First Call for Beta/First Readers

First Call for Beta/First Readers!

 Dearest Friend,

I have finished writing Supernova - I hope, I think. Truth is every time I scroll through my manuscript just one last time I spot a word or sentence (or paragraph!) that I want to change. So after gutting 7,000 words and for the love of my own sanity I will have to let it go as is. So, let's get on with it, shall we?

What is a Beta Reader?

• According to Wikipedia, a beta reader is usually an unpaid test reader of an unreleased work of literature or other writing, who gives feedback from the point of view of an average reader to the author. 
• A beta reader is not a professional and can therefore provide advice and comments in the opinions of an average reader.
• If you are a writer, an editor, a proofreader, or a copy-editor, you are not eligible to be a beta reader. 

What is Supernova?

Supernova falls into the speculative fiction category aimed at young adults. The story is essentially about a young girl who finds out her father is an alien. Supernova is part one of a three part series.

What is speculative fiction?

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing fiction with certain elements that do not exist in the real world, often in the context of supernatural, futuristic or other imaginative themes.

Source: annieneugebauer.com

Is there a time limit?

Yes. Ideally, I would like to receive feedback after no more than 30 days. A questionnaire which will be included.  

What will this questionnaire look like? 

Something like this:

#1 Did the story hold your interest from the very beginning? If not, why not?

#2 Did you get oriented fairly quickly at the beginning as to whose story it is, and where and when it’s taking place? If not, why not?

#3 Could you relate to the main character? 

#4 Did the setting interest you and did the descriptions seem vivid and real to you? 

#5 Was there a point at which you felt the story lagged or you became less than excited about finding out what was going to happen next? Where, exactly? 

#6 Were there any parts that confused you? Or even frustrated or annoyed you? Which parts, and why? 

#7 Did you notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies in time sequences, places, character details, or other details? 

#8 Were the characters believable? Are there any characters you think could be made more interesting or more likable? 

#9 Did you get confused about who’s who in the characters? Were there too many characters to keep track of? Too few? Are any of the names of characters too similar? 

#10 Did the dialogue keep your interest and sound natural to you? If not, whose dialogue did you think sounded artificial or not like that person would speak?

#11 Did you feel there was too much description or exposition? Not enough? Maybe too much dialogue in parts?

#12 Was there enough conflict, tension, and intrigue to keep your interest? 

#13 Was the ending satisfying? Believable? 

#14 Did you notice any obvious, repeating grammatical, spelling, punctuation or capitalization errors? Examples?

#15 Do you think the writing style suits the genre? If not, why not?

Please note

Please note that this manuscript has not been edited by a professional and may contain multiple grammatical errors and/or inconsistencies. Also note that I might reference your review in query letters, on the website and/or promotional material relating to Supernova.

What next?

If you are keen, please send an email to elivingstonwriter@gmail.com to receive a PDF version of the final draft. The invitation is limited, so let me know as soon as you can.

Like my husband mentioned earlier: in order to have honest reviews, I must solicit help from people who don't love me. Haha.

Thank you for reading. Happy Sunday.

EL