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How to Become a Successful Beta Reader Book 1: Learning the Fundamentals of Fiction
Are you a ravenous reader, a fiction freak, a biblio beast with an insatiable appetite? Have you ever wished your bookish habit could somehow earn its keep?
There’s a way—a truly exciting way!
The first fiction that I ever beta read changed my life. Yes, it helped the author, but it transformed the course of my literary world—so much so that I now make a living offering author services—all because I got my foot in the door with beta reading.
What is beta reading, you ask? It’s reading unpublished works of fiction and giving the author effective and actionable feedback to improve that work.
It’s basically like entering a magic portal each day to a whole new world, a world where you get to read and contribute to the beautiful, thrilling, and captivating stories that make our worlds go round, provide hours of thought-provoking entertainment, and keep us up late into the night.
In this book you’ll learn:
• how to identify standard literary elements and provide suggestions to improve the overall work.
• how to read for authenticity, veracity, and unity of the story.
• how to read for proper genre conventions to ensure the story fits the author’s intended market.
• how to read with the eyes of a reader, writer, and editor.
And you’ll be thought absolutely charming when authors experience your superb beta reading etiquette!
There’s a way—a truly exciting way!
The first fiction that I ever beta read changed my life. Yes, it helped the author, but it transformed the course of my literary world—so much so that I now make a living offering author services—all because I got my foot in the door with beta reading.
What is beta reading, you ask? It’s reading unpublished works of fiction and giving the author effective and actionable feedback to improve that work.
It’s basically like entering a magic portal each day to a whole new world, a world where you get to read and contribute to the beautiful, thrilling, and captivating stories that make our worlds go round, provide hours of thought-provoking entertainment, and keep us up late into the night.
In this book you’ll learn:
• how to identify standard literary elements and provide suggestions to improve the overall work.
• how to read for authenticity, veracity, and unity of the story.
• how to read for proper genre conventions to ensure the story fits the author’s intended market.
• how to read with the eyes of a reader, writer, and editor.
And you’ll be thought absolutely charming when authors experience your superb beta reading etiquette!
Look, the fascinating world of books needs you like never before.
There are thousands of self-publishing authors needing someone with the skills to help them craft their next bestselling book.
That someone could be you!
Whether you are an avid reader curious about the possibility of an exciting new hobby, a serious reader looking to put your reading habit to work, or an old beta reading pro wanting to get better at what you do, this series is for you!
Get your copy now!
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2018
23 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Dedrie Marie
5 books7 followersDedrie Marie, proud to be a small-town Southern gal, is a Bibliobroad™, entrepreneur, world traveler, editor, and author.
The internet knows her best for her dedication to helping book junkies turn their passion for fiction into fascinating “anywhere ya want” careers.
Dedrie’s nonfiction is her way of giving back; writing under a pen name is her way of having fun.
Find out more at www.dedriemarie.com.
The internet knows her best for her dedication to helping book junkies turn their passion for fiction into fascinating “anywhere ya want” careers.
Dedrie’s nonfiction is her way of giving back; writing under a pen name is her way of having fun.
Find out more at www.dedriemarie.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 9, 2022
Dedrie Marie does something that I only wish that the creators of fitness programs would do - she assumes the reader is an absolute beginner with nothing more than an appreciation of books. See, if fitness programs understood that not all of us are ready to thrust our agonized bodies into a downward-facing dog during the very first session, maybe we would like yoga a little bit more.
This book serves what I feel is an overlooked and misunderstood demographic in the writing world: the beta reader. Although plenty of articles refer to beta readers as a necessity, there seems to be a heavy taint of resignation that most beta readers won't be able to offer much in the way of actionable, professional feedback.
Dedrie Marie aims to change all that with her Beta Reader series, which covers everything from the parts of a novel (plot, theme, one of the best explanations of style that I've ever read), a few basic story models, helpful versus unhelpful feedback, a long list of words to assist the beta reader in describing tone, links to templates and questionnaires for potential clients, and more. Her breakdown of genre expectations was particularly helpful; as a horror reader and editor, I agree 100% with what she had to say about my genre of choice.
I went into this book unsure about the wisdom of paying for beta readers. I came out of it with a clearer understanding of what a good beta reader has to offer. Assuming that the ultimate goal of writers is to have their book read, then who better than readers with strong reviewing skills to become a part of the publication team?
