Critique Groups, Beta-Reading, and Writer's Digest

It's that time again, the time every writer dreads: Self editing.  In case you missed my last update here, I've been busy revising my finally completed manuscript. In my quest for writing improvement, I have joined Figment and Critique Circle in hopes of getting more feedback. In addition, I have purchased the Writer's Digest Agent Plot Critique service.

FIGMENT--it's a writing site aimed towards teens/young adults, very similar to Wattpad except that there is a lot more critiquing going on. In addition, many writing contests are held on Figment. Author Chats are available on scheduled dates and times; basically it's an open chat in which pre-chosen authors (ie. James Dashner) answer questions readers/writers may have. The population of active Figment users seems to be of moderate levels; there seems to be the "hard core" group (writers with like, 20 published stories) and the "check on my account a few times a month" group. However, I haven't joined for long, so it's hard to tell.  Figment probably isn't the best site for gleaning beta feedback.

CRITIQUE CIRCLE--this website is solely dedicated to providing authors with critiques. The site is based on a "point system." In order to submit a piece of work to be critiqued by other members, you have to pay 3 points. In order to earn points, you have to critique other works (minimum 150 words per critique; the longer the critique, the more points you earn.) I think this system is quite effective as it encourages writers to help each other out.  However, one thing that does irk me is that once you submit your work to be critiqued, it takes 2 weeks for it to be processed and made available in the queue line to be critiqued by others.  Nevertheless, I have seen many in depth critiques on the site and am looking forward to getting my own worked reviewed by a fresh pair of eyes!

AGENT PLOT CRITIQUE--this is a 2nd Draft service offered by Writer's Digest. I am subscribed to this magazine, but have never purchased any of their services, tutorials, guide books, etc. Their charge is a bit on the pricey side ($50 for a plot critique--maximum 1000 words; other editing service clock in around $3-4 per page, double spaced), however because this is an established writers' resource with a good reputation, I decided to cough up some money this time and see how it goes :) Basically the Agent Plot Critique service reviews the outline of your plot, providing feedback as to where potential problems may arise. I've just submitted by plot overview yesterday and am expecting a review within a few weeks.  In the mean time, I guess I will just have to sit tight; you can count on me reviewing this service later on though!

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving and a General Update

Hello world! Wow, it's been a while since I last posted, due to the usual holiday rush. Black Friday shopping anyone? I will admit that I did go Black Friday shopping (albeit a little bit later, heading out a bit after lunch.)

I haven't been reading as much as I would like lately...but I have a valid reason for! (I know, I know, I can hear the protests  There is no such thing as a valid reason for reading less)  Aside from I have read exactly three books in the month of November: Talon, Zombies in Love and The Winner's Curse (which, by the way, is an excellent book and I strongly suggest one to read it.)

Okay...and here's the reason why I'm no the usual book reading machine I usually am: I've been writing. More specifically, I've been finishing up a manuscript!  Whoot whoot! And I actually finished the whole. freaking. story. for once. 

And I'm even almost done doing a first round edit. Now before you go jumping down my throat saying how I shouldn't revise my work right away and that I need a few months to clear my head and all that, hear me out: The story has actually been 99% done since the beginning of summer. I've just been too lazy/unmotivated/can't find the inspiration/too distracted to actually finish that story for 1/2 year. And quite literally, all that was left to do was type up two chapters on the computer--I didn't even have to come up with the words because I'd actually written down the ending on paper already.  So yeah, this past week I found one of the journals containing my notes for the manuscript and I was like, Hm. I only have 2 chapters to type up. Why don't I actually sit down at a computer and finish this sucker up? 

Now, almost a week later, I am just about through with my first round of editing...and am currently on a prowl for some beta readers to help me see the "big picture."  Hey, are there any writers out there? Where do you find your betas? They're like priceless treasures--super helpful and super rare!  Be sure to check out my post regarding beta readers here.  

Anyways, since I'm already on the topic of beta readers, by any chance are you willing to beta my novel? I know it's a long shot but maybe, just maybe someone reading my blog will decide to give my writing a whirl :)  Currently looking for feedback regarding conceptual and stylistic aspects of my manuscript, such as character development, plot pacing, etc. 

If you're interested, please do send me an email (101tinachan@gmail.com) and we could talk more about it.  If you're a writer looking for a beta I would be more than happy to be critique partners with you as well!

Some quick stats about my story:

Genre: YA dystopian/thriller (haha I know it's a rather saturated genre, but I promise the MC has quite a distinct voice)

Length: A bit over 80k

Format: I can send it as a pdf, google doc, word doc, etc. Hoping to get some printed copies in a few weeks (I prefer paper to screen--I know I'm such a tree killer!)

Click here to read the first  few chapters!

Well, that's all I have to say for now and ermygod my birthday is less than 1 hour away from now as I sit here typing this!

Happy readings!

Blog Post: Beta Readers and Why You Should be One

Beta readers--the behind-the-scene-crew to every great novel. And there seems to be a dearth of them. Before I go on, perhaps I should explain just exactly what is a beta reader. Basically, a beta reader is kind of like an informal editor. Authors approach beta reader to read a manuscript that has been lightly edited, but not quite ready to be published yet. Finding a good beta reader is important for authors because beta readers provide insight and (hopefully) honest feedback on the manuscript. However, it should be made clear that beta readers are not editors. Sure, we might correct a misspelled word here and there, but our main job is provide our opinions of the actual story itself. Did the plot flow well? Were there any loop holes? Were the characters lovable? A good beta reader should provide feedback on such points.

So, are you interested in being a beta reader yet? As I mentioned before, it seems as if there is a lack of beta readers. Being a beta reader is a rewarding experience, especially once the novel you helped get published into a book. There are many authors out there looking for beta readers to help polish their novel. Head on over to Goodreads and checkout The Beta Reader Group's forum and threads to connect with authors!

And now, here are some tips to make your beta reading experience enjoyable: