Elizabeth invited me to share with you today something about writing. Since this was an important part of my process, I decided to focus on test readers.
Why would you need test readers? Bluntly put, it’s another set of eyeballs on your work. Test readers will see things you’ve overlooked – stilted dialogue, plot contrivances, continuity errors, lack of information, confusing transitions, and so forth.
We are so close to our work that we often miss these things.
Test readers need to be objective in order to be effective. A spouse or close friend might feel reluctant to hurt your feelings. (Then again, that might be your toughest critic!)
Test readers should be familiar with your genre and know what to look for in a good book. I also believe a mixture of readers and writers is best.
Allow your test readers the opportunity to read through the entire scene or manuscript. When they return your work, read every suggestion and consider changes. If at all possible, sit down with your test readers (or get with them online or on the phone) and discuss each page. Sometimes comments are vague and you need clarification. If there’s an issue with a scene, you need to know exactly why it doesn’t work. This opens up discussions and you can bounce ideas off each other.
It’s easy to grow defensive, but resist the urge. Consider the validity of each suggestion. If your test people had a problem with a scene, then so will other readers. Be open to changes that will improve the flow of your story and strength of your dialogue. Once you’ve made alterations, let them read it again to be sure all issues were addressed.
My test readers for CassaStar identified several mistakes. They pointed out scenes where more description was required to clarify the situation. They really assisted with my dialogue, suggesting cuts and changes where necessary. We even read through several scenes to achieve a smooth flow of dialogue. Without their help, my manuscript would still be a jumbled mess!
Do you employ test readers?
Alex J. Cavanaugh
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh
October 19, 2010 Science fiction/adventure/space opera
ISBN 9780981621067 Dancing Lemur Press LLC
To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…
Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard.
Much to Byron’s chagrin, the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron’s tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential.
As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit?
“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” – Library Journal
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67YBjQve00U
Links to purchase:
AMAZON –
BARNES & NOBLE –
BAM
Also available in eBook format for Kindle, iPad, Nook, and others
Bio:
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He’s experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
Firstly, congratulations on the launch of your book, Alex.
I have test readers and their input is invaluable. They open my eyes.
Congrats again on the release, Alex! I agree that test readers are very important, but it tough, isn’t it, finding someone who are close enough to bother helping out, but distant enough not to worry about your feelings… As a test reader I genuinely try not to worry about the other person’s feelings, and simply be honest. Of course, in my opinion that also includes mentioning the good parts about a text!
Congratulations on the launch Alex. I can see where test readers could be handy in all type of writing. I know when I re-read things I’m still seeing what I want to see not always what’s there. Best of Luck.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Right now I only have short stories completed, but my readers are people I know that are avid readers and are very honest. That’s what I want. I want eyes that see beyond my personal attachment to the story.
Thanks Alex for a great article. Thanks Elizabeth for hosting.
Elizabeth – Thanks for hosting Alex.
Alex – Congratulations on your release! I wish you all the best with it.
About test readers? I don’t know what I’d do without mine. They care enough about me to tell me the truth, and they are talented enough to know when what I am writing is and isn’t working.
I call test readers my critique group, and couldn’t survive without their eyes and viewpoints.
Terry
Terry’s Place
Romance with a Twist–of Mystery
Congrats again on your release, Alex. And I’m lucky to have a wife who is so logic minded she’ll let me know exactly when something doesn’t fit.
Congratulations, Alex, on your release! And thanks so much for blogging here today. Test readers are incredibly useful, aren’t they–there’s so much that we can’t catch because we’re too close to the manuscript.
OH I would love me some test readers!! I treasure finding me some good objective and constructive with their critiquing test readers!!
:-)
CONGRATULATIONS Alex with your brilliant book launch!! What a day!!
Take care
x
Thanks for hosting me today, Elizabeth!
And Jeffrey, my wife’s rather blunt as well. As much as I want my ego stroked, I need to hear if something stinks, too!
I only have one test reader and could certainly use more!
Congrats on the book, Alex!
Congrats on the release. I do have beta readers. Mostly they’re friends who are also writers or critical readers.
Beta readers are very important, but it’s hard to find ones who are willing, available and blunt enough to do the job correctly.
Congrats to you, Alex!
Test readers are really important. I don’t have a novel to pass around, yet, but I do have a play that I’ve almost finished. When I do, I’ll have some actors do a read-through with me. That will be fun, and a little scary, to listent to what works and for places that need improving. Your book sounds like one my son would like. Is it for middle school readers?
The interview was great. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Alex, great reminder! I always have some… I try to spread them out–a few getting early drafts, a few later ones… I think it’s also important to know their expertise. That’s not to say ‘ignore the newbie’ because they can still spot stuff like a reader would, but I think greener people can have their ‘pet solutions’ or things they look for that may NOT have validity. But overall, I think they are a TON of help. (and test READING is good for us, too–nothing to give fresh perspective like reading a couple books critically for others)
I have one. I should have more but, but, it’s so scary.
Mary, there’s nothing inappropriate and it’s just a good action story with an emphasis on friendship. If he likes Star Wars, he’d enjoy it!
Hart, I might start doing that for others. After NaNo of course.
Thanks, Elizabeth for hosting Alex. What he writes about is very important for writers of all genres. Too often a writer can only see his or her POV, therefore having others read the WIP is going to offer different perspectives.
I call them DTR’s, for Designated Trusted Readers. Peeps who are well read in many genres, knowledgable about good writing and books, and close enough to me to know I want and can handle the TRUTH if/when they spot things amiss in the book – things not clear enough, maybe a scene seems weak or out of place, a character or timeline inconsistency – things like that.
This is not the final editing, it is, like you say, sort of a pre-final edit test drive.
Good topic, and well covered!
Marvin D Wilson
I’ve got 2 writing buddies who help me out with this – thank goodness! They’ve caught a lot of things I couldn’t see because I was so close to it :)
I belong to a critique group who has no problem telling me what they don’t like.
I’m so happy for you, Alex. Congratulations on the successful launch of your book!
I write a series set during the Revolutionary War and have two types of readers: the ones who read primarily for plot and characterization, and the ones who read primarily for history. I salaam to my test readers. Without them, I’d be making such a fool of myself. :-)
Suzanne Adair
I love test readers. I use them so much. I wouldn’t be anywhere without them. Great post, Alex.
CD
Thanks, everyone!
I’m so glad I had test readers – they were a huge help to me.
Great advice Alex! I’m not at the point that I need test readers as yet, but I’ve started thinking about it!
Thanks so much again, Alex, for guest posting! And best wishes for your release. :)
This is an important point that you make. What sounds good to me may be totally awkward to another reader. I need some good constructive critics.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Thanks again Elizabeth and hope this was good advice for everyone!
Good information to know; Their insight is invaluable~
Congrats Alex!
Alex, if it wasn’t for the virtual book tour, I would have missed this!
Don’t let that happen again … you have to keep me updated. :-)
CONGRATS!!!!!! I’m so proud of you.
Thanks, Kisie! And I try to let everyone know – just so many followers now.