Recommended for aspiring professional beta readers and new writers who want a clear overview of the storytelling process.
This book serves what I feel is an overlooked and misunderstood demographic in the writing world: the beta reader. Although plenty of articles refer to beta readers as a necessity, there seems to be a heavy taint of resignation that most beta readers won't be able to offer much in the way of actionable, professional feedback.
Dedrie Marie aims to change all that with her Beta Reader series, which covers everything from the parts of a novel (plot, theme, one of the best explanations of style that I've ever read), a few basic story models, helpful versus unhelpful feedback, a long list of words to assist the beta reader in describing tone, links to templates and questionnaires for potential clients, and more. Her breakdown of genre expectations was particularly helpful; as a horror reader and editor, I agree 100% with what she had to say about my genre of choice.
I went into this book unsure about the wisdom of paying for beta readers. I came out of it with a clearer understanding of what a good beta reader has to offer. Assuming that the ultimate goal of writers is to have their book read, then who better than readers with strong reviewing skills to become a part of the publication team?
Recommended for aspiring professional beta readers and new writers who want a clear overview of the storytelling process.
August 8, 2023
I have reviewed quite a few books online over the years, and had recently volunteered to be a Beta reader for a cosy mystery author, when I saw this book advertised online, and it was free! So I bought it.
I have many years ago worked as a proofreader of business/finance/accounting textbooks, and was interested to see what the difference was. And what a big difference there is! I would probably have gone into it looking at the book from a very different perspective and given the author the wrong type of feedback - not that some free proofreading possibly would have been appreciated.
Some of the information in this book is aimed at those who know nothing about literary elements and genre conventions, so if you do understand these it does drag a bit in these sections.
Overall though, and easy 5 out of 5; maybe less if you understand literary elements and genre conventions.
I have many years ago worked as a proofreader of business/finance/accounting textbooks, and was interested to see what the difference was. And what a big difference there is! I would probably have gone into it looking at the book from a very different perspective and given the author the wrong type of feedback - not that some free proofreading possibly would have been appreciated.
Some of the information in this book is aimed at those who know nothing about literary elements and genre conventions, so if you do understand these it does drag a bit in these sections.
Overall though, and easy 5 out of 5; maybe less if you understand literary elements and genre conventions.
October 27, 2018
I'm a long-time fiction reader and wannabe fiction writer who has wanted to be a beta reader. Dedrie's book and free videos are chockful of information about how to approach beta reading professionally. She gives background knowledge on the novel writing process (from self-editing to publication), key elements of successful fiction (plot, characters, etc.), and genre-specific conventions. I've already pre-ordered Book 2 and am re-watching the videos! She gives links to a variety of extra goodies as well. So glad I stumbled on this book!!
October 1, 2018
So much more than I expected!
How to Become a Successful Beta Reader Book 1 was so much more than I expected! Dedrie Marie turned learning into fun. Dedrie holds your hand and walks you through the editorial jargon with clear descriptive and easy to understand words. At the end of the book she gives you quick links to worksheets free of charge! I’ve already preordered Book 2 and can’t wait to get started.
Geneva P
How to Become a Successful Beta Reader Book 1 was so much more than I expected! Dedrie Marie turned learning into fun. Dedrie holds your hand and walks you through the editorial jargon with clear descriptive and easy to understand words. At the end of the book she gives you quick links to worksheets free of charge! I’ve already preordered Book 2 and can’t wait to get started.
Geneva P
May 22, 2023
A very accessible resource for beginner beta readers. The book feels like a friend explaining the ins and outs of the fundamentals of fiction with funny phrases and uncomplicated sentences. There are also a lot of templates at the end which will definitely come in handy in my business.
Onto the next part!
Onto the next part!
September 13, 2020
This book was not only very informative, it also made me excited to learn more. I feel the author's personality really shines through how she writes which also made this book enjoyable to read. I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
December 27, 2020
Dedrie Marie lays down an informative and entertaining read with her authorial voice and knowledge of reading, genres, feedback, freelance work, and more. A must read for anyone interested in writing reviews, beta reading, or curious about technical terms and knowledge in writing and publishing.
January 31, 2023
A terrific book, not only for the perspective of someone considering becoming beta-reader but also for its structural break-down of book genres and elements so often missing from "literature courses".
December 30, 2019
Packed with useful information on Beta reading. Very interesting. Looking forward to book 2
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews