Authors Helping Authors discussion

Hey all,

To the great unwashed Indie, all of us are busy and most have a day job and write around the rest of our life's chores. My question is this, "Have you any time left?". We all seek readers to offer a differing perspective on our WIP. So are you happy to swap the time it takes to critique a work in exchange for the same? Now I will be looking at two things here; firstly the first 1700 words of a book; ie the "look inside" opportunity. Then secondly we can look at the rest of the book. So who is willing to critique fellow members first words? In return yours will then be offered. Post here if you are willing to participate along with your writing genre and preferred reading genre. I will start, writing; Fantasy or Vamp, reading
same plus thriller and noir.

Mechanics of how you share are up to you, all I will do is pair you up or preferably you can message each other and sort that out. So post your genre and willingness to swap and let us get going

I think this is a great idea, I've not got a whole book finished for others to read, just the first 6 chapters, but I am very happy to look at others work if it helps, and then have people looking at mine as its ready
I like fantasy best of all, but enjoy crime, and the occasional romance !!

This is a great idea! I wouldn't have time for a month or so as I'm working on a couple of things right now, but would definitely be interested after this (end of march/start of april). I will have the 3rd draft of my urban fantasy horror/comedy novella ready by then and will also then have the time to beta read someone else's book.

I write fantasy/supernatural (adult).
I read fantasy, supernatural, horror, sci-fi.

I'm very willing to help out. It's a great idea, and I can't wait to see what develops! :)

I would love to! What an excellent idea. I've been looking for people to not only critique my works, but also to write reviews, both I'm willing to do. I like fantasy, supernatural, sci-fi, action-suspense. And I write the same. Currently working on an action-suspense series, Blood of Zee.

Ill kick it off dm me your URL where I can read them and I'll review :)

I'd like to help on this also. I'm writing a paranormal urban fantasy/romance. I like the same along with fallen angels and vampires. Feel free to pm if you would be interested. Thank you. I've already got a few betas but would like a more experienced feedback.

I'm willing to pitch in my two cents.

I'm willing to do it as well. I can set aside time for reading a little at a time and if I have a block, I'll do more then.

The book I'm working on is not ready for beta readers yet, but when it is I'd love someone from here to read it.

I write in the Erotica genre, but will read almost anything except horror.

Hi there! Thank you for inviting me. I think this is a great idea but I'm not certain I can post my WIP's since I'm not Indie and work with a small pub house. However, I'd be more than happy to read over your work and give you my honest opinion. I also have a blog spot on my author webpage where I promote authors by giving them an interview with links to amazon or other. If you'd like to be featured, please feel free to contact me :)

Hey thanks all lets get a few more people here and then we can genre. Members are growing fast here and I thank you all for that. The need for beta critiques and correct critiques once a book is on the market is so important. A new book with two 5 star reviews is just transparent. I am just reading Cloud Atlas ATM. My next is going to be from this group. I am happy to support you and as I have no books out there you can trust this as thanks and nothing more.

Books already out, too? That's a great idea, Ian! We van all use more reviews (well good ones if merited.)

Thanks for the invite! And great timing - I'm looking for another Beta reader or two who read in Urban Fantasy - just in a 2nd draft now and looking for fresh feedback. I work closely with a great SFF writer's group so well used to giving constructive feedback in return.

Wow, this group is really taking off. Ian, you're like a magnet!

Bella wrote: "Wow, this group is really taking off. Ian, you're like a magnet!"

He is, he's been a blessing!! And I'm eternally grateful for his help!

Nice complement to him, Ashley. Hope we can all help each other just as much.

Now now I red up under this mask!! Thank you both and to Ashley for starting the group. Deborah I have dm'd you my email. I will gladly read the draft and give feed back. Any type of fantasy is easily eaten by me. I critiqued for critters for a while but found the whole thing a little to impersonal. I am sure this will not be the case here.

Oh I haven't given you the genres I read because basically, I'll read anything. Here is my email: [email protected]
website: www.eva-lenoir.com
I'll be happy to beta-read for anyone who needs it or write a review on amazon/goodreads.

Anyone who's interested in reading Rubbed Raw, (Erotica and part 2 of Triple Threat) that's coming out soon, I'd love the feedback and reviews when it is available for purchase. I have it in Word format now. Just a disclaimer, it's explicit and has some menage in it (MFM, MFMFM).

I have two novels available on Amazon. One is an espionage story based on personal experiance and the other is the story of a serial killer set against the backdrop of a sixties band. If anyone would like to swap reviews I am open to offers.

Community support needed!!! Had a contact from my website about my Bachelor book and just sent the first draft to the first reader. Now I am just sitting and waiting for the butterflies to go. Am I the only one that feels like this when you let your baby out for the first time?

No, Ian, you are not alone! The worst part is the wait! Good luck!

I'm the same way! I go nuts until I hear something.

Hey all, I now have both completed novels ready and set for beta reading. I have posted 3 chapters of each and would be honoured if any would read and if interested Beta the rest.

The Thief is a fantasy book and the link is this;

http://thethiefandthestalkerstone.wee...

The Unsuspecting Bachelor is an Antediluvian urban fantasy romance.....it's the best way I can describe it. Link is;

http://www.theunsuspectingbachelor.co...

If you dislike the first few chapters then that's okay, drop me a dm and let me know what put you off.

Ian, you have a wonderful idea. I published a book with Createspace. If you have Kindle you can download free.It was my second attempt to write a story.It's a murder mystery. I'm not very good at the marketing end of it.I've only just learned about Betas after reading some Fan Fiction stories of the former Sebastien Robichaud, now known as the famous Sylvain Reynard.My book is Lake Charm.

Ian, I started reading. I'm halfway through chap 2. I found a few errors, but wanna read it all twice before I give a critique or anything.

Well I have to say I beta read Debbie's book Desprite Measures and it was an absolute pleasure. It is fast paced and a great ride. I will read another from here next week and hope that it is as good as the last. So let us hope that some time soon Cassie, Euan and Alison plus the rest come to a Kindle near you.

Many thanks Bella....I am sure there are a few. I read and reread but end up skipping as I know it to well. Any comments good or bad are welcome.

Ian, It takes at least 2 sets of eyes to spot them all. I know that all too well, with my Brooklyn accent that presents itself in my writing sometimes. I'll let you know when I'm done. I have to proofread my next book for the last time before publishing, so doing double duty.

Always happy to return the favour, that is what this thread is all about Bella. Love your bio by the way. My wife is a true Rock Chick as well, you should hook up with Terry Tyler on twitter, she writes about bands etc and she is always willing to promote.

Ah, cool. I found her. Dream On looks interesting. Mutual promotion is a great thing.

If anyone is in the same ball park give me a ring. My second novel is in edit stage and ready enough for beta.

Marilyn, is it a sequel or completely separate?

Ian wrote: "Well I have to say I beta read Debbie's book Desprite Measures and it was an absolute pleasure. It is fast paced and a great ride. I will read another from here next week and hope that it is as goo..."

Ian, thank you so much for taking the time to read Desprite Measures, and for being so quick back with your comments - I hope to get to yours later this week.
DM has been requested by an agent, so have my fingers and toes all crossed. Your beta comments were just what I wanted - first impressions from a fresh reader which, after all, is what an agent/publisher/reader will be.
My first novel (epic fantasy) was agented, but didn't sell, so will be self-pubbing that this summer - going for the hybrid author scenario at this stage, but if DM fails to sell, it too will be self-pubbed.
Isn't it wonderful to have that option these days :)

@Bella - Not a sequel.

OK cool Marilyn. I know I don't have the time for 2 books. I read at night and the one I'm reading now is not doing it for me. I'm down to beta read for you too, when I'm done with Ian's.

No hurry, I'm not planning on publishing until 2014.

Wow, OK. My next one comes out soon. But it is a sequel. Just send me a message if you want me to read and I'll give you honest critique.

Hey all. I'd love to have some fresh eyes on a book of mine. It's fantasy. DM me and I'll send ya two chapters. If ya like I'll send ya the rest. If not, I do accept honest criticism and would like to know whether it just wasn't your flavor or if there was something off about it.
I'll read anything...and open to trying out the first 2 chapters. I'm sure Ashley can attest that I'm fair, honest, and fun!
Cheers,
Michala

Hey all,

I would just like to say thanks for participating in this thread. I know from the PM's I have received and others have that there is plenty of help going on behind the scenes.

I would also like to point out that I have read four different authors work in three differing genres, one complete ms and you are all a cut above my recent forays into your given genres. Keep up the good work !

Anyone that hasn't received a response feel free to post again. I know time is valuable to all here but so is your MS

Thanks Ian!

If anyone is interested in reading either of my published erotica books (or the one about to be released), I'll send you a free copy as exchange for a review on here and/or Amazon!

When I'm ready for beta readers on Wicked End, I'll post it.

Hi everyone,
I have to say, I have read and given some very humble advice to a fellow author here and I cried like a baby...not once but thrice. I really do recommend Chris' Journey Turning Different Corners by Karen Einsel. Truly heart-warming. I should be reading and reviewing another author this week, as well. Keep up the great work, this type of solidarity is just what the doctor ordered! Feel free to inbox me if you need a review or just my opinion (humble as it may be). Also, if you'd like to be featured on my blog for an interview, let me know. My first available date is May 8th :)

This is great! I have just started (5k words) a historical fiction novel, working title AGAMEMNON MUST DIE.

I would be willing to read science fiction and literary fiction in addition to historical fiction.