BETA Readers, Their Opinions are Important

Writers appreciate BETA readers taking the time to read their work-in-progress, and you shouldn't get upset if they say something negative afterwards. It’s part of the process of creating a book worthy of being published.

 

Embrace their opinions. It will hurt but it’s necessary and absolutely worth it.

I hate when it people give an honest opinion.

For today’s exercise, I decided to share some BETA opinions I received via e-mail about my soon-to-be-published book.

 

Bob: Dude, are you going to pay me for reading this crap? If not, I might have to hurt you when I get out.

Response: Thank you for your honesty, and if it’s not too much trouble, now that you finished reading it; can you pass it along to the other inmates to read? (He was my best friend in High School.)

 

Geri: Another wannabe writer with no skills, exactly what the world needs right now.

Response: Thank you; I appreciate you reading my book. (My Neighbor)

Barb: The book was awesome. I read it every night before going to bed and it resolved my insomnia problem – thanks!

Response: That’s good to hear. At least it was good for something. (She used to be my favorite cousin.)

 

Irene: Were you trying to make a political statement with this book?

Response: No, not that I’m aware of. (My radical sister-in-law.)

 

Sam: I got so lost with all the plot twists, so I quit reading it. I gave the book to my neighbor; he hasn’t spoken to me in two weeks.

Response: Sorry to hear that. (I went to school with him; he failed 3^rd grade twice.)

 

Marcy: I read it, and then gave it to a friend to read. Now, we’re no longer friends. Please do something else with your life.

Response: I’m sorry you didn’t like it. (My Niece; I told her not to give it to anyone.)

 

Tom: You might want to hire a good editor for this book.

Response: Yes, I agree. (He’s my editor.)

 

Jack: Is there a way I can get my money back?  I want a refund.  You owe me $20.

Response: I gave you the book to read for free! (He’s my nephew.)

 

Ms. Jenkins: I deserve an award for reading this.

Response: Thanks, I’ll see what I can do. (She was my 8^th grade English teacher.)

 

Janet: Who told you this book was good?

Response: My wife did. (Janet is my wife’s boss.)

 

John: I am going to be completely honest. It was a very good book.

Response: Thanks John. (My oldest son and notorious liar.)

 

Susie: What was with all the dumb character names? I couldn’t pronounce any of them.

Response: I was trying to be unique. (She is my youngest sister.)

 

Walt: Seriously dad, this is really, really, bad.

Response: *Sigh* (He’s my second son.)

 

There you have it, the readers have spoken. Such torrent positivity makes me want to get this book published as soon as possible so the whole world can enjoy it.

 

 “Mr. Kafka, I saw in the paper that Wal-Mart is hiring.”

“Thanks jimmy, but I think I’ll stick to writing books.”

 “Why? Your first three books bombed. Do you really think this one will do better?”

 “You never know with books.”

 “Mr. Kafka, stop it. The dream is over; time to move on.”

 “With your confidence and my imagination, jimmy, anything is possible.”

 “Is your hearing aid on?”

 “Huh?”

 

-jk-