Critique Partner / Beta Reader Matchup
Let's find your perfect beta reader!
Hello, Protagonists! In this post, you’ll find:
🤓 What I’m Reading This Week
✍🏼 Critique Partner / Beta Reader Matchup
❓ How to Find the Right Mentor for Your Writing
🤓 What I’m Reading This Week
No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister - (novel) - This is our December Book Pick and I’m enjoying re-reading this story about a writer, a bookstore, and how a book can unexpectedly connect people and inspire them.
Reminder: Sunday, December 8th is Our Book Club for Writers & Curious Readers meeting/holiday party! (Discussion Qs and meeting details here.)
Not Everyone in Your Life Has to Spark Joy - (article, WSJ) - Sometimes I think there is too much encouragement on the internet/social media to “purge” people from our lives. This was an interesting look at why keeping some of them might actually be good for us.
“Visual Clutter” Alters Information Flow in the Brain - (article, Yale News) - A new study shows that being in a messy room or visually cluttered area not only distracts your brain, but also changes the way you process information. Better clean your desk, friends!
✍🏼 Critique Partner / Beta Reader Matchup
Finding trusted critique partners (a.k.a. beta readers) has been so important in my career, so I want to help you find your writing family, too.
So we’re going to match up all you lovely writers with others who can read your work and give feedback!
How to find your Critique Partner match:
In the Comments section of this post:
In ALL CAPS, tell us the genre.
In normal text, describe your story in 5 sentences or less.
Leave your email address so potential critique partners can reach out.
Privacy Tip (optional): If you want to keep your personal email address private, you might consider creating a separate, new email address just for critiques.
Browse the entries (and check back often) to offer to read other writers’ work, too. (We are all about the spirit of generosity & kindness here!)
» You must be 18+ years old to participate. Thank you!
Sample entries:
CONTEMPORARY FICTION - Hi, I’m Jody Penguin and I’m writing a book about two best friends who are both recently divorced. They decide to go on an adventure vacation in Antarctica to push their boundaries and rediscover themselves. I’m looking for someone to read my opening chapters to see if they’re catchy enough. Drop me a line if you’re interested. I’m at jodypenguin_critique@liveyourbestlifewheee. com
FANTASY - I’m Georgie R. R. Martini, and I am working on an epic fantasy about political intrigue and dragons. This is my second manuscript and I’ve revised it a bunch, but now I’m looking for a set of fresh eyes to give me some feedback (I think it might be too long??) Happy to return the favor on whatever you’re working on! My email is georgiemartini_critiquegroup@dragonzzz4eva. net
Note: Just because someone offers to read your work does not mean you have to say yes.
Finding the right critique partners is a little like dating.
You need to find writers who have the same interest but also a style of communication that works for both of you.
I recommend exchanging 10-20 pages first, rather than full manuscripts.
You may offer to read as many manuscripts or for as many writers are you are able. Most writers find it helpful to have more than one critique partner, as well.
Go into this with an open heart, but it’s okay to say, “I love your writing but don’t think we’re quite the right fit. Let’s be friends, though, and cheer each other on!” 💛
GO FORTH AND MAKE WONDERFUL NEW WRITER FRIENDS!
» Also, if you missed it, here’s a post I wrote earlier this year about finding writing mentors:
Greetings Community--One thing I wanted to point out based on a recent (for substantial pay) experience I had with a freelance editor. While I thought I was clear in terms of the "Project Brief," based on what I received, either a) I wasn't or b) his editorial super powers may not have been the right fit. So here's what I might humbly suggest--when possible, be super specific on what you are looking for. Even the pros might find going through a 321 page manuscript a challenging task if they don't know what you think the problems are with your own novel. (I can "feel" the problems in mine--and I didn't want line edits on the things that readers agree work really well.) This editor really liked my novel--but I think his vision for it (i.e to make it more literary than what my skill set is capable of) and my desire to stay in the upmarket space were at odds. I don't know if my rambling post makes sense--but if I had to do it over again, I would treat it like I would any other business project I went out to "bid" on--i.e. specific deliverables and desired outcomes. Hope this is helpful! (And not too biz-nerdy.)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: Hi, I’m Jennifer Risi and I’ve been working on My Celebrity Boyfriend, a dual-POV Contemporary Romance, in which the editor of an anonymous celebrity gossip account starts a relationship with a soap opera actor without telling him about her side hustle - one she desperately needs to afford a surgery she can’t live a normal life without. I’ve been through several rounds of trivia in a and would love some fresh critique on the story, pacing, character development, and whether the chronic illness representation overshadows the love story. I’d be happy to swap critiques, I *love* reading other work! My email is jenniferrisiwrites@gmail.com