Writers need feedback almost as much as we need sharp pencils. Early readers can give you that precious information while your work is in progress. Their comments can rescue an errant plot, rehabilitate a wimpy protagonist or even reveal the true core of your story.
Now first off, let me say I’m making a distinction between reader and editors/proofreaders who are looking for mechanical mistakes as well as critiquers, other writers who are looking at the craft aspects of your work.
My first early reader works with me on a scene by scene basis (sometimes sentence by sentence). She helps me smooth out the language and dialogue and ensures I’m not leaving out any key details or giving characters sudden ESP. We’ve worked together enough that she has a great feel for my characters and story and shares my desire to communicate those elements. She lets me know when my characters need to reveal their thought processes so their actions make sense. She’ll tip me off when things are moving ahead too quickly and when she’s having trouble “seeing” the scene.
My next group of readers, and by group, I mean 2 or 3, get the chapters as I’m finished with them. Their feedback lets me know if I’m building tension or suspense, if my characters are hitting the right emotional buttons and if my plot is compelling. If a plot point or a money line doesn’t resonate with them, then I know I have some work to do.
My last group of readers, again 2 or 3, get the last draft. They read the whole thing at a natural pace. I want them to tell me if the story flows. If there are rough places or slow spots, I want to fix them before the editor gets the manuscript. I want to know how they respond to the characters. I’ll ask them a series of questions like … are there threads hanging? Is the ending satisfactory? Did the surprises work or did I leave too many clues? Did you identify with the protagonist? Did his or her course of action seem reasonable? And my favorite question– was there a point when you had to finish the book, when you could not put it down again?
My early readers keep me honest. They won’t let me write lazy or shallow. They constantly challenge me and keep me focused on delivering the best end product I can.
Next post will be on what to look for in an early reader.
Paula Wiseman is an award-winning, bestselling author. Paula has published six books with MindStir Media book publishers. Her sixth published book, Sanction, was released earlier this month. She also had the honor of appearing on Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act,” where she discussed her books. Learn more about Paula Wiseman at her website/blog: www.paulawiseman.com
