On my first proper day back to work (like I’ve ever actually been away!), I would just like to say a great big thank you to my lovely Beta Readers: Vikki Thompson, Lynsey James, Pauline Wiles, Debbie Young and Emma Harrison - you guys are amazing! Not only did you manage to find time in your busy schedules to read The Family Trap over the Christmas break, you also make stacks of notes and gave me brilliant – and incredibly useful – feedback for my final edit. I’m now collating my own notes with yours and will spend the next few weeks glued to my desk putting the final touches to the manuscript ready for the copy edit and proofreading. The February 14th deadline is looking tight but do-able! I’m so lucky to have such talented and committed people willing to offer up their advice and time for free – please let me know if I can return the favour.
(Don’t worry if you’ve offered to beta read The Family Trap and haven’t gotten around to it yet – I understand how busy this time of year is! I’d still love to read your thoughts whenever you get time.)
Readers might be wondering about the general response to The Family Trap … well, it was very good 
The general consensus was that it works well as a sequel, with just enough to orientate the new reader without boring the returning reader (this was something I worked hard on – it’s so tricky to get the balance right). The Beta Readers loved the new challenges Stella faces, and liked the subplot (which is set in an old people’s home – you’ll have to read the book to find out more). There was also a consensus on what needed clarification and the areas that could be worked on to deliver maximum impact. Some of the points were things I kinda knew deep down and should have sorted out in previous drafts, others were new, and it was really interesting to see the book I’ve been working on for so long through other people’s eyes. If you have a manuscript you’re about to publish and you haven’t used Beta Readers before I would definitely recommend it.
It’s all systems go now – this is one of the parts of being an indie author I love the most. The next few months I’ll be multi-tasking on a mammoth scale: editing, sorting the cover for print and ebook, formatting and typesetting, coordinating proofreader and designer and uploading to Amazon and sending print files to the printer and ordering copies for the launch party – and organising the launch party and contacting the press and getting promotional material printed and … Does my head hurt just thinking about it? Not really I made loads of notes when I did it the first time around and I’m looking forward to the ride. I hope you’ll join me for the online launch right here (stick it in your diary – Valentine’s Day!) or if you live anywhere near Shropshire, England, come along to the party at BookShrop in Whitchurch on Saturday 16th Feb at 11.00 am.
Related articles
- Professional Editing? (the-view-outside.com)
- The Essential Guide To Beta-Readers (michaeljholley.com)
- 2012 – A Writer’s Journey Revisited (joannegphillips.wordpress.com)
You are more than welcome
And good luck for preparing the book, it sounds like a right stress to me, but like you said, you’ve done it before so you’ll be fiiiiine. x
Thanks for including a link to my post on beta-readers. They’re incredibly important to all of us. I love them all. Mine are slightly more important to me but I love yours in a small way too.
It was a pleasure and a privilege, Jo – and your “real” readers have got a real treat to look forward to!
Can’t wait till you find the time to write up your self-publishing guide, because you have so much knowledge and a realistic outlook on the hard work that is needed. Good look with the final edit.
I wouldn’t dare consider publishing anything without the benefit of a few beta readers. Soon, I hope to release an Arabic translation of my book and to date, haven’t found any Arabic beta readers. Would you happen to know any, or know how I might find some? Thanks again for sharing this article on the backbone of our books – beta readers!
Great post! I’m almost at the beta reader stage myself and can’t wait to see what my beta readers make of my psychological thriller, FRY. How did you choose your betas? Are they just people who offered or did you have any specific criteria for accepting them? Hope you make your deadline and best of luck with the book launch!
Ooh, you’re having a launch party! I’m so pleased – that’s wonderful.
Thank you for the nice mention. It was a pleasure to get a preview of your work. I am also processing feedback from beta readers: so much to wrap my head around!
If I lived closer, I’d physically be at the launch, but I’ll definitely be online!
Are you creating a promotional pack for fellow bloggers to post on the day at all? Just a thought, the offer is obviously there for blog space
You’re more than welcome Jo, it was a pleasure to read! Absolutely loved it and will definitely be reviewing it ASAP!
Lynsey xx
I thoroughly enjoyed it Jo! Can’t wait for it to be out
Xx
Good luck with the launch, I’ll be at the online launch but unfortunately Shropshire’s a bit too far away for me, but I really hope it goes well
If you ever come down to Hampshire I will be first in line!!! 
I’m really really looking forward to The Family Trap
Megan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx