I was at a loss to tell potential beta readers just what I wanted until I came across these instructions, attributed to FirstManuscript.com. They may not be perfect but they work for me. I shared them with my local writers group and they liked them and found them useful. I will give them to anyone who is willing to be a beta reader for my novel, when the time comes. This isn''t meant to be a demand. After all, they are doing me a kindness. But it's a place to start in fixing my novel. * * * My Beta Reader Instructions Before I get into the details, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your assistance in completing my novel. What is a beta reader? Someone who assists the author by reviewing a pre-release version of a book. What do I expect? I expect you to be harsh! Tell me what you are really thinking as you are reading. “I wonder why the character didn’t…” or “What the hell? That came outta nowhere,” or “This part is confusing.” I am sure you will find typos, grammar errors and missing words. Please mark them so I can clean them up. But I don’t want that to be your main focus. I especially want your feedback on big picture items, like: 1. Does the story engage you? 2. Is the pacing proper? 3. Are there sections that drag? 4. Do the characters seem real? 5. Do they behave and talk in a consistent manner? 6. Did I leave too many clues so that you figured out the ending well in advance? 7. Or did I not leave enough, making you feel like I pulled a fast one at the end? (If I did it right, you should be able to look back and think, I should have seen that coming. I am worried that there may be plot or character inconsistencies or people who know things they shouldn’t until later. Most of all, I want you to enjoy the read. How soon do I want replies? I hope for your feedback within 3-4 weeks, so I can get on with getting this finalized. Note: If you are using Microsoft Word or the equivalent (and I hope you are), please ensure that the “Track Changes” option is turned on (Review Tab). That will enable you to mark typos and add comments. Just save your updates and email the file back to me when you are done.

Guys, when you write interiority (thoughts in italics), if the character’s thought is a rhetorical question do you remove the question mark? Or keep it? Thanks 🙏

When editing a novel (say a document of 75,000 words ) do you prefer to edit on the screen or print out the entire thing and get busy with pencils and red pens?

In the past I've been lucky enough to make a few competition lists and have agents reach out. I, and my manuscript weren't ready at that time so things didn't go further. But I'm now sat with my completed (and strange) epistolary thriller in hand, ready to commence querying. Whilst attempting to find information and assistance, I'm coming across a lot of people with their hand out, and a lot of conflicting and generic advice. How did/do/would you go about trying to find the right eyes for your manuscript? Are you just searching on query tracker or a similar service? Checking industry sites and newsletters? Paying for a service? Reading tea leaves?

Quick 5-minute writing spark:Your reflection in the mirror stops copying you. Instead, it starts telling you the one secret you've been hiding from everyone—even yourself. What does it say? Write the first line of dialogue (or the whole short exchange) below.