Fiction Writers

Comment by Robert L. Allen on November 17, 2011 at 8:12pm

Borislava, what I do is copy the MS and read it out loud. You would be amazed how many little thing we miss. Today I meant to write Jonathan was a good provider, however I wrote he was a god provider. When we are writing and editing we sometimes see things that are not there...I do it all ther time. I'm not certain what a beta-reader is...

Comment by Borislava Borissova on November 17, 2011 at 9:27pm

A beta reader is a person who reads a written work, generally fiction, with what has been described[1] as "a critical eye, with the aim of improving grammar, spelling, characterization, and general style of a story prior to its release to the general public." The author or writer, who can be referred to as the alpha reader, may use several "betas" prior to publication.In fiction, the beta might highlight plot holes or problems with continuity, characterisation or believability; in fiction and non-fiction, the beta might also assist the author with fact-checking.

Comment by Catherine Green on November 17, 2011 at 9:38pm

And there I thought a beta reader was some sort of high-tech computer program to proofread your MS! *blushing*

Comment by Anna L. Walls on November 18, 2011 at 6:11am

I have figured out how to get my computer to read what I write. A computer is even less prone to our little failings. It reads exactly what is on the page, not what we want to be there, if you get my meaning.

 

Comment by Robert L. Allen on November 18, 2011 at 7:41am

I think it would be fun. And yes, as you said, all writers are busy. But are we too busy to help one another out???

Comment by Robert L. Allen on November 18, 2011 at 7:56am

I sure all of us need help in one thing or another. My synopsis and query letter is not good. But my story is solid. However it is the query and synopsis that sells the book, so they have to be tight. I've had a couple of publishers tell me that my writing is very good but they were not looking for mystery. So there is hope.

Comment by Borislava Borissova on November 18, 2011 at 1:07pm

Oh, I love when we help each other, Robert :)))

Don't worry, Catherine, there was a software called "Beta reader" but according publishers and google, in the last 15 years Beta readers also mean a few very important people for self-published authors.

Comment by Catherine Green on November 18, 2011 at 9:31pm

Oh phew, it wasn't just me being a bit dumb then! Thanks.

I'm all for helping each other, one for all and all that.

Comment by Robert L. Allen on November 19, 2011 at 7:12am

Catherine, I don't know what's going on but when I clicked on the web info about your signing, it didn't let me in. However, even though I hate to think and say it, I think my computer is oon it's last leg. We've had it nine years. And if it goes, I have to save up for another one, so it might be some time before you guys hear from me. I hope that doesn't happen...I'll try again when it get closer to your signing. If I'm not there, I'll be thinking of you...lol...

 

 

 

Comment by Borislava Borissova on November 20, 2011 at 7:59pm

If someone would like to be my beta-reader for the first part of my third book "Love and Other Dreams" I would gladly accept her/his lending hand. Just say me, please.

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