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message 1:
by
Shan
(new)
Aug 28, 2017 12:40PM
I had a question. I've written a middle grade novel and It is finished for the most part. I just need a little help here and there to make sure everything is smooth. I have prepared questions for my Beta readers, but I'm wondering if I have too many questions. I have about 25 questions. Is that too many? I could cut it down. I just want to know what my betas really thought about it. Has anyone else sent a list of questions to their betas?
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In the beginning, I had specific questions. It was more because I was very insecure as an author, though. Since then, I may ask a general question, if I have something, but now I just let them respond as they feel necessary. Of course, I've had enough betas now that I know a number I'm very comfortable with, as I know they will give me the kind of feedback I'm looking for, so there is that.
Okay, that makes sense. I just didn't want to give betas a ton of work when they are already reading my book. The last thing I want is to burden anyone.
I did have a list of questions in my first couple of beta reads six years ago, but some just gave only short answers to the questions.So, now I just ask for their raw, unexpurgated reactions as they read my short fiction. Now, their feedback is more helpful. Same thing for my local critique group. This gives them the freedom to talk about whatever part or character they want to. For example, if they don't talk about your MC, but instead talk about a secondary character, then you know something's up. Earlier this month, a few colleagues in my critique group said that they could really relate to one of the MC's teenage daughter--and gushed about her--but no one said anything about the two adult MCs. I guess I'll have to write a story about the daughter now. ^_^
Thanks Alex. That does seem to be very helpful! I've been doing a lot of character development with my MC and my SC's in trying to give each one of my SC's a static, but well rounded personality, while still giving more on my MC so that she can shine and stand out. This is my first book in this series and I'm already working on the second one, but I will admit, I'm nervous, lol.
Since you're into character development right now, you might consider reading Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies. I've read two other books specifically on writing as well as numerous online resources and this beats the other two and ranks in my must-read writing books. It's very comprehensive, practical, clear, lots of examples of technique, and concise. He has a chapter on character building, "Competing with God: Making Fascinating People," which I just finished reading last night. On the importance of solid characters, he wrote, "During all the many years in which I was an editor and publisher, what did I hope for when I picked up a manuscript? I wanted to fall in love, to be swept up as quickly as possible into the life of a character so interesting that I couldn't bear to shut the manuscript in a desk overnight."
Thanks Alex. I've added that to my books that I want to read. I will definitely check it out!
As a professional editor and beta reader, I'm always glad to have a list of questions from the writer because the questions often lead me to elements of the manuscript that may be weak. But, truthfully, I can easily read without a list. My beta "brain read" focuses on structure, pace and flow, character development and motivation, realistic dialogue and dialogue tags, conflict, readability, language, descriptive details, voice and much more. To see more details about this type of beta read, please visit my site, The Writer's Reader, https://thewritersreader.wordpress.com Sharon
Sharon wrote: "As a professional editor and beta reader, I'm always glad to have a list of questions from the writer because the questions often lead me to elements of the manuscript that may be weak. But, truthf..."Thank you Sharon. I'm a professional editor. We don't usually work off of questions, lol! I just thought that if I gave beta readers questions I could directly address what I felt, may or may not need work. I have a feeling certain areas could be improved, and those questions call attention to those areas. However, I don't want to burden my beta reader with questions if they are a veteran and have their own way of doing things.
