to.
Get ready for some twist's and turns because this is a crazy adventure with some BIG surprises!
.
#newbookalert #newbooks #bookrecommendations #booksets #bookrelease #lovereading #bookstagram #readstagram #bookstagramer #readingtime #fantasy #shifterromance #forgedfromfate #pnrbook #pnrbookstagram #pnrreaders
The conclusion to this Paranormal Romance will be out March 7th (My Birthday!) and I can't wait for you all to see what is in store for Lexi, Cade, and the gang.
The ending of this book was the hardest thing I've ever had to write, but I'm in love with what my characters led me to.
Get ready for some twist's and turns because this is a crazy adventure with some BIG surprises!
.
#newbookalert #newbooks #bookrecommendations #booksets #bookrelease #lovereading #bookstagram #readstagram #bookstagramer #readingtime #fantasy #shifterromance #forgedfromfate #pnrbook #pnrbookstagram #pnrreaders
February 4, 2020
Release Date: Origins (I finally picked a date)
So it's time to pick a release date for Forged from Fate: Origins and I'm going to go with my birthday (March 7th) just for fun, plus it'll give me enough time to make the necessary edits without feeling rushed.
Sorry, it's later than the December 2019 date, but some things just can't be rushed.
Thank you to all of my readers across the world! It means so much to me when I see your post's, reviews, and shares across social media.
On that note, if I see a post/photo on Instagram or Facebook with one of my books that you've tagged me in, I will make sure to include you in the acknowledgements section, so keep your eyes out for that.
Facebook: @ Randi Liz Drake
Instagram: @RandipanderFFF
Sorry, it's later than the December 2019 date, but some things just can't be rushed.
Thank you to all of my readers across the world! It means so much to me when I see your post's, reviews, and shares across social media.
On that note, if I see a post/photo on Instagram or Facebook with one of my books that you've tagged me in, I will make sure to include you in the acknowledgements section, so keep your eyes out for that.
Facebook: @ Randi Liz Drake
Instagram: @RandipanderFFF
February 2, 2020
Forged from Fate: Origins Update
Hey! I finally finished writing Origins, and I am now into the editing stage.
I am so pleased with this story and how it ended, and I can't wait to share it with you all.
As soon as possible, I will have a release date posted, but it won't be long now.
Thank you all for your patience while I finished this and made it the best I possibly could.
I am so pleased with this story and how it ended, and I can't wait to share it with you all.
As soon as possible, I will have a release date posted, but it won't be long now.
Thank you all for your patience while I finished this and made it the best I possibly could.
January 13, 2020
Updates
It's been a while since I've posted on here. I check my GR on a regular and am always around to answer questions, but it's rare that I sign on my laptop (which has more features for authors than the mobile version).
So here are some updates for the year 2020.
Yes, I'm late in getting the last book in the Forged from Fate series out.
For those of you that are curious, the title of the new book is called Origins and it is packed full of fights, steam, and of course...an epic conclusion. This book will also be setting up the story for Barbatos (I love him so freaking much) and his spin off. After that you can also expect a spin off for Lucifer, Darya, and Apollo as they each find their own destined mates.
If you want more 'real time' updates, you can find me on Facebook. I have an author page 'Randi Liz Drake's Romance Readers'. Here you will find the newest cover releases and find out what projects I'm working on.
Speaking of projects....
I've got something new up my sleeve and while I've nearly finished FFF:Origins and am getting ready to go into the editing stages, I have also been typing madly away on this new book which is in the UF genre but based on WItches, their Familiars, and Fae.
If you want to find out more about it, check out my FB group. There are a few days left to help pick the new title for this series as well.
I'm going to do something a little different for this first book in the series. I plan on having it be three books, and the first one will be available on an App called Inkitt. Inkitt is full of free books and is similar to Wattpad. I will be posting the first few chapters soon, and you can follow along as I update it. (This book series will be a rapid release as it has been something I've focused on.)
Anyway, that's all for now my lovelies. FFF:Origins will be done very soon, I promise.
So here are some updates for the year 2020.
Yes, I'm late in getting the last book in the Forged from Fate series out.
For those of you that are curious, the title of the new book is called Origins and it is packed full of fights, steam, and of course...an epic conclusion. This book will also be setting up the story for Barbatos (I love him so freaking much) and his spin off. After that you can also expect a spin off for Lucifer, Darya, and Apollo as they each find their own destined mates.
If you want more 'real time' updates, you can find me on Facebook. I have an author page 'Randi Liz Drake's Romance Readers'. Here you will find the newest cover releases and find out what projects I'm working on.
Speaking of projects....
I've got something new up my sleeve and while I've nearly finished FFF:Origins and am getting ready to go into the editing stages, I have also been typing madly away on this new book which is in the UF genre but based on WItches, their Familiars, and Fae.
If you want to find out more about it, check out my FB group. There are a few days left to help pick the new title for this series as well.
I'm going to do something a little different for this first book in the series. I plan on having it be three books, and the first one will be available on an App called Inkitt. Inkitt is full of free books and is similar to Wattpad. I will be posting the first few chapters soon, and you can follow along as I update it. (This book series will be a rapid release as it has been something I've focused on.)
Anyway, that's all for now my lovelies. FFF:Origins will be done very soon, I promise.
July 16, 2019
Author Interview
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
For me the best part of writing is that I can create a whole new world. When I read a book, one of the things that defines it as a 'great book' to me is that it draws me into that world and lets me escape for a little while. I get to know and love the characters and the amazing world that they live in.
When I am writing it's as though I get sucked into this place where anything at all is possible. The only thing that limits what can happen is my imagination. While I love writing Paranormal books with shifters, I find that Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre to write in. I can create scenario's that would be impossible in reality. I can build worlds from scratch and bring the images to life with words. It's a great escape and I have so much fun researching, imagining, dreaming, and writing out all of the crazy things that come from my mind.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean the world to me.
When I first started writing I never really expected to have it go anywhere. I did it because I had the sudden urge to write and I just wanted to get the story out of my mind and on paper.
Now three years later, I have three series in the works and every time I receive a message from a fan asking about the release date for the next book in a series, or just having them tell me how much they enjoyed my book...well it just gives me so much encouragement and pushes me to keep writing. There really are no words to adequately describe the emotions I feel when someone enjoys reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I have fans from the U.S, Japan, Germany, the U.K. and more. Sometimes the fact that my books are enjoyed from people all around the world is such a shock and reality check, and I'm still trying to grasp that 'this is really happening.'
While I will always write because I love it, my fans are what keep me going; especially when I'm in a writing slump or just trying to figure out what to work on next.
What are you working on next?
At the moment I have three series in the works.
Forged from Fate
Holland Broken Pack
Omens
Yes I know that seems a little crazy. While it is my intention to focus on finishing the last book in the Forged from Fate series before anything else, sometimes I just need to work on something else to recharge my creative side.
Seekers Hex: Omens is my newest series about a witch, and it hasn't been released yet, but the idea came to me in a dream one night and I just had to start it and get the main concept out there before I lost the idea. What started out as a 'rough world building' document turned into six fully written chapters that first day.
Once the Forged from Fate series is finished I also plan on doing several spin off books from that series. I just fell in love with the characters so much; especially Bates and Luke, and I know their stories aren't finished yet.
Who are your favorite authors?
I absolutely love Stephanie Hudson and her Afterlife Saga. She was such an inspiration to me.
Laura Thalassa is another great writer and I have loved every book of her's I've read so far.
I feel as though I could list dozens of well known great authors, but I also encourage my readers and friends to pick up some books by indie authors. These are the authors who self publish and aren't in big box stores. It's a fantastic way to find some truly unique stories that will just blow you away.
For indie authors I would recommend J.L. Vampa, (The Queen's Keeper) Erin Casey (The Purple Door District) and Carla Reighard (Travelers Duology), I always have more recommendations but out of the books I've read recently those were the best in my opinion.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Usually one of my two dogs telling me they have to go out.
Honestly though, I am an early riser and I don't typically sleep past 7am. I run a small farm, own my own business, and I write. I have so many things I want to accomplish and so many things to get done each day that getting out of bed is easy.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Kayaking, fishing, and gardening are some of my passions. I also love drawing and taking pictures. If I'm not working or writing it's pretty much a guarantee that I'll be outside, even in the long Maine winters. When it's warm enough I usually do my writing outside as well. For me, nature is just an amazing and peaceful place to be.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Most of the ebooks I read are books that other indie authors ask me to read. I am all about supporting new authors and do my best to read at least 4 or 5 books a month. It has been a great way to find books in the fantasy and paranormal genre's that I would probably never in a million years would have found. I'm astounded at how much my taste's have expanded, and also find it refreshing that each new book I read is so different from the last. I can go from Immortal's fighting Nazi's, to time traveling mermaids, to werebirds. Things always stay interesting and I never get stuck in a book rut.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
That one is easy to answer. I didn't start writing until 2016 and I'm still working on the Forged from Fate series, so I doubt I will be forgetting it anytime soon. I will say that for part's of the first book I was writing so fast just trying to gt all the words out that I needed to, and all the idea's in my head, that I didn't remember writing some parts. When I went back to do edits and proofreading I had one of those, 'Holy cow, I wrote this book!?!?' moments.
What is your writing process?
I am a moody writer. It's part of the reason I have three series going at the moment. While my main focus is the Forged from Fate series, sometime I'm just not feeling the characters for the day and I have to switch. The main characters in all of my series have such different personalities so I tend to work on the one I can relate to most at the moment so that my characters stay true to themselves.
For the most part I am not a bog planner. I have a general idea of where I want my story to go and I just let things flow naturally as I write. Almost everything that happens between the beginning and end of my books is not planned. Sometimes my characters get themselves into situations I could have never imagined if I tried to sit down and plan everything out ahead of time. I know it's a process that doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me and I can't see my writing style changing anytime soon.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I can't pinpoint one book over another. I've always loved reading though and still to this day I would pick a good book over TV. I know I have some books that have stayed with me throughout time such as Terry Goodkinds; Sword of Truth series, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, Inkheart, and The Afterlife Saga.
How do you approach cover design?
My best friend has done the covers for the Forged from Fate series for me. I was so nervous about doing my own covers because I was worried I would never be satisfied with anything I drew up - I would keep picking it apart. So she swooped in and drew and painted those for me, working closely with me trying to get the concept I wanted down.
Lately I've been doing the covers for my other series, getting over my fear of putting my art out there.
Cover design is difficult. You have to tell a story about your entire book with one single image. Every reader looks for something different when they are book shopping and one cover won't make everyone happy. I used to worry about pleasing the masses with my covers but now I've taken the approach of just doing what I like. My covers and my stories are an expression of my personality so I can't try to make everyone happy. They'll either love it or hate it, but I'm staying true to myself.
One thing I can tell you with absolute certainty is that you will never find a half dressed dude on the front of my books. While I'm not particularly open with my politics I will say that if women want equal footing in this world and don't want to be objectified, then we can't do the same thing to men and expect anything to change.
For me the best part of writing is that I can create a whole new world. When I read a book, one of the things that defines it as a 'great book' to me is that it draws me into that world and lets me escape for a little while. I get to know and love the characters and the amazing world that they live in.
When I am writing it's as though I get sucked into this place where anything at all is possible. The only thing that limits what can happen is my imagination. While I love writing Paranormal books with shifters, I find that Urban Fantasy is my favorite genre to write in. I can create scenario's that would be impossible in reality. I can build worlds from scratch and bring the images to life with words. It's a great escape and I have so much fun researching, imagining, dreaming, and writing out all of the crazy things that come from my mind.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans mean the world to me.
When I first started writing I never really expected to have it go anywhere. I did it because I had the sudden urge to write and I just wanted to get the story out of my mind and on paper.
Now three years later, I have three series in the works and every time I receive a message from a fan asking about the release date for the next book in a series, or just having them tell me how much they enjoyed my book...well it just gives me so much encouragement and pushes me to keep writing. There really are no words to adequately describe the emotions I feel when someone enjoys reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I have fans from the U.S, Japan, Germany, the U.K. and more. Sometimes the fact that my books are enjoyed from people all around the world is such a shock and reality check, and I'm still trying to grasp that 'this is really happening.'
While I will always write because I love it, my fans are what keep me going; especially when I'm in a writing slump or just trying to figure out what to work on next.
What are you working on next?
At the moment I have three series in the works.
Forged from Fate
Holland Broken Pack
Omens
Yes I know that seems a little crazy. While it is my intention to focus on finishing the last book in the Forged from Fate series before anything else, sometimes I just need to work on something else to recharge my creative side.
Seekers Hex: Omens is my newest series about a witch, and it hasn't been released yet, but the idea came to me in a dream one night and I just had to start it and get the main concept out there before I lost the idea. What started out as a 'rough world building' document turned into six fully written chapters that first day.
Once the Forged from Fate series is finished I also plan on doing several spin off books from that series. I just fell in love with the characters so much; especially Bates and Luke, and I know their stories aren't finished yet.
Who are your favorite authors?
I absolutely love Stephanie Hudson and her Afterlife Saga. She was such an inspiration to me.
Laura Thalassa is another great writer and I have loved every book of her's I've read so far.
I feel as though I could list dozens of well known great authors, but I also encourage my readers and friends to pick up some books by indie authors. These are the authors who self publish and aren't in big box stores. It's a fantastic way to find some truly unique stories that will just blow you away.
For indie authors I would recommend J.L. Vampa, (The Queen's Keeper) Erin Casey (The Purple Door District) and Carla Reighard (Travelers Duology), I always have more recommendations but out of the books I've read recently those were the best in my opinion.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Usually one of my two dogs telling me they have to go out.
Honestly though, I am an early riser and I don't typically sleep past 7am. I run a small farm, own my own business, and I write. I have so many things I want to accomplish and so many things to get done each day that getting out of bed is easy.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Kayaking, fishing, and gardening are some of my passions. I also love drawing and taking pictures. If I'm not working or writing it's pretty much a guarantee that I'll be outside, even in the long Maine winters. When it's warm enough I usually do my writing outside as well. For me, nature is just an amazing and peaceful place to be.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Most of the ebooks I read are books that other indie authors ask me to read. I am all about supporting new authors and do my best to read at least 4 or 5 books a month. It has been a great way to find books in the fantasy and paranormal genre's that I would probably never in a million years would have found. I'm astounded at how much my taste's have expanded, and also find it refreshing that each new book I read is so different from the last. I can go from Immortal's fighting Nazi's, to time traveling mermaids, to werebirds. Things always stay interesting and I never get stuck in a book rut.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
That one is easy to answer. I didn't start writing until 2016 and I'm still working on the Forged from Fate series, so I doubt I will be forgetting it anytime soon. I will say that for part's of the first book I was writing so fast just trying to gt all the words out that I needed to, and all the idea's in my head, that I didn't remember writing some parts. When I went back to do edits and proofreading I had one of those, 'Holy cow, I wrote this book!?!?' moments.
What is your writing process?
I am a moody writer. It's part of the reason I have three series going at the moment. While my main focus is the Forged from Fate series, sometime I'm just not feeling the characters for the day and I have to switch. The main characters in all of my series have such different personalities so I tend to work on the one I can relate to most at the moment so that my characters stay true to themselves.
For the most part I am not a bog planner. I have a general idea of where I want my story to go and I just let things flow naturally as I write. Almost everything that happens between the beginning and end of my books is not planned. Sometimes my characters get themselves into situations I could have never imagined if I tried to sit down and plan everything out ahead of time. I know it's a process that doesn't work for everyone, but it works for me and I can't see my writing style changing anytime soon.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I can't pinpoint one book over another. I've always loved reading though and still to this day I would pick a good book over TV. I know I have some books that have stayed with me throughout time such as Terry Goodkinds; Sword of Truth series, The Hobbit, Harry Potter, Inkheart, and The Afterlife Saga.
How do you approach cover design?
My best friend has done the covers for the Forged from Fate series for me. I was so nervous about doing my own covers because I was worried I would never be satisfied with anything I drew up - I would keep picking it apart. So she swooped in and drew and painted those for me, working closely with me trying to get the concept I wanted down.
Lately I've been doing the covers for my other series, getting over my fear of putting my art out there.
Cover design is difficult. You have to tell a story about your entire book with one single image. Every reader looks for something different when they are book shopping and one cover won't make everyone happy. I used to worry about pleasing the masses with my covers but now I've taken the approach of just doing what I like. My covers and my stories are an expression of my personality so I can't try to make everyone happy. They'll either love it or hate it, but I'm staying true to myself.
One thing I can tell you with absolute certainty is that you will never find a half dressed dude on the front of my books. While I'm not particularly open with my politics I will say that if women want equal footing in this world and don't want to be objectified, then we can't do the same thing to men and expect anything to change.
July 10, 2019
New Series Updates
If you haven't had a chance to check out my new series I have just released Caged: Holland Broken Pack.
The Holland Broken Pack series is a wolf-shifter series that will focus on four siblings who grew up with an abusive alcoholic father who killed their mother when they were all children.
Now that the father has passed away, all of the siblings are making their way back home and dealing with their own personal demons.
