Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Looking For Alpha (and Beta) Readers

Today's post is different than the last few. At this time, I am looking for readers to help me evaluate a novel manuscript I've been sitting on for a long time now. You see, back in about 2001, I started writing my first piece of long fiction, really the first attempt at any writing of substance. It was one of those turning points, well before the notion of working as a freelance writer entered my mind, wherein I first considered what it would be like to be a published author.

I've written a fairly substantial piece of fiction. It is a fantasy novel with religious/prophetic elements. After nine years, of starts and stops, points where I was ready to toss it out, only to find new reasons to keep going, I want to see if this is worth publishing. While I have had a couple of friends read this work in earlier stages, I've never thought about seeking out what are called alpha readers (or beta readers) by those in the writing business.

I'm looking for genuine feedback on the state of this manuscript. I would love some constructive criticisms, suggestions, and other areas of analysis that may help me to strengthen this work to the point that I can finally ship it off. I'm on the hunt for a few good readers. Do you think you're up to the challenge?

Please send me a message or leave a comment. Thanks!

No comments: