One Year Later

Actually, it has been more than a year since I posted something to this blog. That is going to change. Well, at least I hope it does. I am not sure what I will say, but hopefully it will be more than new release announcements.

I've considered blogging about the slip into dementia. My mother's that is, not mine. I don't have dementia. At least I don't think so ;).

Then there is family (always a favorite topic of mine). Lately it would be about the adjustments of having a son who decided to join the military. I am so proud of him, but I worry. I am a mother and can't help it. I know he is strong, intelligent and makes right decisions, but he is my son and this isn't exactly a "safe" career choice.

I also have two beautiful and gifted daughters. One is an artist with her eye on becoming an Art Therapist/Psychologist. The other, an actress. Neither have completed their schooling but I am anxious to see where their lives take them.

Then there is my very own hero. He really is. He has certificates that say so. My hubby is a retired police officer who left the force after 20 years. He loved that line of work, but I do sleep better now that he is in a less dangerous profession.

I could talk about the theatre, a passion of mine. Or wine, which I love to sample. Or, travel. There are so many places I want to visit and some I can't wait to return to. Then there is gardening, except I haven't had the time this year to spend much time in my yard.

Who knows what topics I may bring up in the future, or how often I post. Hopefully, it won't be just a yearly event - lol.

However, today isn't about any of those topics. I have recently been considering and reconsidering the benefits of adding a few more Beta Readers to my list and forming a Street Team.

First off, Beta Readers are necessary to any author and I find that I am seeking to add a few to my list. My critique partners are great, don't get me wrong, but it is nice to have a totally different set of eyes on a manuscript who are not writers, but are readers. Specifically readers who simply want to get the first glimpse of a story yet to be published, even with all the flaws.

What I look for in a Beta Reader is someone who will read the rough draft of the manuscript and make notes with regard to things they like, don't like, questions or sections that aren't clear, and those types of things and send it back to me. I've gotten general notes before, but unless I am seeing within the manuscript exactly what section the reader is referring to, I don't always know how to fix it.

When I send a manuscript to a Beta Reader, it has not been edited so don't judge me too harshly. I am not looking for an edit. Just thoughts on the story and characters. My editor is always the last step because if Beta Readers come back with questions and suggestions, I determine what changes need to be made (even if I need to rewrite sections), and then it is ready for those final eyes of the "redline" happy editor.

To date I've relied on a handful of friends to Beta Read for me, but I want to add a few romance readers to list who are willing to read and give  feedback out of the goodness of their heart. In other words, it isn't a paying gig. I am not in a position to afford professional Beta Readers right now. Besides, I want people who simply love to read romance novels. Preferably, readers who already like my novels - lol.

So, how do I find these wonderful readers? I don't know. I am open to suggestions. And, if you are interested, just leave me a comment with your e-mail address.

Now, onto Street Teams.  I am not sure if I need one or not.  I know I don't need someone to hand out bookmarks and swag. My team, if I form one, would be more low key. What I would want is simple: 1) Like my FB author page at JaneCharlesAuthor (and encourage others to do so); 2) Friend me on FB at Jane A Charles; 3) Follow me on Twitter at @JaneACharles; 4) When I post about a new release at any of these places, simply "like" and share it.

One of the keys is that it should only be shared once by each member. Nothing drives me more bonkers than seeing the same book or author shared on the various social media sites over and over and over throughout the day. To me, that is overkill and I do believe there is such a thing as too much promo. It will hurt the author and the book instead of benefiting them. Sharing once is enough. If someone is interested in the book, they will click on one of the links.

5) Post reviews on Amazon and/or Goodreads, or wherever you buy your books. While a good review would be great, I would not ask that of you if you didn't like the book.  Not everyone is going to like my books, and I get that. It happens. I have favorite authors that are automatic buys for me. Have I loved each and every book? No. Some were better than others, but it didn't keep me from reading their next release. Whether readers realize it or not, reviews really help on places like Amazon, BN, Kobo, etc. By the way, if you love the book, I definitely want that review posted ;).

What can I offer a Street Team member? That, I am still trying to determine. When I have swag, I would happy to send that along. I usually don't have much around unless I am preparing for a conference. But, as I am still in the planning/considering stages, I haven't come up with any good ideas, but I am open to suggestions on this as well.

So, there you have it. Are you interested in being a Beta Reader or on my Street Team (yet to be named)? Comment below and don't forget to leave your e-mail address. And, one lucky commentor who has suggestions on either of the topics listed, will win an audiobook of Lady Revealed. 

I look forward to hearing from you. I'll draw a name around noon on Sunday, August 9th. All comments up to that time will be entered into the drawing.
Happy Reading, or in this case, listening :).