So you studied the craft of writing, then huddled in a corner of your home or coffee shop and pounded out your story to the best of your ability.
Now what?
Send it out to your acquaintances, otherwise known as beta readers.
We all have blind spots and need fresh eyes to read our work. Judiciously incorporating beta reader feedback will result in an improved manuscript that your professional editor can then move along even further. So yes, this step is necessary.
My mistake: In my great excitement, I offered my manuscript to everyone I knew and was pleased to get sixteen readers. Each reader had something valuable and unique to contribute (some detail-oriented, others big picture), but processing sixteen drafts was a bit onerous.
Worse, when it came time to find advanced readers who would leave reviews, I’d maxed my circles and got few takers.
Beta readers are important, but so are advanced readers.
My next manuscript will go to three beta readers, maybe four, max.
If your circles are limited, just start where you can. Even two beta folks who are insightful readers, though not necessarily in your genre, is great.
And that twinge of fear when people you know read your pieces for the first time? Exponentially more when strangers read them, if reaching strangers is your aim. Strangers or not, connecting with others remains the point, and all barriers must be removed. Because when your work impacts someone, it’s wonderful and amazing.
Bonus mistake:
I spent hours flipping through every single page of each beta reader’s manuscript, printed or e-file, searching for any slight comments. Maybe an added comma.
Now I ask my e-file readers to add an asterisk wherever they comment (making a search easy), and I give the printed-copy readers a pack of sticky notes.
Pay attention to pain. It might be trying to teach you a better way.