The Messy Truth About Love: Beta Read

I did it! I finished this latest draft of The Messy Truth About Love. It was an important deadline to make in order to meet my publishing goal of July 26, 2022. Why? Because I need to get it to beta-readers.

Images from Canva.

Beta readers are so freaking important! Why?

They read an early version of the work in its early form, and with guidance (I give my beta-readers a list of things I want feedback about), they provide their wisdom to help with the revision. Think of a beta reader like a product tester, only probably more knowledgeable about what they are testing.

It’s nice (and terrifying) when I get to this stage of the writing process. I’ve gotten the story to actually look like a story; one I am starting to like. On the flip side, however, there’s a lot of insecurity wrapped up in it, because it’s new and raw. As a writer, sharing my work in any form is a very vulnerable experience. It feels a little like opening up my chest, exposing my heart and saying, “sure, take your scalpel and poke around in there. Please be careful.”

So what do I hope to get from a beta reader:

Honesty. I mean, I want the truth, but hopefully offered in a gentle way that protects my creative soul.

Questions! The questions a beta reader asks helps me think, reflect, and respond in the text of the story.

Confidence. When a beta reader loves the story in its raw form (even if there’s lots of work to be done), then I know I’m on the right path. 

Are you an avid reader? Are you one of those people who finds the plot holes and has a million questions when you read a book? You might enjoy beta reading. Mixed Plate Press is looking for both beta readers and ARC readers. If you’re interested in either, here’s a link!

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