Each book can be read as a stand-alone, with no cliff hangers or as a series; and will focus on an individual sibling in each book.
Also in the works is Seekers Hex: Omens (Book 1)
Cover reveal and new series announcement:
Seekers Hex
Omens: Book 1
Release date to be announced.
Skyler didn't have a past. She was a nobody from nowhere with one simple dream; finding a quite peaceful place to settle down.
Being hunted down by a man who claims to be her familiar, Skyler isn't prepared to accept that she is a powerful witch with an important destiny.
It's hard to ignore the truth though when a group of Elders is giving her the key to her birthright; which takes her on the last journey she ever expected to take....
A journey that takes her to other worlds.
Find me on social media to get updates, sneak peaks, and cover reveals.
Facebook
@Randipander
Facebook page:
@AuthorRLDrake
Instagram:
@Randipanderfff
Twitter:
@Randipander
The Holland Broken Pack series is a wolf-shifter series that will focus on four siblings who grew up with an abusive alcoholic father who killed their mother when they were all children.
Now that the father has passed away, all of the siblings are making their way back home and dealing with their own personal demons.
Each book can be read as a stand-alone, with no cliff hangers or as a series; and will focus on an individual sibling in each book.
Also in the works is Seekers Hex: Omens (Book 1)
Cover reveal and new series announcement:
Seekers Hex
Omens: Book 1
Release date to be announced.
Skyler didn't have a past. She was a nobody from nowhere with one simple dream; finding a quite peaceful place to settle down.
Being hunted down by a man who claims to be her familiar, Skyler isn't prepared to accept that she is a powerful witch with an important destiny.
It's hard to ignore the truth though when a group of Elders is giving her the key to her birthright; which takes her on the last journey she ever expected to take....
A journey that takes her to other worlds.
Find me on social media to get updates, sneak peaks, and cover reveals.
@Randipander
Facebook page:
@AuthorRLDrake
Instagram:
@Randipanderfff
Twitter:
@Randipander
May 23, 2019
Free ebook give away
Throughout the week and up until the release of 'Rise' on May 31, 2019 I will be doing some ebook give away's.
For a chance to win a download check me out on Facebook @ Facebook.com/Randipander
or Instagram @RandiPanderFFF
The first question from my give-away:
For a chance to win a free ebook of Forged from Fate: Ashes
If you could be ANY supernatural creature, which one would you choose and why?
I will pick two winners today by 12:00 p.m!!!
Read on lovelies!!!!
#ForgedfromFate #booknerd #fantasy #authorsofIG #kindle #bookshelf #goodreads #bookgiveaway
For a chance to win a download check me out on Facebook @ Facebook.com/Randipander
or Instagram @RandiPanderFFF
The first question from my give-away:
For a chance to win a free ebook of Forged from Fate: Ashes
If you could be ANY supernatural creature, which one would you choose and why?
I will pick two winners today by 12:00 p.m!!!
Read on lovelies!!!!
#ForgedfromFate #booknerd #fantasy #authorsofIG #kindle #bookshelf #goodreads #bookgiveaway
May 20, 2019
Free ebook promo alert!!!
May 24-26 Forged from Fate: Scorched will be available for a free ebook download on Amazon to celebrate the release of book 3 Forged from Fate: Rise coming on May 31, 2019.
Dive into a world of Dragons, Angel's, Demons and the different realms of Earth where war is coming and with it the apocalypse!!!
Dive into a world of Dragons, Angel's, Demons and the different realms of Earth where war is coming and with it the apocalypse!!!
May 9, 2019
To Beta or not to Beta? That is the question.
https://randipander.wixsite.com/randi...
To beta or not to beta? That is the question.
Why it is important to have an outside view of your book? – As authors we are too close to the story. We know every little detail of the book by the time we are done writing it. We have an ideal perception of our characters, and know their history, all their little flaws and quarks, and the things that make them who they are. We know our story line by heart, and may even have an idea of the direction the series is going (If it’s not a stand-alone). Because of this, we may not see the little plot holes that a new reader might catch. We may not read and interpret the book the same way that someone with a fresh set of eyes might. In the end, this is bad news for an author and can result in bad reviews or a reader just dropping the book and never picking it up again.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. As much as we are proud of ourselves for finishing a book and want to show it off to everyone we know…Friends and family may not be honest with you about the quality of your story. Don’t let that stop you from sharing your little book baby with them, but DON’T rely on them to adequately give you the feedback to get your book needs to be at its best. And ultimately you do want the thing you spent so much time, energy, and emotion on to be at its best…right? Of course you do, so let’s move on to my next point.
