HOW TO TRAIN A BETA READER AND SELL MORE BOOKS

By Cherie L Postill

Improve Your Writing and Sell More Books. Learn How to Use the Power of Feedback to Become a Better Writer.

(Bonus: Free beta reader questionnaire; details inside)

 

Write fearlessly and stop worrying about what other people may think about your writing. Discover how to turn every critique

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terrapin Press, LLC
• Release date: Feb 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781736516317

Book preview

Author’s Note

I’m not sure what is more astounding, how effective this technique is or that I managed to finish writing the book! I am not what I term a linear thinker. I would rather work on my adventure novels for middle-grade readers and allow my mind to wander around in their world. Organizing this material was a labor of love for writers. I’d prefer to present this material to you in person, but I realize it isn’t possible due to the pandemic and the limitations of being one person.

As I finish the first draft of How to Train Beta Reader and Sell More Books, my intention is to design a workshop around this material. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Using the methods described in this book will give you a competitive advantage and make you a better writer. In today’s crowded market, you need an edge more than ever. Actionable feedback, reviews, book comps, a growing email list, a superior book, and higher book sales are the results of your efforts.

You are also teaching a skill to enthusiastic students. I am reminded of this by one of my beta readers, who has become a paid reader. Your beta readers will gain an even deeper appreciation of the authors, writing process, and literature they adore by following this easy- to-learn manuscript evaluation process.

Writers sell more books, agents get higher-quality manuscripts, and readers get excellent novels. I call this a win-win situation. 

I look forward to hearing from you and hope to meet you at a workshop in the near future.

Introduction

Dear Fellow Writer,

I am an author and a marketing professional. For 30 years I concentrated my writing and speaking skills on corporate business and marketing related projects for clients. I worked with companies like Nestle Purina, Anheuser Busch, Rawlings Sporting Goods, 7-UP, and AT&T, designing product launches, identifying beta testing tactics, and determining branding policies.

Every new product was beta tested to uncover any problems and validate strengths before launching to the mass market. The results drove the direction of manufacturing and marketing. We developed a focused strategy, laid out a step-by-step process, and set a timeline unique to the product being tested.

I completed my first manuscript and began looking for the existing methods to beta test a novel. After five years of workshops, writing groups, conventions, and completing my first novel, I was still looking for a presentation dedicated to the topic of beta readers. I have attended seminars on story structure, how to show, not tell, pitching, writing a synopsis, book marketing, editing, writing query letters, book cover design, how to write a villain, why voice matters, the importance of research, why writers need critique groups, how to self-publish, how to master Amazon ads, building characters, building worlds, and many more. I enjoyed each one!

Not one FOCUSED on the topic of prepublication or beta readers, where to find them, how to train them, and why they are so fundamental to a writer’s success. Beta readers come from the audience you are writing for, the readers who already love your genre and consume it regularly. You need them to tell you if you are on track to writing a great story.

Many talented editors and book coaches charge for in-depth critiques, and it’s worth it when your manuscript is ready for a professional. Literary professionals are ALPHA readers and you will want that level of expertise soon, but not yet.

I needed READERS, not professionals. More precisely, beta readers. I had to know if my TARGET AUDIENCE would relate to my characters, love the plot, and keep reading before I wrote further or paid additional alpha readers. I write for middle-grade readers where a decisive voice is paramount. It holds true for all genres; readers fall in love with characters first, plot second.

I saw proof of how important beta readers are the evening I attended a book signing for one of my favorite middle-grade authors. I was looking forward to getting his signature in the book he just released and maybe a tidbit of advice. I will never forget the faces of five young people whom he introduced as his beta readers. They were beaming with pride, and so was he. It was apparent by their age that they were his target readers. The author dedicated at least ten minutes of his presentation to praising and recognizing each one, proving beta readers are a valuable asset. The experience sealed the deal in my mind. I would have beta readers. I began my research with enthusiasm and optimism, knowing I would find the guidance I was seeking.

I found many excellent blog posts with outstanding information that included descriptions of beta readers, how to be