Beta Reader Group discussion
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Hi Philip, welcome to the group!I'm not a moderator, but I'm pretty sure you're posting in the right place.
First things first, congratulations on writing a book! That's exciting. When you say philosophy, do you mean it's a non-fiction book? If so, what specific philosophical topic(s) does your book explore?
Ideally, you don't want friends and family to be your "beta readers" because, well, as you said, unfortunately, it is hard for family and friends to be critical of your work, and what you need is honest critique.
But before you jump into the beta reading stage, I would personally advise you to finish your book first (if it's not finished yet). Don't worry about criticism or beta readers yet. Just write the book you want to write. Write the book you want to read. Once your first draft is done, edit it. Edit is as much as you can. Make it the best version it can be, until you're satisfied with it. If you are really struggling with finishing your book, you could list the specific issues you're having, to make it easier for yourself, and see how you can tackle each issue. Unfortunately, I don't write non-fiction so I don't know what kind of advice I could offer here in specific. If you're still stuck, then what you'll need are critique partners and not beta readers. Betas would only give you their honest opinions on the book, and they are best to have once you've finished and edited your book. CPs would offer helpful advice and suggestions on how to tackle or fix the issues you're encountering, and they could also take a look at first drafts. Of course, you'll want CPs to be writing in your same genre, so they'd have experience with it. I don't feel like I have a lot of information your book to offer more advice, but this is what I would personally suggest you do. Maybe others will have better suggestions!
Kenny wrote: "Hi Philip, welcome to the group!I'm not a moderator, but I'm pretty sure you're posting in the right place.
First things first, congratulations on writing a book! That's exciting. When you say p..."
Thank you for responding. I think I am done with it. At least I given it a couple of edits, I've expanded where I think I should expand and I've reduced redundant portions. I don't know how to feel about it because I've never done it.
Yes, its non-fiction, should I be posting over there...well at least lurking over there to find out what is being advised of others. Thank you for the welcome and I will check out the non-fiction.
So firstly, my situation is this. I wrote 19000 words on virtue and firgured it was too long for a blog, so why not expand some ideas and make it a book. I am up to 33000. I am impressed with myself, but now I am at the point where I could use some suggestions, feedback, anything other than
"Atta-boy"
By genre I am sure its a philosophy book, by ideas I have been told by my friends that i've shared it with that they "...don't understand it, but..." It's because they dont think about philosophical things...but that could be the nice way of saying it sucks. I have PhD is english who voluteered herself to read my book, but she hasn't exactly come thru for me. As well as several other friends/family members who, its just not happening. I am sad because I feel let down, but at the same time, this may be them saving me from wounding criticism. Iunno
I looked around this discussion board for "philosophy" posts to try and keep my questions within the realm of acceptable posting as I am sure a discussion board like this likely takes quite a few people to help moderate away the spam.
I know I need some beta readers, which is partially why I am here. But this is all foreign territory here for me. I don't really exist in the spheres of intellectuals or writers or whatevers.
Desperate for some advice on what to do from here. I don't own any editing software or any fancy things. I just brain vomitted and think that it might be worth a read for someone.