I've used a beta, but not for any sort of validation on clarity. I guess what you're talking about isn't something I really worry about. If I put a few drafts into something, I feel like I've either got it or I don't. I think we have to trust our own judgement to some extent. I'm not saying we can't be wrong. But like I said earlier, no one really wants to read a first draft. I rather have people read a finished product. A beta reader can be helpful, but that all depends on who your beta reader is.
Got an almost two month rejection today. Since there was only one slot in the category I targeted, I can't say I'm surprised. It's still a little discouraging since there aren't many markets for the piece's subgenre.
No one should send a first draft to betas. I edit for multiple weeks before sending my MS out for beta reading. I edit it until it's basically what I'd consider good enough for submission to a publisher. I still get a ton of valuable feedback that allows me to further refine my MS and in my opinion increase my chances of acceptance. It's worked for me so far.
Beta readers are kinda important in the process no matter which route you go. You wouldn't just whip up a wonder drug, and then send it out without testing it for side effects, would you? (Well I hope you don't peddle basement cures to the masses anyway, that would unethical and might explain why that guy on 121st street has a rash and maybe some new strain of radiation sickness). Point is they (beta readers) are a good way to know if what you wrote is really worth all the tens/hundreds/thousands of hours you spent writing it, to be read for an audience that you are hoping to gain with it. Think of it as your trial run/testing phase to get an idea of what works and what doesn't, or what needs shoring up or cutting. Lot like getting critiques, but for the bigger picture and not just a random scene/chapter. In short are you firing rockets off in all directions hoping to get close, when you should be working on your guidance system so you can hopefully hit the bloody target with some accuracy? Seems to me you need to start working on the more effective approach as opposed to the hope like hell method. You will never improve if you don't get any feedback to give you an idea of what needs work. Its apart of growth, hard at times, but a necessary evil.
Wow. Really? Some of you guys just feel a need to argue. It's great that you think betas are so important. I don't. I don't mind sharing my work, and the right person will give great feedback. But it can't be part of the regular process if you write and submit at the rate I do. And that's okay for me. I post a lot of rejections here because it's sort of a look into the world of literary journals that reject almost all submission. That's just how the industry works. And other people sometimes post their rejections. Misery loves company. But this isn't the thread to argue. Please don't bring that in here.
Trust yourself I guess is what you are saying? In some circumstances that's all you have, faith in yourself, in your idea, even if you have to work on it for a while to get it right.
It's a nice enough town, sort of long, goes on for a while. I was in New Zealand once and met a few people that came from Bude; small world. That would make an interesting story, a guy/girl walks into a mysterious town and it changes time as he/she walks through it.
Another form rejection after 34 days at One Story. I used to think this form was a personal. I think they have two forms. But, yes, I was looking for a little rejection with my coffee. Tuesdays with rejections.
I missed the triple post. I hope that doesn't mean it's a triple rejection day. I'm a few days behind making my weekly submission(s). Sending at least one new submission a week helps keep stuff out there. I was up to 50 active submissions for a while. But all it takes is a bad week or even day and it can seem like almost everything was rejected. I can't seem to get back to 50, though not all my stories are on submission. Some of them need more work or time. I've got 35 submissions out right now. Make that 34.
Hi deadrats, I know you're going through a demoralising few weeks at the moment so I figured I'd just let you know that I've been lurking this thread for ages now, and your system of aiming for one submission a week has inspired me to do the same. I now have fifteen submissions out there that I'm waiting to hear back on. When the inevitable rejections begin to arrive I'll report back here. This is just the game we're playing - motivation is only so useful in temporary bursts; discipline is what will help us persevere.
Writing is the easy part. Waiting for friends, editors, agents, and yes publishers to find time to read and comment on your work is by far the most frustrating aspect of the process. I am often disabled and unable to focus on writing while I wait for a response. A thread for this type of dialogue would be great.
Dear Mr Person. We read your story with interest. Unfortunately on this occasion we have to pass. Good luck placing your story elsewhere. The Editors
Yeah, I know, litle slow on the colloquialism. PS - had to look colloquialism up, not an easy word to spell.
