Just completed manuscript for science fantasy/ magical realism novel 113000 words, many drafts/self edits, and now asking beta reader feedback. Considering my publishing journey and looking at: Copy edit/ proofread/ I have some cover design ideas/ author website(poss on Squarespace)/ looking at Wattpad, substack, linking to some reader groups,/ then thinking start with ebook on Amazon, then judge where to upload to individually, or use distributor service. Any ideas/feedback on others own journeys/plans would be interesting to hear

I meant to ask this a while ago, but did anyone on here get accepted for the Harper Collins Author Academy this year? I got waitlisted/longlisted for it, which I was thrilled by, but just wondered whether anyone else enters this sort of thing, as it would be nice to have company! I've just entered the Write Mentor competition too. 😁

I’ve got two WIPs on my desk at the moment one deep in the middle stretch where the story really starts to demand clarity, and the other still taking shape, finding its rhythm and voice. It’s that familiar phase where the work asks more of you, tighter structure, sharper character choices, and a bit of patience with the process. I’m always interested in where other writers are in their cycle. Are you drafting, revising, or letting something rest before the next pass?

Has anyone else not received their feedback yet, or is it just me?

I posted this as a partial reply elsewhere but I thought I would post it here, too. I apologize for the duplication, but I have this problem. Do you have problems finding good, unpaid beta readers? * * * "My novel is in beta reader now, but only two of them so far and only one of them says she read it. No feedback, though, except gushy "I loved it" sort of things. She promised to sit down with me and go over it, using my beta reader instructions. We'll see. Getting beta readers that I can trust for honest feedback is harder than I thought. Friends and relatives are are untrustworthy. I want honest feedback, not just gush for my ego."