Guidelines for Beta Readers with my book

Here are some of the requests that I have gotten.

 Why I want beta readers?

I am very passion about horror writing: especially vampires, ghosts, and urban legends. I really hope to get my vampire series mainstream published. This is just book one. I have the other seven books outlined.

I’m seeking beta readers because I want to know to if my characters are believable, likable and if the story is interesting enough. I really would like to know your thoughts.

 

How long do I have to reader and give feedback?

 The time line to read and give feedback is June 20^th to September 1^st (2013).
I have seen several writer’s give a reader just a month for feedback. However I understand that the summer catches up with us: vacations or work. It can be hard to find to read a book in everyone’s hectic schedule. I thought by giving ten weeks that it would more than enough time to read.
If you have received the book after June 20^th, I would still greatly appreciate to get feedback by September. I will have posts and reminders in August.

 

I have gotten several requests to give questions/guidelines in what I want out of the beta readers.

 

What am I supposed to be looking for while reading?

First of all, I just want you to know I am just posting these questions and ideas for guidelines. Over all, I know to you if saw this book on a book shelf or heard about if from a friend if you would pick it up and read it. I also would like to know if this book would be something that you would tell your friends about it. 

 

Things to possibly look for. . .

Plot

Are the obstacles achievable?

Is it provoking?

Did it make you want to turn the page?

Is it constant?

Are there any pieces that just don’t make sense?
Does the story flow? Is the story interesting?

 

Characters

Are they realistic?

Are they likable?

What did you like about the characters?

What did you dislike?

Are there any inconsistencies with the characters?

How do you think I could improve on the characters?

 

Interest

What did you find interesting?

Was there something boring?

What would you add or change to add more excitement to the story?

 

Twists

Are there any good twists in my story?

Is my story flat?

 

Grammar (I understand is main issue with writing; However, I do not want to the only feedback to be about grammar issues. If you are interested in helping after September. I am seeking editors to help me with the find points of my grammar.)

Are there any spelling errors?

Any issues you feel I need to address?

 

Extra

Is there something that I repeat too much?

Is there something I need to emphasis?

Are there any format problems?

Is it hard to read?

How would you rate the book 1 worst book ever to 5 best book ever read? Why?

 

I appreciate and will consider all of your feedback when I reedit the book in September. Again I want to say thank you for time and thoughts.

 

Advice for recieving Feedback

There are many writers who have it good and yet don’t know it. I would never say any feedback is hateful or negative . . . it’s just an opinion. (Unless someone threaten you or said they hated it, but that is not what I meant.) Most readers read a story and then go to the next story. Only a percentage of them actually give feedback, especially on a blog or online site.  So if 15 people gave some kind of comment or feedback, then think of how many other simply read the story and moved on.

I gave my fellow some advice that I even follow. . .

1. Just think about it:  to get that much feedback means that many people read or at least started to read your material. At least you have some readers noticed that you are a writer.
2. It really looks like you have the wrong fan-base.  I also heard that certain writer’s websites will tear apart one’s work, but they are trying to make it better. You can read their comments, but it is up to you as the writer to make a decision to use their input.
3. Never take what one person says at world value. I have learned that I may be unique, but there are at least a few people out there like me. Everyone has their opinion and most people always have something to say about art and writing is just written art.
4. Cherish positive comment and keep negative comments at arm’s length.
5. Try to find a positive spin to all comments or you’ll just feel down. Question the commenter’s ideas . . . never be afraid to ask why they have their opinion or how they offered their opinion. If they said something vague like because it is what I think, don’t take the feedback at much value. However if they tell you a real reason with an example of why/how they got to their opinion, then work with it.
6. The thing that I have learned is most people who want feedback, want to improve their writing. If you are simply writing for yourself and like your work, then just don’t ask for feedback.
7. I personally have nothing against fanfiction. I use it as practice myself. However I can see the negative look on it out there, because there are writer’s struggling to create their own world, conflict, and characters. However I think if a celebrity or previously created character gives you inspiration then right about it. (Just please let people know that it is fiction and is no way connected to the original person/character.)

Okay that is my two cents for now. . . I have a few pieces to rewrite, a few pieces to read and review, and many chapters to edit.