22: Beta Reader Update

My beta reading group, consisting of fourth and fifth grade kids, is (nearly) over! My live group met at the public library three times this month. I also have a pair of sisters who are reading my manuscript and responding to the questions on a document. Do you know what I learned about my story? A LOT.

Putting myself out there gave me oodles of items to work on. For example, why did I never tell my protagonist’s name before the third chapter? Yes, it’s first person, but kids want to know. It’s Jamie, by the way. Or why was Mom not upset when Jamie came home with a black eye? Their moms would be.

Then there were the quirky ideas. The group absolutely loved Chipotle the shape shifting flying snake, but…why was his venom blue? Why did it smell like blueberries? Wouldn’t it smell like salsa? Or this gem: they want Jamie to call The Chevalier, my unlikeable protagonist, The Chandelier…just for fun. And just once. I’ll probably do that.

In all, I have over 60 bulleted points to consider. When my last two beta readers come back from vacation, I will be adding to the list.

As for a developmental editor, I’ll have to wait a few months for this—current funds are a bit short. No worries. I still have plenty of work to do.