19 Comments
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Lindsey Epperly Sulek's avatar

Absolutely needed this post in my life right now - and going to check out DFWCon asap. Thanks for these incredible tips!

Beth Morris's avatar

So glad it resonated! Thanks for reading and would love to see you in Dallas, Lindsey!

Harper T. Weathers's avatar

Great tips!

Beth Morris's avatar

Thanks Harper!

Beth Morris's avatar

I think we all have times we've broken the rules before we really knew what the rules were. :) And would love to see you in Dallas if you can swing it!

Whitney James's avatar

Thanks for the tips, as always, Beth! I am laughing to myself about submitting to Bianca’s beta program, because I know it was nowhere near ready and I unwittingly broke all the rules.

I’ve also been thinking about going to DFWCon! I’m local and would love to meet you in person!

Lindsey Goldstein's avatar

I am saving this! Great tips. Thank you!

Beth Morris's avatar

I'm so glad it's helpful!

Gina Banks's avatar

Such an excellent resource for writers to find their beta-readers!

Beth Morris's avatar

Thanks friend!

Lindsay's avatar

Love this! Will be forwarding to all of my clients who ask about beta readers.

Beth Morris's avatar

I'm so glad to hear that, and thanks for sharing!

Emma Olive's avatar

Thank you so much for this! Perfect timing, as I'm planning to send my WIP out to beta readers by the end of the month. The questions are super helpful! I'm pretty sure my manuscript falls into the hot mess category, but hoping it is one of those Solo fires that is contained enough to burn inside, rather than a full on dumpster fire. Will report back!

Also LOVE your recommendation to send thank you notes!

Beth Morris's avatar

Haha yes, may all our drafting fires be at least 90% contained!

Wendy Friedman's avatar

This is so thorough and helpful! 👏🏻I’m now kicking myself for not sending thank you notes to past beta readers but I’ll definitely be doing so in the future!! 💌

Beth Morris's avatar

I'm not always formal about it, but I hope I conveyed how grateful I was via email, at least! (And I definitely felt your gratitude, too!🩷)

Wendy Friedman's avatar

Oh you absolutely did! And you're really good about mentioning how you used my feedback which is always extra nice to hear!

Sophie's avatar

So many great tips! (You would know, pro beta reader that you are!) I love the idea of asking beta readers what their favourite scenes were. I don’t think I’ve ever done that but I definitely will now!

Beth Morris's avatar

Thanks friend! So glad to have you in my beta circle.