Old Man Update.
I’ve actually been a little hard on myself for not having completed the post-Alpha read-through, but on checking I find I’ve been at it a mere three weeks and I’m about 75% of the way through, so I should be complete before next blog post.
Thinking About Betas.
As far as progress on the novel goes, I’ll have to leave it at that introductory paragraph, but I took the opportunity on Saturday to think about how to go about finding Beta Readers.
Finding them is the first issue I’m going to have once I’ve gone back through the manuscript one last time, and I’m confident I can have the manuscript Beta-ready before October.
There seem to be a number of avenues to go when looking for Beta readers. Most advice I’ve found begins by having you look in your own backyard, that is with friends and family first.
Well, that’s where I found my Alpha, but looking for a Beta in the same pool will be harder because I’m hoping for a more granular critique of not just the plot – it’s simple enough – but of my writing, and that would require an appreciation not just for good writing but an appreciation for what makes writing ‘good.’
Additionally, the story as it’s written is steeped in social commentary which, if the reader doesn’t share at least a similar philosophy, is likely to taint the overall criticism. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the issues and positions alluded to aren’t those that would find common ground with a Trump voter, and there is a chance that such a Beta Reader might denounce the story for its message, rather than for its actual artistic merit.
Two Places to Go.
Critiquematch.com:
I’ve set up an account with them and, prima facie at least, they seem a good avenue to go. The goal is for people to trade reviews. You’d get your work reviewed – for free or by a professional – and you’d give reviews as well. This seems like a good system, again, on the face of it.
For some reason, I’m leaning this way right now.
Goodreads Beta Group:
This is also an avenue that calls out to me. According to one source, “[i]t’s really easy to post here asking for readers, and you should get a few replies.”
You can rest assured I’ll relay my experiences and thoughts here on this blog.
Anywhere Else?
I’m always open to other options. I have family back in the U.K. and I have some contacts here in the U.S. who, judging by their Facebook posts, may be more receptive to the position my work takes than others.
I’m also still open to anyone following this blog who would like to read and offer a critique of the novel. I’d need to hear before 1 October 2019 as I anticipate being Beta Ready by then and in position to move forward.
One other possibility is to announce on my personal Facebook page that I’m seeking experienced Beta Readers and see what happens…
The Rough Plan.
- Finish the Post-Alpha Read-through by 18 August
- Finish the Pre-Beta Draft by 22 September
- Draft my Beta Reader Questionnaire and formally seek Beta Readers by 22 September
- Hopefully go to Beta on 29 September, although this may be slowed down by the inevitable mismatch between how the manuscript is configured and how my Beta Readers need it – there’s no earthly reason they’d all want it in ePub format, for instance.
- Light a fire under The Black Box Factory and get to work with a meaningful outline.
Up Next…
When I get to the tail end of this Post Alpha Read-through, I’m intending to quickly put together some reminders on Post-It notes and tack them around the computer monitor so I can keep important aspects in mind through this Pre-Beta Draft effort. I’ll also be moving fully into Scrivener so I’ll have my thoughts on that as I progress, but that’s unlikely to be next week.
My sole goal is to have started the process before I post again next week.
Hopefully the Pre-Beta Draft won’t drag on too long because I’m looking forward to (or dreading, depending on which way the wind is blowing) getting constructive criticism from someone who has no previous exposure to either my work, or how I think.
There’s also the fact that I’ll be able to get to grips with Black Box Factory properly at last.
In any event, it’s going to be an exciting time.
Have a great and safe week, everyone!
Categories: Beta Readers, Critiquematch, Finding Beta Readers, Goodreads Beta Group, Plans & Planning, Readthrough, Resources, The Old Man, Work Update, Writing
Andrew Wellington 
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