Book Buzz – DARK SURF news & goings-on
Test reader. Pre-reader. Alpha reader. Beta reader. Critiquer. Whatever you call them, they’re invaluable to authors.
What exactly is a test reader?
A test reader is a non-professional reader who reads a novel before it’s released to the public. These readers provide an author with a fresh perspective on his or her work. They can comment on what works & what doesn’t with regard to the story, characters, setting, dialog, and so on.
Why do authors have test readers?
As an author, when you write a novel of 100,000+ words—and read and edit those words over & over while preparing a first draft of your manuscript—it’s easy to overlook things. Like forgetting to include a physical description for a character or a setting (I’ve done that). Or failing to see an inconsistency in your mythology (guilty). Or using a particular word or phrase too many times (yep).
I highly recommend that any author enlist the services of test readers, particularly if you plan to self-publish. But choose your readers carefully. You don’t want a “yes person” who’ll say your novel is wonderful and perfect. You want someone who can politely but candidly offer a unique perspective and honest opinions about the good, the bad and the ugly in your story.
Who are the DARK SURF test readers?
For DARK SURF, I had an awesome group of test readers—all friends or family members—who each contributed, in their own way, to making it a stronger story. My test readers included: a photographer who minored in creative writing in college, a surfer/novelist, a Twilight enthusiast, an avid reader, a non-fiction self-published author, a former technical editor, and a friend who I felt confident would be brave enough to be totally honest with me about my work.
And I was so pleased with what I learned from each of them that I’ve asked them all to read book 2 in the DARK SURF series.
Do these test readers all read your book at the same time?
No. I divide my test readers into 3 groups. After I receive feedback from my first test reader (who I know will provide the most in-depth, detailed suggestions for the story), I rewrite parts of the book and then send it to my second group of 4 test readers. After I get their comments, then I rewrite again and send it to my final group of 2 test readers, who are also excellent editors.
Right now, I’m in the midst of receiving feedback on the DARK SURF sequel from my second group of test readers—and it’s so helpful!
Is it difficult for test readers to give you their honest feedback? Or for you to hear it?
It can be hard for people you know to give you honest feedback and constructive criticism about your work because they don’t want to hurt your feelings or discourage you. And it can be difficult for you to hear what they have to say. But, trust me, it’s far easier to hear about any potential problems early in the process, while you have time to rewrite and fix those things. You want to know what’s not working before your book gets in the hands of a potential agent, or before it goes out into the world to potentially millions of strangers who will have no problem picking apart your work.
At the same time, it’s also important to remember that it’s YOUR story. For DARK SURF, I carefully considered each of my reader’s comments and suggestions. I decided to incorporate some and I ignored others that didn’t work for my story. And if 2 test readers had a problem with the same passage, I knew it had to be reworked.
Thanks to the contributions of my test readers, DARK SURF is a stronger story. And it’s now garnering 5-star reviews on Amazon.com & Goodreads.com. DARK SURF was also just named the #3 pick on highly respected genre critic Paul Goat Allen’s “Ten ‘Must Read’ Self-Published Vampire Fiction Novels“.
So I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my test readers for reading my first novel, DARK SURF, and offering me really great feedback. Thank you Steve, Christine, Susie, Robert, Claire, Christina & Paula! You guys rock!
