Beta Readers

From what I have heard, Beta Readers are volunteers, who are not writers, who read an author's manuscript. They give feedback based on the average readers point-of-view. Bob Mayer, a New York Times Bestselling Author, suggests using Beta Readers.

I decided to give it a try. I am in the process of changing a cozy mystery into a sweet romantic mystery. In order to do this, I need to change half of the scenes into the hero's point of view. The original book has already been edited. What I need now is a set of fresh eyes to look for obvious mistakes. My husband, my mother, and a friend at work have been reading what I have finished so far.

What I have discovered is that they often find different mistakes, or different aspects of the book stand out to them. This has been a valuable experience. Of course, I do have my writing friend who will look at the final copy for anything that stands out from a published author's point of view. I do plan on using them again in the future.

Until next week,
happy reading and writing.
Tina Swayzee McCright