As already noted on this blog, this was my first book. Not the first book I ever considered publishing – the first book I ever wrote. I’d written short-form fiction in the past, and I write boring things at work all the time. But nothing as ambitious as an entire book. Written in a month.
When it was done, I genuinely didn’t know who I wanted to have read it. I have friends and family who would do it – but what if it was embarrassingly terrible? It’s a first book, it’s not perfect, but do I really need the people who love me telling me that they couldn’t finish it? Plus, a lot of my friends either don’t read romance novels, or don’t admit to it… This isn’t an award-winning piece of fiction here, this is a nice story with a bit of drama in it. And some sexy bits.
I decided to hire someone instead. An anonymous stranger who reads a lot of romance stories, and could provide objective feedback was just the ticket. Plus, I could scan through fiverr to find someone who had positive reviews from other writers…
Today I got my reader’s report, and I am really pleased with it. Granted, I have to completely restructure the first few chapters of my book… As the reader pointed out, a lot of people will read the first few chapters and then decide whether or not to buy/download. My slower intro to the characters isn’t going to work. I’ll need to pull forward the meet between the main characters, and move some of the current intro into later bits (and strike a few things.)
All the feedback was helpful, and unless she’s lying to me, she didn’t hate it. She had valid criticisms and suggestions, but I definitely feel more encouraged than criticized.
I’m about 48,000 words into book two, and the reality is that the same criticisms can be applied here. The male lead isn’t showing up until a few chapters into the book, as the intro is exclusively focused on setting up the female character and some of the minor characters. So in some ways, I’ve got feedback for both books, and lots and lots to do.
Bummer I’m almost out of writing time for today. 😀
I’ll add a link to the beta reader at some point, after publication, if she’s agreeable to that.