Episode #117
Author K.A. Wilde on Finding and Working With Beta Readers
You’ve revised your novel to the best of your ability. Now what? Now you need outside eyes. But when is your manuscript ready for beta readers, where do you find the right ones, and what the heck do you do with all that feedback? In this episode, mystery/thriller author and professional beta reader K.A. Wilde and I break down what beta readers do (and don’t do), how to find good ones, what questions to ask, and how to sort through their feedback without feeling like you need to change your entire book. We also talk about the vulnerability of handing your story over to someone else and why learning to receive feedback is part of growing as a writer. Plus, this week’s Courage File celebrates a writer who returned to the page after nearly ten years and has now crossed 75,000 words! Timestamps: 00:00 When to Use Beta Readers 02:00 This Week’s Courage File 04:40 Meet K.A. Wilde 06:33 Defining Reader Roles 09:55 Beta Myths & Manuscript Prep 11:26 Finding Beta Readers 19:33 How Many Betas Do You Need? 22:21 Questions to Ask 27:15 Handling Feedback 30:12 Mystery & Thriller Beta Tips 31:27 Vulnerability & Mindset Links Mentioned: BetaFide Spun Yarn Bianca Marais’s (From The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast) Beta reader match-up service. KA Wilde Website: kawildeauthor.com Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COUARGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears
