Like many other writers committed to a large project, I finally finished my first rough draft of Scattered Stones, set in 1840s Scotland. "What's next?" I wondered, after putting the novel aside to 'marinate' for about a month. "How can I efficiently finish this story?"
At first blush, I knew I needed reader feedback. Did my story work as I hoped? Diving back into research, I discovered so many resources, some paid, some not, to help me reach 'launch date'.Beta readers could help me reach that goal to publish, but I wasn't quite sure.
What's a beta reader? A beta reader is someone who reads a free copy of a nearly finished novel and agrees to provide feedback to the writer. Said feedback depends on the beta reader's expertise and interest.
Here's what I've learned . . . so far. Surprisingly, the very first step is to analyze more precisely what I need with this story. Do I need:
- Proofreading or copy editing to check spelling, grammar, punctuation, or consistency of voice or style because my story is just about perfect in every other element? In other words, it's nearly finished! NOTE: Most professional writers will say, "You need to hire an editor!" But some beta readers can copy edit.
- Developmental editing to analyze my story concept, plot coherence, character development, or story arc to find if something's just off? Because I sense something is missing, maybe a plot hole?
- Structural editing to analyze the story's plot, pacing, characters, setting, theme, and overall style to discover if the 'bones' of my story are working together effectively?
- Reader response to simply find out what folks who read my genre think about my story.