Just a quick check in since I’m at work and I’m SWAMPED with figuring prices and making spreadsheets.
I finished the third (and last) Libby Fox novella Sunday night. I think the cover is ready. I just need to 1) Edit, 2) Send to beta readers, 3) Think of a title!
Also, I sent my Starfane files to CreateSpace and have ordered a proof copy. Keeping my fingers crossed that it looks ok.
How are the rest of you doing?
lauralynnelliott.com 
Woo-hoo! Congrats on finishing the novella.
Thanks, Ryan! š
Congrats on getting it finished. I finished mine on monday and have done noyjing since. A complete break. I’ll start editing in a week or so. Let the story settle a bit. I am sure yours will be awesome.’
How many Beta readers do you have and how did you find them?
Good luck with work!
Two of my beta readers, I know in real life. They are both avid readers, not authors, so I get a strictly reader point of view. The other one is one of our fellow ROW80 people who suggested mutual beta reading and happens to do editing in her other job. That relationship is working out well. One thing that I think is important when using other authors as betas is that they write in a very similar genre as you do. Some others might disagree with me, but I think that an author that writes similar stories will understand more of what you’re trying to do. Does that make sense?
That totally does make sense. I think it is a good thing, because of course the readers that buy your books will be readers who like that genre, so the same should be (although maybe to a lesser degree) with authors.
I’m sure they will love it.
I’m a huge fan of picking specific genre readers over writers. I know the popular advice is to use writers because they know how to speak “craft,” but I’ve had good experiences going the other route. At the end of the day, I guess for me I’m willing to sacrifice pretty prose for a killer story… and readers know about story even if they can’t put a finger on exact mechanisms.
Being able to sit for a chat in RL helps a lot too, I think. Especially when fleshing out ideas.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t turn down a professional editor, but I’m not willing to pay an arm and a leg, either.
Right now I have about a half dozen folks editing for me that each have very specific instructions. One may be looking at my use of certain terminology, while another is critiquing my fight scenes. I try to make the best use of what I have on-hand. And I totally agree with finding someone that is familiar with the genre… different genres have different expectations.
Exactly, Matt! The readers read the story for entertainment value, not to pick it apart. And, ultimately, the readers are who you have to please. I’m one of those writers who can actually read a story for entertainment without worrying about very little thing that might not be perfect. I’ve had certain writers tell me what about my story needs fixing only to have a reader say “well, I like your writing better than that author’s writing”. LOL.
One thing that I do have a problem with…a story that’s not been proofread well. I’m talking about numerous typos and misspellings. I don’t mind a few; I know there have been a few in my books. But I’ve found 50 or more in some books. I have at least two people who watch for that while beta reading. I’m a pretty good proofreader, but I can’t be rushed. If I rush, I miss things.
Yep, and my theory with those is the more eyes the better. My mom’s a teacher, so I have her pass it around the English department. Those nice ladies are comma-snipers for a living. š
Comma-snipers! I’m so stealing that. Going to tell my dad that’s what he is, Matt!
Yay for finishing the novella!
Thanks, Juliana!
So glad you got Libby done! We’ll get that cover done. Why are titles sometimes so easy to come up with and sometimes nothing sounds right???
This title is killing me! LOL. It must be that since it’s the last one I want it to be perfect.
Yay for finishing!! I love that feeling, even if it means it’s editing time (I love the editing process). I usually do 50/50…half readers/half writers to beta my work. It’s amazing how many different perspectives you get.
Claudia, I don’t hate the editing process like some writers do, but it’s not my favorite thing. By that time, I’m wanting to hurry and get it published.
I can’t believe the difference in perspective. I remember one time one beta reader told me there was too much description and another one said there wasn’t enough! It was the same book!
Am I weird? Cuz I usually have a title first, and the story second… š
Glad you’re progressing – isn’t it nice when you finish a project? Of course, if you’re like most writers, it’s never really finished. You just reluctantly release it to the world, knowing there are things you want to change in it. lol
Titles are the hardest thing for me. I have lots of angst over titles. Most of mine have actually been thought of by other people. LOL
It’s almost ready. I’ve already had a reader write to me and wonder when it was going to be done. I just need to edit and get some beta readers to look it over. It doesn’t take that long with novellas. But you’re right…you always think of things later that you want to add or change. You just have to let it go.
Congrats on finishing the third Libby Fox novella!
Thanks, Sadie!