Work-In-Progress Report
August 6th, 2016In my last Work-In-Progress Report I said that I’d sent the new novel off to beta readers. I’ve heard back from two so far, and the reports are hearteningly positive, while also including some very useful suggestions.
I’ve already incorporated most of the suggestions from my first beta reader. I’m holding off on the rest to see if the noted issues are a concern with anyone else. That will give me a better idea of how to address them. Later today I’ll start going through the second reader’s suggestions.
I’ve also had a friend read a section of the manuscript for authenticity of place. He made a couple of suggestions, but overall gave it a thumbs-up.
I’m waiting on one more beta reader, as well as that most intimidating personage, my freelance editor, Judith Tarr. I’m sure the feedback won’t be quite so positive from Judy! She’s strict.
It’s all to make the final work the best it can be. For now, I’ll enjoy the praise.
Posted on: Saturday, August 6th, 2016 at 9:31 am
Categories: Work-In-Progress Reports.
August 9th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
do you find readers pick up on strengths and weakness in your writing in a consistent manner? i have been thinking about this lately in regards to my game designs and how i structure the development, which while not writing, has some echoes of it. trying to work through playtest feedback to see if i have any consistent weaknesses to improve on and strengths to build on.
August 9th, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Not really, not lately. So far I’ve heard from only two readers. Both had different concerns. Generally, if I can see how a suggestion makes sense and feel like it will improve things, I’ll implement it, even if only one reader senses an issue. But if the comment goes to some larger aspect, I’ll usually wait to see if anyone else has a problem with it. Or — often — I’ll just try to make it clear in the context of the manuscript why I did it that way.