What not to do:
A beta reader is essentially going to be a stranger. Yes, it is important to form a relationship with your beta reader and make sure they are a good fit for you. You don’t want someone who mostly reads Non-fiction religious books to critique your Urban Fantasy Romance book. That’s just asking for disaster.
Now remember once you’ve chosen your beta reader, they are doing YOU the favor and they aren’t getting paid for it. Don’t get mad when they don’t get to your story in 24 hours. They have their own lives and you should remain grateful they are helping you, even if it takes a week or two. They may not have the same time restrictions you do, so be clear when setting up your arrangement about any deadlines you may have. You can’t have a release date of a week and expect them to cater to that. It’s unrealistic and poor planning on your part as the author.
This next thing is the biggest NO-NO I see from other authors. Authors get upset about the feedback they asked for. If you want someone to blow smoke up your bum, give your book to your granny or best friend. That’s about how much good it’s going to do you, and it won’t benefit your writing in any way.
Don’t get mad at your beta readers input. Ultimately it’s up to you to take it or leave it. Remember you asked them to find flaws and aren’t even paying them for it. . I know it’s hard, and you have to grow a thicker skin, but the point of a beta isn’t to tell you how good your book is, it is to tell you where you messed up. Think of it as more of an opportunity to grow as a writer….or you can completely ignore everything they told you and lock yourself in your room and cry. Either way, the choice is yours.
Now for the ‘what to do’ section:
First and MOST important - Give your beta reader your best copy. It’s kind of an insult to send them something you haven’t even spent the time going over and double/triple checking. These guys aren’t your editor. They are a free resource you can use to help make your book better, so don’t treat them as your personal dictionary and grammar teacher. Please revise your book a couple times before you send it to them so they aren’t overwhelmed with piss poor quality and lazy editing on your end. If you show them right out the gate that you don’t care about your story, then why should they. Give them quality to work with so they can concentrate on the story like they are supposed to.
Find more than one beta reader. As we’ve all heard ‘It takes all kinds to make the world go round.’ One beta reader may enjoy your genre more than another, while another might see something the other missed. Don’t be shy, grab a few beta readers from here and there…besides more is better, right? Don’t limit yourself to a group of beta readers who are just readers. Try and find some authors as well. Authors think a little differently than readers. It is good to get both sides of the spectrum.
Be prepared to send your story in different formats. Each beta reader might ask for something different. One may want a PDF while another may want a DOC. Be flexible and have a few different options available. It will save everyone some aggravation if you as the author come prepared and are flexible.
So you’ve got your beta reader group picked out and your best revised copy available to send them. What’s next?
Let your beta buddies know exactly what kind of feedback you are looking for; Grammar, plot holes, sentence structure, overall feedback on storyline. If you aren’t clear with them you can’t be upset when you don’t get the results you are looking for. If you went in expecting your beta to find every punctuation mistake you’ve made and they come back with just notes on character development, you can’t be upset if you didn’t make your expectations clear. Now you’ve wasted your time and your beta’s time and it’s no one’s fault but your own.
When everything is done and you are putting together the last pieces of your book, give your beta reader a shout-out. That little ‘Acknowledgements’ page we see as readers at the beginning of a book…that’s what that is. It’s not just a spot for you to say ‘Hi Mom’ like you’re on The Price is Right or something. It’s to acknowledge the people who made your book as good as it is. A beta reader might not have put in all the hard work that you did, but they still put in a great deal of effort and their time to help you out. Besides, who wouldn’t love to open a book by one of their favorite authors and see their name? If you said ‘me’ for that question….something is wrong with you.
You’ve decided a Beta reader is for you. Awesome, now where do you find one?
Shop around and find the right beta group. You need to find someone who enjoys your genre but also knows what they are doing. It would be pointless to have someone who isn’t well read or terrible with story structure to read your book.
A good place to start would be Goodreads. If you go to the ‘Groups’ section of their site you’ll find that there is a group for just about everyone, on every genre and sub-genre. Sign up for a couple that have to do with your book. You’ll find that many of these groups have a list of beta readers available. There are literally dozens in most groups with people saying, “Pick me! Pick me! I want to be on your team!!”
