The first two readers were 11 year old neighbors. This reader was a 15 year old girl. The 4th is a 12 year old boy, and the 5th, a 10 year old girl. They are all avid readers and their feedback is helpful. Each have pointed out one common area of concern for 8 tand 9 year old readers. I'm looking at this now.
I gave each a questioneer for likes and dislikes and their comments are surprisingly good. Each one has also marked up typing errors they found. Consider using Beta Readers for your book.
Because of the fast growth of e-books, it seems like a good way to go while I look for an agent.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Three beta reader have finished
The library is providing young readers to preview my DRAGOOLEND. My target audience is age 9 to 12 (My characters are 13). This reader is 15 years old, but my library contact assured me this reader would not mind the younger age of my characters.
She filled out my critique form and I was very impressed. Never underestimate a 15 year old. Every question was filled out in full detail with excellant clarity. She also marked up many typing errors I didn't find.
I strongly suggest using beta readers to help you. Make sure to provide them a critique form to fill out!
She filled out my critique form and I was very impressed. Never underestimate a 15 year old. Every question was filled out in full detail with excellant clarity. She also marked up many typing errors I didn't find.
I strongly suggest using beta readers to help you. Make sure to provide them a critique form to fill out!
First two beta readers are 11 years old.
While waiting for them to finish: I found a problem with my writing. It's hard to believe that I keep finding errors at this late date. (Or is it?) This revelation comes from reading other similar stories and gaining experience.
The Problem: I was way too heavy with compound and complex sentences. Hence: The word "And" shows up on every page like splattered ink. I went through the story and either replaced or restructered about 80% of the compound sentenses and many of the complex ones. It reads much better now. See tip #9 in "Tips" link.
The Lesson: Grow your skills by comparing to similar published works, look at everything in your manuscript, then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Don't rush to a premature finish.
The Problem: I was way too heavy with compound and complex sentences. Hence: The word "And" shows up on every page like splattered ink. I went through the story and either replaced or restructered about 80% of the compound sentenses and many of the complex ones. It reads much better now. See tip #9 in "Tips" link.
The Lesson: Grow your skills by comparing to similar published works, look at everything in your manuscript, then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Don't rush to a premature finish.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Avid Young Readers From The Library
The children's department of our local library keeps a list of young readers who also help in in the library. I asked the department head to survey the children and see if any would like to read DRAGOOLEND and provied some feedback. I am happy to say that several did. My most heart felt thanks to them.
Over the past two months, I rewrote the first five chapters, and these have the least amount of edit sessions. I'm a little worried that if I didn't find most of my mistakes, the story might not be as rewarding to them as I would like. But, outside eyes could also be a big help. I'll know in a few days.
Over the past two months, I rewrote the first five chapters, and these have the least amount of edit sessions. I'm a little worried that if I didn't find most of my mistakes, the story might not be as rewarding to them as I would like. But, outside eyes could also be a big help. I'll know in a few days.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Why You Need To Be In A Writers Group
I thought I did a good job of editing my rewrite, but . . .
This is the value of a GOOD writing group that will point out your errors. Many thanks to my fellow writers.
Overall, if your group is not finding as many weak points as strong points in the your writing, then changes need to be made. If you can help your group be more critical, then great. If they can't come up to speed, it might be good to look for another group. For unpublished writers, the blind leading the blind is never good.
This is the value of a GOOD writing group that will point out your errors. Many thanks to my fellow writers.
Overall, if your group is not finding as many weak points as strong points in the your writing, then changes need to be made. If you can help your group be more critical, then great. If they can't come up to speed, it might be good to look for another group. For unpublished writers, the blind leading the blind is never good.
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