I want beta readers, but my book isn't done yet

[Vivica]

Is this a problem?

This is my first book and I just want to make sure that I've got things like the pacing, narration and structure down before I commit all of it to paper.

Also, would it be a good idea to send it as a PDF?

Sorry for all the questions. I am still really new to this process so would really appreciate any guidance you can give me.

[Crystal]

People use the terms beta reader and critique partner interchangeably, however they're different.
You send to a beta reader once your manuscript has been edited umpteen times and polished as best you can make it.
In your situation (you're not done and needing broader opinions such as pacing narration, etc.), you need a critique partner.

When I offer to beta read, I am expecting an edited, fairly polished story. But if I'm critiquing, I'll expect a rougher version and won't get hung up on some of the littler things that usually get ironed out once the author has edited it a couple dozen times.
Hope that helps!

[Crystal]

Also, when asking for a beta reader or critiquer, you should state the genre and length of the story. I know I'm not a good fit for dystopian or horror becuase I rarely read those genres. And the length lets me know if I have the time to commit to it. a 120,000 word docmument is a much bigger time commitment than a 30,000 word document.

[Valerie]

Marie wrote: "Is this a problem?

This is my first book and I just want to make sure that I've got things like the pacing, narration and structure down before I commit all of it to paper.

Also, would it be a g..."

This is just my own opinion, so feel free to disregard. In response to your first question... Yeah, I generally wouldn't advise you to ask for beta reads until you're at least finished with your first draft. Most beta readers, especially free beta readers, want to read. They don't want to be asked to speculate on where your story's gonna go. Regarding your second question, pdf ought to be fine for just about every beta reader (I've only worked with a couple who prefer to mobi or epub).

If all you're looking for is a quick plot audit, I'd be happy to take a look at where you're planning on going. Just send me a pm.

[Vivica]

Thank you both for your feedback.

I am definitely not looking for people to speculate on where the book is going to go. I know exactly where it's going and have a very rough first draft for every chapter already completed. The first four chapters have been written, edited, rewritten, completely revised and rewritten again. I feel like they are ready to be looked at by someone else's eyes, if that makes sense.

I will take your feedback and keep working on it. Thanks very much.

[G.G.]

Maybe you could ask for Alpha readers instead? They are more used to the rough stuff, and it's easier when you know in advance in what you're getting into.
They might be a little harder to find though.

[Vivica]

Thank you! I will start looking for alpha readers, then. I appreciate your advice.

[Silver]

You didn't mention the genre ... a blurb telling what your book is about may get the CPs or Alphas to offer ...

[Vivica]

Oh! I wasn't trying to use this area as a way of recruiting betas/alphas exactly. I was just wondering on whether or not I should/what I should do.

For FYI:

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Erotic Thriller (with a dash of Greek mythology)
Word Count: Just over 20K
Sex: none yet, but there are a couple of lap dance secnes

Ch. 1 is online here: http://mariechristopherauthor.wordpre...

Or if you'd prefer a blurb:
http://mariechristopherauthor.wordpre...

[Apple]

I am willing to be an alpha/beta/gamma (or any other letter of the Greek alphabet) test reader for the first few chapters of a book.

[Jamie]

Apple, give me your email and I will send you the first few chapters of a story I have drafted.
Thanks,
-Jamie
Jamiejamison8@gmail.com

[Apple]

Jamie wrote: "Apple, give me your email and I will send you the first few chapters of a story I have drafted.
Thanks,
-Jamie
Jamiejamison8@gmail.com"

did you get my email? Have not received anything yet. Apple.

[M.]

hey guys i have started writing my first novel and im so nervous i love my story and have it all figured out but im so afraid no one else will and to top it off i don't even no were to being with the whole getting my book out there......are there people out there who are willing to read some chapters and see if the like how the plot is going??? should i tell people about the book im writing and get it out there before its done or wait till im actually done anyone what to help a girl out :)

[Phoebe]

Is this a problem?

Some people seem okay with it, but for me, yeah, I don't want to see your book until you've at least done some scene rewrites and basic editing to polish the edges. For me, a beta isn't an editor; they're there to judge the story and help improve macro issues in the novel. I at least want my betas to be able to enjoy my books. :)

[M.]

Thanks H. D. I understand were your coming from I've rewrote loads added here and there and I'm pretty happy but I suppose being a new writer I'm a little nervous about how I'm actually getting on

[Apple]

I can tell you what worked for me. I wrote my entire book out, but it was more like a skeleton or detailed outline. I left out the descriptive details of the setting and the rooms. I didn't worry about facial expressions, action tags etc. I didn't worry about crappy sentence structure. Then I let my sister and brother read it to tell me what they thought of the plot. The reason I didn't bother making it super perfect first, was in case I had to do some major re-writes. Which I did. And I was glad I did not put a lot of time into each chapter because some of the of the chapters didn't make it into the final book. I would have wasted a lot of time if I had polished them and then let someone look at them. Once I got some initial feedback, I deleted a couple chapters, added a new one, changed a character's personality a bit and then got more feedback. Once all the kinks were worked out, then I went chapter by chapter, adding in the descriptive detail, and polishing up the dialog and sentence structure etc. If you do it in layers like that, it won't be so overwhelming. If you have any doubts about your writing, check out 50 books at random at your library and you will be amazed! There are some critique groups/writing groups on line - join one or begin your own. I just joined one last week that started up. They are discussing all kinds of things from back of the book blurbs, first line hook, dialog issues etc. Good Luck