Social Media is another good place to find a beta. If you aren’t already part of some Facebook author groups, start signing up now. Not only can these groups of experienced writers help you answer questions as you are getting ready to publish (if you are new to publishing), the groups can help you network. Some in the group may have ready and available trusted beta readers and may be willing to help you out. Instagram also has beta reader groups if you know where to look. Try searching keywords like the obvious ‘Beta’. There are a lot of good groups to follow, and it is a good resource for finding your perfect beta reader fit.
Worst comes to worst and you can’t find a beta reader ANYWHERE…well there is always good old fashioned Google. It’s amazing what that little search engine can find, and as authors wed be lost without it.
By doing all of this, and developing a good relationship with your beta, you’re also starting to build your reader platform. Beta readers usually recommend books they like. They are also the people who will buy other books by you if they really like what they read.
If you have more than one series out you may need to find a different group of beta readers. Don’t forget that they are not a one size fits all.
Wrapping it up.
Since you haven’t hit that publish button yet:
If you are worried about copyright issues…they do have agreements you can send and have signed (Legal Zoom) but it is better to find and communicate with your reader first to get to know them, before you just send all your hard work to a stranger all willy-nilly. Legally, as soon as the words are written down, you own them, however as authors we don’t make a ton of money right out of the gate, and it’s not like we are going to spend money on a law suit…so know your reader. Keep documentation of communications as a safe guard. If you want to stay on the safe side, don’t give a beta reader your entire work. It’s hard to do if you want a full story line review but this way they can’t completely copy your plot line.
#beta #betareader #newauthor #newauthors #indieauthors #indiewriter #selfpublishing #selfpublisher #writer #fantasywriter #paranormal #fantasy #paranormalwriter #urban #urbanfantasy #author #goodreads #goodreadsauthor #writersofig #writersofinstagram #urbanfantasyauthor
To beta or not to beta? That is the question.
Why it is important to have an outside view of your book? – As authors we are too close to the story. We know every little detail of the book by the time we are done writing it. We have an ideal perception of our characters, and know their history, all their little flaws and quarks, and the things that make them who they are. We know our story line by heart, and may even have an idea of the direction the series is going (If it’s not a stand-alone). Because of this, we may not see the little plot holes that a new reader might catch. We may not read and interpret the book the same way that someone with a fresh set of eyes might. In the end, this is bad news for an author and can result in bad reviews or a reader just dropping the book and never picking it up again.
Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. As much as we are proud of ourselves for finishing a book and want to show it off to everyone we know…Friends and family may not be honest with you about the quality of your story. Don’t let that stop you from sharing your little book baby with them, but DON’T rely on them to adequately give you the feedback to get your book needs to be at its best. And ultimately you do want the thing you spent so much time, energy, and emotion on to be at its best…right? Of course you do, so let’s move on to my next point.
What not to do:
A beta reader is essentially going to be a stranger. Yes, it is important to form a relationship with your beta reader and make sure they are a good fit for you. You don’t want someone who mostly reads Non-fiction religious books to critique your Urban Fantasy Romance book. That’s just asking for disaster.
Now remember once you’ve chosen your beta reader, they are doing YOU the favor and they aren’t getting paid for it. Don’t get mad when they don’t get to your story in 24 hours. They have their own lives and you should remain grateful they are helping you, even if it takes a week or two. They may not have the same time restrictions you do, so be clear when setting up your arrangement about any deadlines you may have. You can’t have a release date of a week and expect them to cater to that. It’s unrealistic and poor planning on your part as the author.
This next thing is the biggest NO-NO I see from other authors. Authors get upset about the feedback they asked for. If you want someone to blow smoke up your bum, give your book to your granny or best friend. That’s about how much good it’s going to do you, and it won’t benefit your writing in any way.
Don’t get mad at your beta readers input. Ultimately it’s up to you to take it or leave it. Remember you asked them to find flaws and aren’t even paying them for it. . I know it’s hard, and you have to grow a thicker skin, but the point of a beta isn’t to tell you how good your book is, it is to tell you where you messed up. Think of it as more of an opportunity to grow as a writer….or you can completely ignore everything they told you and lock yourself in your room and cry. Either way, the choice is yours.
