How to approach the Beta issue?

[Shay]

I've finally finished Book One of a two-part series. I've whittled it from over 450 pages to under 390. I'm a little exhausted, but it's as good as I can get it.

I know that the next step is to pass it on to my Beta readers. Thankfully, I've got plenty of friends and family who're willing to help out.

First - how do I pick my readers?
Second - what instructions should I give them (if any) as far as feedback goes?

Hubby read it and all he did was correct spelling and punctuation. Very little feedback on the actual writing. He liked the book, in general. Other than asking me to kill a scene (that I was already bothered by) and suggesting an alternative stopping point for Part One, nothing.

Is there a guide for a first-timer? I gave a copy to three people and told them that I wasn't sensitive and to 'go nuts'.

Finally, how many Betas should I have the book run through? 4? 6? 12? 25? What's a 'healthy' number?

Thank you all! I've learned so much from this group!

[Rebecca]

Shay, first of all congratulations on the edit. Almost a 100 pages. That is fabulous. I spent 25 years publishing with New York and went Indie three years ago. I've tried all the different avenues. A critique group - didn't work so well for me - too many people to listen to. Beta readers - I've had up to 6. But I have always relied on a professional content editor (even before I sent to my NY editor). I think I found a perfect voice with her and that's why we've been together for so long. I know it's hard for a beginning writer to afford a freelance editor but I can tell you why I rely on her so much and maybe you can ask your beta readers to provide the same input. She tells me 1) where I can tighten the story 2) what doesn't make sense, or if I have continuity problems 3)where I have missed tying threads together (especially important for thrillers) 4)if my characterization is flat 5)if I have missed a dramatic opportunity (for instance telling instead of using dialogue or an action narrative). The best thing about her, though, is she always gives reasons for her critique and suggestions on how to fix problems. Too many beta readers and you'll go nuts. Why not try 4-6 and hopefully find one or two voices who sounds as if they 'get' your objective and will help you meet it. Good luck!

[Shay]

What is a realistic price for a content editor? (I'm budgeting for editing and know it has to be done anyway.)

I'm seeing services offered anywhere from $1 per page to $5 per page to $5000 per book. I have no idea where to go next. o.O

[Rebecca]

I use Jenny Jensen. She is $2.50 a page for an extensive edit. I rely on her for content mostly because I know how critical it is. Our track record is pretty good. 28 books, 28 sales. I worked with her when I wrote women's fiction and now throughout my thriller career. A couple of lists later, a best selling series, I know I found the right person. I always tell her my career is over if she quits. You can see her at e-bookeditor.com Really it boils down to the voice that 'speaks' to you. For me, I needed someone who is truly invested in me as an author, not just my project. Connect with a couple of editors, see what they work on, how they converse. It's worth the time and effort. Good luck.

[Shay]

Thank you! Does she also do line editing?

[Rebecca]

Yes, she does. My focus has always been on the story editing. I go over it so often with a couple of other trusted Beta readers. I have a system all in place :). If you contact her, tell her I sent you. PS what's the title of your book? What genre? Smart doing a series. I've been stunned by the demand for series.

[Shay]

The working title is "ruben's run", but I'm sure that'll change.

It's a werewolf, romance, sci-fi, murder mystery.

(I know, I know. But it all makes sense when you put it together.)

My daughter's a huge werewolf buff. Even as a little kid, she loved the old black and white films. But she's always been irritated with the unrealistic 'shifts' in books and film. It killed her suspension of disbelief.

Well, I was an anthropology major in college with a medical background. I found a way to make it scientifically sound. So (yes) my werewolves poop and fart. (That's my husband's favorite part) :)

I had spinal surgery a year and a half ago and had no other way to escape from the pain, so I created this other world and solved her werewolf issue. I'm still recovering, so I started to write while I was stuck on my butt. It's actually turning out pretty well. :)

[Rebecca]

LOL, that's as good a reason as any! Hope you feel tons and tons better in 2014. Sounds like an exciting book. Definitely has it all :)