Dear Writer: A Message from Your Editor

A long, long time ago…

I endearingly called the first book I wrote “my baby” because I completed it in nine months. That nine month gestation period was filled with the laughter and tears of getting the story in my head out onto paper. An absolute thrill.

My bravest move, however, was asking someone else to read it. Thank heavens, I was oblivious to how poorly it was written.

Handing your baby to another person for feedback can feel like you’ve just walked into a room, disrobed, and said, “What do you think? Tell me the truth.” This level of transparency is unnerving, if not intimidating. That story comes from your soul, and you’re allowing another person to evaluate what flows from your deepest thoughts. Will they be able to picture and appreciate the world and characters you put together? Will they understand your opinions and your how-to intentions on a topic that you hope will alter humanity?

The important question: did I select the right people to read?

Although I’d received honest feedback, my first readers had no connection to the publishing industry. They couldn’t give me the type of feedback necessary to help me become a better writer. Not that their feedback was un-beneficial. It definitely had a place.

Readers without a writing background fall into the beta category.

Beta readers

This is the average reader, the test group (think software testing). These people make up your target audience. It might include your mom, who’s convinced everything you write is spectacular and flawless.

Betas have little to no experience in writing, so aim to give them a well-edited product; you don’t want them stumbling over the syntax errors, comma splices, or simultaneities that stain your rough draft. If this group likes your book, then so will others who read your genre or non-fiction topic. They represent your potential book club.

Alpha Readers

Before you hand your manuscript to any beta, you need the alpha readers. Every writer needs an alpha team. This class of reader is associated with the publishing industry on some level. They’re the paid editors, the critique partners, and the critique groups. They’ve studied how to write for publication, and some are already published an able to offer insider advice.

Unless your grandma, who rants and raves about all your books, is a retired editor for Random House, she’s not an alpha. Unless your old English teacher has gone through the rigors of having his work published by a traditional publisher, he does not qualify as an alpha. (The standards and criteria in the industry differ from those in an English class.)

For non-fiction, your alphas might also include a professional(s) that works in the field related to your topic. For example, my current project is aimed at Christian women in crisis, and the pastor over our women’s ministry is a key beta reader. If you’re writing a book on marriage, asking a marriage counselor/pastor for feedback would be a wise idea.

That said, you still need a qualified editor. I happen to know a good one *wink. Check out my page for details, how to get a free assessment, and other fun information.

Trust

No matter what you write, handing your baby to someone else to read takes a lot of trust. If you’ve finished your manuscript, then put on your courage, take a deep breath, and advance to the next stage. You’ll have no regrets.

Got questions? I’ve got answers.
Need direction? I can get you started.

Every author possesses a passion to get his message or story out. Is that you?
Is your work publishable? Only one way to find out.

You’ve come this far, don’t stop now.
Be brave!

Equipping believers, one book at a time…