Battle-Testing the Manuscript

Few authors write in isolation. Certainly, writing itself, putting words on (virtual) paper is a solitary exercise, but few are brave enough to go straight from draft to self-publication. Most of us seek other pairs of eyes, to tell us early and often what works and what doesn't, long before the final editing and proofreading stage. As I wrap up preparations for my fourth novel, I thought I'd share what works for me.

One of my best friends, an avid reader of many genres, has followed and supported my writing journey from the very beginning. When I wrote the first draft of what became Imprints of the Past, I shared each chapter upon completion. He'd read it and then we'd discuss over a beer at our favorite restaurant, before our spouses joined us. It became a tradition, one we've maintained through subsequent first drafts. He has suggested many improvements, major and minor, before I even complete the story. He is what some might call an "alpha reader".

At this point, based on his feedback and my own ruthless self-assessment, I rewrite and rewrite, addressing major issues with plot, characters, and voice. I'm not looking for a finished product yet, but something that as closely as possible reflects the story I want to tell. This is what I give to my "beta readers".

These readers ideally come from diverse backgrounds and reading interests, although they should have an interest in and experience with my story's specific genre. Their task is to tell me - with brutal honesty where necessary - what works and what doesn't. Sometimes they suggest specific improvements, other times they just identify an issue for me to solve. These can be minor changes, but often I eliminated or fundamentally altered entire scenes. For my earlier novels, I researched and assembled an optional rubric for my beta readers to follow, but most preferred giving freeform feedback. With a couple of exceptions, this has been a revolving cast, but every reader has contributed to make my books so much better.

One more task remains before I hand off my manuscript to my copy editor, for him to correct grammar, improve sentence structure and enforce consistent style. Before that, I read the entire manuscript aloud. It still amazes me how much this helps, especially with dialogue. At this point, I've read and reread the text so many times that my brain skips over awkward or duplicative phrasing. Reading aloud catches much of this. My editor catches the rest and more, but he's diligent about preserving my voice.

It is worth calling out that this process is similar but abbreviated for my short stories. While I certainly share them with one or more beta readers ahead of time, my Personal Assistant admirably serves as the principal alpha reader and editor for those tales destined for an Indie Author Collective anthology. The goals and skills required are the same, as is the final product.

They say some tasks take a village to accomplish. Taking a story from first draft to something battle-hardened and worthy of publication requires an army. I'm lucky to have so many capable and willing people fighting on my side.