Now for the ‘what to do’ section:
First and MOST important - Give your beta reader your best copy. It’s kind of an insult to send them something you haven’t even spent the time going over and double/triple checking. These guys aren’t your editor. They are a free resource you can use to help make your book better, so don’t treat them as your personal dictionary and grammar teacher. Please revise your book a couple times before you send it to them so they aren’t overwhelmed with piss poor quality and lazy editing on your end. If you show them right out the gate that you don’t care about your story, then why should they. Give them quality to work with so they can concentrate on the story like they are supposed to.
Find more than one beta reader. As we’ve all heard ‘It takes all kinds to make the world go round.’ One beta reader may enjoy your genre more than another, while another might see something the other missed. Don’t be shy, grab a few beta readers from here and there…besides more is better, right? Don’t limit yourself to a group of beta readers who are just readers. Try and find some authors as well. Authors think a little differently than readers. It is good to get both sides of the spectrum.
Be prepared to send your story in different formats. Each beta reader might ask for something different. One may want a PDF while another may want a DOC. Be flexible and have a few different options available. It will save everyone some aggravation if you as the author come prepared and are flexible.
So you’ve got your beta reader group picked out and your best revised copy available to send them. What’s next?
Let your beta buddies know exactly what kind of feedback you are looking for; Grammar, plot holes, sentence structure, overall feedback on storyline. If you aren’t clear with them you can’t be upset when you don’t get the results you are looking for. If you went in expecting your beta to find every punctuation mistake you’ve made and they come back with just notes on character development, you can’t be upset if you didn’t make your expectations clear. Now you’ve wasted your time and your beta’s time and it’s no one’s fault but your own.
When everything is done and you are putting together the last pieces of your book, give your beta reader a shout-out. That little ‘Acknowledgements’ page we see as readers at the beginning of a book…that’s what that is. It’s not just a spot for you to say ‘Hi Mom’ like you’re on The Price is Right or something. It’s to acknowledge the people who made your book as good as it is. A beta reader might not have put in all the hard work that you did, but they still put in a great deal of effort and their time to help you out. Besides, who wouldn’t love to open a book by one of their favorite authors and see their name? If you said ‘me’ for that question….something is wrong with you.
You’ve decided a Beta reader is for you. Awesome, now where do you find one?
Shop around and find the right beta group. You need to find someone who enjoys your genre but also knows what they are doing. It would be pointless to have someone who isn’t well read or terrible with story structure to read your book.
A good place to start would be Goodreads. If you go to the ‘Groups’ section of their site you’ll find that there is a group for just about everyone, on every genre and sub-genre. Sign up for a couple that have to do with your book. You’ll find that many of these groups have a list of beta readers available. There are literally dozens in most groups with people saying, “Pick me! Pick me! I want to be on your team!!”
Social Media is another good place to find a beta. If you aren’t already part of some Facebook author groups, start signing up now. Not only can these groups of experienced writers help you answer questions as you are getting ready to publish (if you are new to publishing), the groups can help you network. Some in the group may have ready and available trusted beta readers and may be willing to help you out. Instagram also has beta reader groups if you know where to look. Try searching keywords like the obvious ‘Beta’. There are a lot of good groups to follow, and it is a good resource for finding your perfect beta reader fit.
Worst comes to worst and you can’t find a beta reader ANYWHERE…well there is always good old fashioned Google. It’s amazing what that little search engine can find, and as authors wed be lost without it.
By doing all of this, and developing a good relationship with your beta, you’re also starting to build your reader platform. Beta readers usually recommend books they like. They are also the people who will buy other books by you if they really like what they read.
If you have more than one series out you may need to find a different group of beta readers. Don’t forget that they are not a one size fits all.
Wrapping it up.
Since you haven’t hit that publish button yet:
If you are worried about copyright issues…they do have agreements you can send and have signed (Legal Zoom) but it is better to find and communicate with your reader first to get to know them, before you just send all your hard work to a stranger all willy-nilly. Legally, as soon as the words are written down, you own them, however as authors we don’t make a ton of money right out of the gate, and it’s not like we are going to spend money on a law suit…so know your reader. Keep documentation of communications as a safe guard. If you want to stay on the safe side, don’t give a beta reader your entire work. It’s hard to do if you want a full story line review but this way they can’t completely copy your plot line.
#beta #betareader #newauthor #newauthors #indieauthors #indiewriter #selfpublishing #selfpublisher #writer #fantasywriter #paranormal #fantasy #paranormalwriter #urban #urbanfantasy #author #goodreads #goodreadsauthor #writersofig #writersofinstagram #urbanfantasyauthor
