A Cooperative Press for Indie Authors discussion

I'm going to open this topic squarely in the middle. (I hope no one finds this objectionable.) Just because we may write in a certain genre does not mean we cannot take an interest in other genres. The goal of this entire press is to help one another create better works. Post projects needing beta work here. If you are open to beta reading for any projects, please post your e-mail address. If you are open to beta reading for specific projects, you may request these in this thread. (If this becomes a smashing success, please follow it closely for new works. As we develop, if anyone deems they have found a better way, please feel free to make suggestions.)

I am looking for betas for Conspiracy, the third installment in my series Forgotten Princess. It is YA science fantasy. As a service to my readers, I release a brief letter in each new installment containing necessary elements from previous books. So please do not let it stop you if you have not read my previous works. A sincere thank you to any volunteers.

I am going to also offer my services as a beta reader. (Please note, though I have respect for all indie authors, I do not read erotica.) If you would like to request my services as a beta reader, please feel free to write me here or via my e-mail: iffixysantaph@gmail.com

Because I was not certain as to what a Beta Reader is, I looked it up. For those like myself unfamiliar with the term, here's a Wiki definition:

Beta readers are not explicitly proofreaders or editors, but can serve in that context. Elements highlighted by beta readers encompass things such as plot holes, problems with continuity, characterisation or believability; in fiction and non-fiction, the beta might also assist the author with fact-checking.

I think your idea is exactly on course, Iffix! Thank you.

Drea has mentioned using Google docs. Would that be easier than straight email?

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I think the beauty of google docs is that multiple readers can work on a document at once. However, even before I could use such a device, I would need to set up permissions for others to view and edit the document. (At least that's how I remember it. In short, if we did that every time it would be a whole lot of work.) In my experience, I like the personal connection reached when working one on one with another individual. The beta reader can share his thoughts freely with the author and the author alone. The author could, then, see if other beta readers bring up the same issues.
On the other hand, setting up a drop box would allow anyone who wishes to use this service to add a file for anyone else to beta read as desired. There is some appeal to that arrangement, though I'm not entirely familiar with drop box technology, so I would need some help. (The beauty of a drop box is that a single password can work for every beta reader all of the time.)

Calling Drea! Calling Drea! Earth to Drea!

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LOL! I work Fri-Monday:) But I'm here! And Google Docs usually works well for me. It's not a lot of work to give permission, you can do so as a list, or you can make the document available to "anyone who has the link" but that doesn't come with the right to edit and when people comment they would have to state who they are.

I don't use drop box much. Adding a file and making it accessible to anyone is a little touchy. I have had some amazing critiques and some critiques so soul-devastating, they sent me-to-the-drawing board for a project that didn't need it.

So I have to say, the idea of having more control of who reads what can make me (as a writer) feel more in control of the process.

In fact, I love that we have an open call for beta readers. I think having even a spot on the website where we have people willing to read and what our "strengths" are in terms of what we look for in story telling and what we have particularly worked hard at mastering in the craft could even function like a resume, so we could contact people who are strong in our weak areas.

That would help me a lot!

Drea wrote: "LOL! I work Fri-Monday:) But I'm here! And Google Docs usually works well for me. It's not a lot of work to give permission, you can do so as a list, or you can make the document available to "..."

Does anyone know off-hand if it is possible to create 'members only' pages on a Wix website? That would be the perfect place for beta-readers and authors to connect. I'll do some research, but if someone already has the information, that would be great.

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Probably the closest thing would be password protection on certain pages.

Iffix wrote: "Probably the closest thing would be password protection on certain pages."

I've been able to create a members password protected page on the website, and install a free, limited discussion board.

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I've got one person beta-reading Book 4 of my SF novella series, but if anyone else is willing I could use another. It's a little over 2 weeks before this one has to go live, so if you're open then this is the time to do it.

Also, I'm willing to beta read most anything as well - although my insights are likely to be more technical (typos, grammar, etc.) than artistic.

I will say this, J's piece is incredible. I am very thankful to have had the chance to read it. Being it is written in first person, it is difficult for me to make adjustments without sacrificing character. If anyone else wants to give it a try, I believe they will have their work cut out for them. But it is certainly exceptional, especially for anyone who loves Steampunk.

While I'm basically just lurking here (can't really devote time/effort into this effort right now...maybe in the fall)...I was wondering if something like Dropbox might not work better than Google Docs (which frankly has always given me troubles). You can set up shared folders there, though I've never actually used it much.

There'd only need to be one Dropbox account (unless you want others to be able to alter the shared files).

This article talks about Drobox share links: http://www.pcworld.com/article/203250...

Micah wrote: "While I'm basically just lurking here (can't really devote time/effort into this effort right now...maybe in the fall)...I was wondering if something like Dropbox might not work better than Google ..."

Thanks for the information. I'll check it out.

P.S. No time and effort required at this point. Say "yes" and you and your works will have one more point of exposure on the net.

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I realize it could be that no one has anything in a fit state to be beta read at this precise moment, but as I'm having trouble focusing in on the novella I'm supposed to be writing at the moment, I'd like to reiterate my willingness to beta read someone's work right now.

And, of course, my desire to have someone beta read my work...

I am about half way through the second book of a trilogy. I usually have it beta read at the half way point and then when finished. I'd be willing to participate if this is acceptable.

I just had a very good experience with someone here beta-reading my latest novella, and whole-heartedly recommend the process among our peers here.

Although I don't have that much free time, I am still available myself if anyone requires my services.

Pretty soon here I'm going to be asking some of our volunteers (as listed on the Co-oPress site) about beta reading the horror novella I just finished the first draft of.

I classify it as "horror" because it's a monster story, not because it's especially scary or horrific.