Use the Power of Feedback to Write a Better Book: Useful Writing Tips

by Belinda Pollard

Overview

Feedback is powerful. As we respond to it, learn from it, and sometimes resist it, our writing-muscle grows.

But the process can be complicated ...

• "I can't find the right beta readers."
• "They don't give me anything useful."
• "They all have a different opinion."
• "They hated my book and broke my heart."

Multi-award-winning author Belinda Pollard has faced these challenges and developed unique solutions, drawing from her work as a developmental editor over two decades.

This practical, enjoyable book shows how to get the feedback you need and apply it to your writing in a way that strengthens your book while protecting your vision and your voice.

Use the Power of Feedback to Write a Better Book will help you become the writer you were born to be.

Use the Power of Feedback to Write a Better Book was originally published as Beta Reader Superhero.

Belinda Pollard is an award-winning Australian author, IPEd Accredited Editor, publishing consultant, writing coach, speaker and blogger. Her editing portfolio includes books that have won or been shortlisted for significant awards or become classics in their niche, while her own writing prizes include a Varuna Fellowship. Her advocacy for writers and editors brings publishing and speaking invitations from around the world. usefulwritingtips.com

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780648267256
Publisher:	Small Blue Dog Publishing Pty Ltd
Publication date:	11/17/2019
Series:	Useful Writing Tips
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

Belinda Pollard is an award-winning Australian author, IPEd Accredited Editor, publishing consultant, writing coach, speaker and blogger. Her editing portfolio includes books that have won or been shortlisted for significant awards or become classics in their niche, while her own writing prizes include a Varuna Fellowship. Her advocacy for writers and editors brings publishing and speaking invitations from around the world. usefulwritingtips.com

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments v

PART 1: The power of feedback in writing and publishing 1

Chapter 1. Why writing feedback matters 2

• The meaning of the term “beta reader.”
• The results of my survey about writing feedback.
• How my experiences shaped my feedback strategy, and how my discoveries might help you.
• Tips for getting what you need from this book, as fast as possible.
• The three pillars of my 3H Feedback strategy: Humility, Honesty and Heart.
• What I think about rules.

Chapter 2. The basics 12

• Definitions and descriptions—what a beta reader is and is not.
• Types of books beta readers can help with.
• Why beta readers don’t replace professional editors.

Chapter 3. The ideal beta reader 26

• Demographics of the ideal beta reader.
• Personality traits and relevant experience.
• Reading and writing characteristics to look for.
• How much publishing knowledge should a beta reader have?

Chapter 4. Where to find the right beta readers for you 39

• How to network with other writers to find people who are a good match for your writing style and might enjoy helping you.
• How to find specialists in a particular topic.
• Where to look for beta readers who are not writers.
• When to start looking.

PART 2: Managing the feedback process for your book 55

Chapter 5. When to use beta readers 56

• Where beta readers can add value in each phase of creating a book, complementing tasks a professional editor might do.
• When to use or avoid beta readers, depending on your goals and level of experience.
• Whether to engage your beta team all at once, or spread them out over the project timeline.

Chapter 6. Issuing the initial invitation 77

• Attitudes that create an effective beta reading process, and ones that work against us.
• Tips for making the initial request.
• How many to ask.
• Content warnings.

Chapter 7. Building a beta feedback relationship 85

• Setting the tone.
• Fine-tuning the schedule.
• Formats to offer, and formats to ask for.
• Asking for testimonials.

Chapter 8. Creating a productive briefing document 96

• Choosing the discussion issues that will be most valuable for your manuscript—big picture versus fine detail.
• Wording your questions in a way that helps your beta readers.
• Organizing questions to help simplify your later self-editing process.

PART 3: What to do with the feedback you receive 113

Chapter 9. How to apply the feedback you receive 114

• Different instinctive reactions to beta feedback, and attitudes that can help.
• The importance of time and space.
• Several techniques for weighing the results.
• Where to now? 132

Glossary 134

Index 136

About the Author 139

Fun and useful gifts for beta readers and writers 140

Also by Belinda Pollard 141

Editorial Reviews

• “I wish this was around when I started.” Rachel Amphlett, bestselling crime writer
• “An invaluable book for every writer—indie or traditional. Great, thoughtful and inspiring advice.” Jodie Lane, Turning Points time travel adventure series
• “Essential reading for any author who wants to continue to grow.” Debbie Young, Sophie Sayers Village Mysteries
• “Undeniably useful and will serve both as a guide and mentor to authors looking for necessary feedback and support.” Molly Greene, Gen Delacourt Mysteries
• “If anyone wants to know about beta reading, Belinda’s blog is my go-to recommended resource... now this book is.” Sally Vince, Editor

From the Publisher