Have you ever gone onto a website or app and seen that it was a "beta" version? What is that all about???
In the technology world, a beta is a version that you're testing to make sure it works as expected, and one great way to do that is to allow users access to the version before it's final. This gives the developers a chance to see how the site or app handles day-to-day use and gives users a chance to provide feedback.
So, why am I talking about beta testing in my Write Advice column? Because, your manuscript should go through its own beta testing before you release it to the world.
Beta readers are invaluable to your success. They give you the truth others might not want to share. They tell you want works and what doesn't. They make you a better writer.
If it weren't for my beta readers, I'd have an ending for Wished that didn't work. I might never have finished Just Another Stupid Boy. I might not even be writing young adult/teen stories. One of my very first Beta readers (my beautiful sister) read a story I'd planned to pitch to Harlequin. Her feedback was, "I like the story, but your adults sound like teenagers."
I took a step back and looked at my story again. As usual, my sister was right. I started over, this time writing about a teen protagonist. My story What I Hear was born. The teen angle worked (even though the story didn't), and I was hooked on writing teen fiction.
I've learned so much about myself and my writing through my Beta readers' feedback. Even though it hasn't always been easy to hear, I've appreciated every comment.
So, I highly recommend you find some great Beta readers. People who will tell you the truth, who are willing to take the time to read your work in a timely manner, who will give you details on what worked, what didn't and why.
It may not be the most pleasant experience, but it will push you to be the very best version of yourself possible. And that makes the growing pains worth it.
In the technology world, a beta is a version that you're testing to make sure it works as expected, and one great way to do that is to allow users access to the version before it's final. This gives the developers a chance to see how the site or app handles day-to-day use and gives users a chance to provide feedback.
So, why am I talking about beta testing in my Write Advice column? Because, your manuscript should go through its own beta testing before you release it to the world.
Beta readers are invaluable to your success. They give you the truth others might not want to share. They tell you want works and what doesn't. They make you a better writer.
If it weren't for my beta readers, I'd have an ending for Wished that didn't work. I might never have finished Just Another Stupid Boy. I might not even be writing young adult/teen stories. One of my very first Beta readers (my beautiful sister) read a story I'd planned to pitch to Harlequin. Her feedback was, "I like the story, but your adults sound like teenagers."
I took a step back and looked at my story again. As usual, my sister was right. I started over, this time writing about a teen protagonist. My story What I Hear was born. The teen angle worked (even though the story didn't), and I was hooked on writing teen fiction.
I've learned so much about myself and my writing through my Beta readers' feedback. Even though it hasn't always been easy to hear, I've appreciated every comment.
So, I highly recommend you find some great Beta readers. People who will tell you the truth, who are willing to take the time to read your work in a timely manner, who will give you details on what worked, what didn't and why.
It may not be the most pleasant experience, but it will push you to be the very best version of yourself possible. And that makes the growing pains worth it.