Alan’s TTIM Stories #21

Beta Readers
As a quick explanation – the author is the Alpha Reader, carefully reviewing her/his work with a critical eye. Beta Reader definition: a generous (free) support of the author’s work by completely reading the book or manuscript to share general observations and point out any glaring errors and unclear, inconsistent material. A second opinion is helpful. Not to be confused with professional editing. I recommend giving your book to a Beta Reader after editing so they can concentrate on the story and not be distracted by spelling and grammar errors.  

As advice to Beta Readers – use restraint. Beta reading work varies with the relationship with the author. Do they want affirmation of their brilliance or an honest critique? There is a desire to correct every flaw (perceived or actual). It includes a strong desire to make suggestions. Unless finding a major gaff, suggestions are usually unwanted – a futile battle against the ego of the author (been there, done that). Praise the good points and save the author from falling into deadly plot holes. Mention any inconsistencies or inaccuracies.

Go ahead – write down all your suggestions to improve the story, take the list outside to a safe area, and set it on fire. There were times I went too far and was left out in the cold for the author’s next enterprise. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” (a close paraphrase of a quote by Samuel Johnson, 1775)

One last piece of advice for now – be kind. Cruelty, no matter how witty you believe yourself to be, is not appreciated. Are you a dream killer to boost your wise-ass ego? If the work you’re reviewing is a disaster, recommend a rewrite without verbal daggers. 

Book Reviews
Another way I like to help authors, without their request or permission, is the book review. Reviewing books is beneficial to the reviewer and the author being reviewed. Reading is a major benefit to a reviewer with exposure to interesting styles and unique writing techniques. Writing reviews is good practice.    

Every author dreads the one-star critical review. Condolences to everyone – it can happen. Don’t let it bother you. Notice if any of the criticism is legitimate. Never argue or retaliate. Rise above the urge.

I have a narrow view of writing book reviews. My reason is to help indie authors. If a book doesn’t deserve a five-star rating, I don’t review – and there have been many. You might think I’m shortchanging authors by holding back my opinion. Refer back to the Beta Reader section – criticism is rarely welcome or considered.

Good Book Reviews can be short. Include a summary, mention good points and questionable faults, and finish with an overall opinion. Brevity will help avoid spoilers. Let future readers be surprised and amazed.

Be honest and objective. As with Beta Reads – leave your ego behind. A clever review can be entertaining, but remember, it’s about the book – not you.

Authors also dread the lack of reviews. Although a good review is used as a marketing tool, my advice – never pay for a review or agree to a review swap. Money contaminates the results and a swap is a free book to an unreliable source. Build your audience and reviews will happen. Your best marketing strategy is your own sales ability. Concentrate on delivering a quality product and build a network of fans.

Sources:
Writerful Books
Small Blue Dog
The Writing Center at the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Follow announcements of Alan’s TTIM Stories on Facebook.com/alan.vandervoort or Treads
at vandervoort_author. All stories are found at www.alanvandervoort.com. Novels by the author include: Sandhills – A Novel and Key Largo Summer are found at Booklocker.com and other online booksellers.