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@e-n-leonard

I definitely agree with what was mentioned about setting aside the book between drafts. For me at least, that’s been really important.

Yes, and unfortunately it’s something I find hard to do, since I like to just leap into things and get them done, without realizing that sometimes what seems like the long way is really the quickest route!

@r-m-archer

That’s generally how I do it. It’s the easiest method I’ve found. Most readers will comment; I’ve also had some who save up their thoughts and send me a comprehensive feedback list at the end in an email or separate document (I’ve gotten PDFs multiple times). Either way, though, Gdocs is a good means for them to read it.

Oh good! I never like having to learn a new website or software or anything so I’m glad something I’m familiar with works! 😀

I often ask my beta-readers beforehand if they’d prefer to share a document or if they want individual documents. A group document enables readers to bounce off of each other and you can get a better/quicker feel for what spots stood out to multiple people and which things get more varied responses, whereas individual docs eliminate the potential for readers to be influenced (or distracted) by others but they’re a bit more complicated on the author end when you’re compiling all of the comments and whatnot. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. In my experience, most of my readers have voted for a group document while only a couple have asked for individual documents, and it’s easy enough to accommodate both. (The “make a copy” feature in Google docs is your best friend in these situations.)

I never even thought of group vs private documents! Thank you! I appreciate this information so much!

You can just post on SE with a blurb and any other relevant information and have people email you; you could set up a Google form to collect people’s email addresses (which would provide the flexibility to ask about their experience, what drew them to your book, etc. if you wanted); or you could send them to a mailing list landing page if that’s a tool you have in your arsenal. In any case, you want to make sure they have an idea of what the book is about, how long it is, what timeline you’re aiming for, and any content warnings that may be relevant.

I have a mailing list for my street team (people who read early drafts, help promote my stuff by word-of-mouth, etc.), so I generally put beta-readers on that list, whether sending them to my landing page or accumulating their email addresses (often through a Google form) to add them manually. If you don’t have a mailing list like that, you’ll just want to keep a list in a document or spreadsheet so you know who to send the book out to when the time comes.

This is very handy info!

@rose-colored-fancy

YESSS BROOKE YOU DID IT!!! I’m so proud of you for making it so far!! I know it’s gonna be EPIC!!!

THANK YOU!!! I’m proud of me too XD 😛

I sleep with one eye open XD She’s being herself, being a problem to her problems as always XD Unfortunately, I believe she counts me as one of her problems XD

A “problem to her problems” is one of the best statements I have ever heard (and so much my own problem!)! 😛

Ahhh, epic! I don’t have Facebook, but email is perfect! My email address is “rose. everdeen. author @ gmail. com” without the spaces! (So, the one I use for my newsletter too!)

Sweet! Thanks!

Yesss awesome! Here’s a brief, summarized process of my revisions!

I hope that was somewhat helpful!

That was VERY helpful! I love step-by-step things that allow me to think about one thing at a time 🙂

Yesss that’s what betas are so awesome for! Plus, you get to share your story! How cool and exciting is that!! It’s terrifying in the best way, but getting to share it is one of the best feelings ever!

I know, and I’m so eager to finish the first draft and edit the things I know need editing so I can share it!!

Of course! Lemme rummage around and find them…

Here’s the one I used for the second draft of Gilded Blood!

Thank you!!

This was the list I gave my readers ahead of time! Afterwards, I’d add a few specific spoilery questions of stuff I wasn’t sure of!

Ah, yes – the spoilers!

 

And thank you guys for offering your beta reading abilities! After I finish the first draft and edit a bit, I will be sure to tag y’all!