Patrick
asked
Jessica McHugh:
You and I have spoken in the past about beta readers. Knowing your prodigious output of material, do you have someone read all of your works -- including short stories -- before they're submitted for publication?
Jessica McHugh
As important as I think beta readers are, I also think I'm sometimes too impatient to wait for someone's opinion before I submit--though there have been exceptions.
I have a "Darla Decker Diaries" beta reader who's invaluable. I really needed someone who'd be willing to read the entire series and be on the lookout for continuity problems. She really saved my ass when I was approaching my deadline on the last book.
I've had a few people read my short stories before submission, but it's a rarity. I usually only ask for a beta if the story is written in a format I'm not comfortable with yet. But I definitely use them a lot more than I used to. Beta readers rock!
I have a "Darla Decker Diaries" beta reader who's invaluable. I really needed someone who'd be willing to read the entire series and be on the lookout for continuity problems. She really saved my ass when I was approaching my deadline on the last book.
I've had a few people read my short stories before submission, but it's a rarity. I usually only ask for a beta if the story is written in a format I'm not comfortable with yet. But I definitely use them a lot more than I used to. Beta readers rock!
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