First of all, to each of you willing to take the time to look over my work and give me feedback: Thank you.

I’m still (and always) improving in the craft of storytelling. I really appreciate your help in making my stories as good as they can be.

Are you trying to get me to edit your book for you?

Definitely.

No, no. I’m just kidding. I’m not trying to crowd-source my editor’s job.

Beta reader books are early drafts. They have sharp edges that may cut you! There will be typos and generally clunky prose. This is to be expected. Copy editing and proofreading (which looks for typos and clunky prose) is usually the last phase before publication.

In the beta reader phase, I’m asking for your feedback (your personal opinions) about higher-level concerns: characters, plot, and the story as a whole. Does it feel like it’s missing anything? Are there any confusing parts?

This is your opportunity to tell me that when I suggest that politicians go around “kissing hands and shaking babies” that I have it backward. (Or do I?)

Kinds of feedback I’d love to receive

These are the things that will help me know what, if anything, needs to be reshaped or tweaked to make the overall story better.

• Your general thoughts/impressions
• Thoughts on flow and/or pacing
• Areas of confusion
• If anything feels “off”
• Inaccurate usages or references to real-world objects/science
• Characters that feel “wrong” or say things that don’t make sense
  • Characters you hate
  • Characters you love

Observations that aren’t required, but would be nice to have

• Typos / bad spelling / wrong words (used “poured” when I meant “pored”)
• Bad grammar
• Clunky text or idioms
• What kind of childhood I must have had to lead me to this

Ok. Not the last one.

Also…

If there’s a part of the book you think I got just right and shouldn’t mess with—Let me know that too.

I’ll consider all of the feedback I receive, and it will help me craft the final draft of the book. Please feel free to speak your mind. You won’t hurt my feelings. Honest. I realize the work is rough, and that’s why I’m asking for your help.

But, you know, don’t be a dick about it. 😬

Thank you again for your time and consideration!

—Matt (matthew.mccray@gmail.com)

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If you haven’t already, you can sign up to be a beta reader here: