Call for Beta Readers : Heartless

What's a beta reader? Just like beta testing a program or product, manuscripts should be tested too. Readers are lined up to read an unpublished work and search for plot holes, typos, loose threads, and things like that.

That being said, I need readers for Heartless, readers who are unafraid to tell me (nicely, of course; no call for rudeness) what's keeping the book from being a 5-star read. (The book was previously self-published but has been picked up by TreasureLine Publishing.)

The blurb from the first edition:

They married in haste. Would she repent at leisure?

Finding herself abandoned after the death of her father, Leandra Harcourt takes a chance on a dark stranger at a small inn. Married, she learns about her husband during his extended absences, discovering more truth and mystery than she ever could have dreamed.

The Duke of Derringer is feared and reviled wherever he goes; he is a man not to be crossed. Finding himself suddenly in need of a wife only interferes with the plans he has already set in motion. Vowing to marry the first woman he meets, he stumbles upon Leandra Harcourt, desperate and alone.

With only sporadic visits home, Derringer finds his wife intriguing, baffling, and oddly desirable. In her prosaic attitude and calm demeanor, he discovers a peacefulness that he's never known in his life and knows he will never find again. While facing a nameless assassin, his search for his missing cousin intensifies. Little does he realize that in reaching his goal, his enemies may reach theirs, endangering his new bride as well.

For more info about the book itself, you can check out my blog, The Heartless Duke.

If you'd like to volunteer as a beta reader, please comment here with your email address and your qualifications (reader, writer, editor, proofreader, or any combination thereof--I'd like a variety). If you'd rather not leave your email addy here, drop me a line at jaimeygrant{at}yahoo{dot}com or private message me through facebook or Goodreads (don't forget to include your email address and qualifications if you choose one of these ways to contact me). A DOC file will be sent to you, along with instructions. I will be accepting volunteers until May 7.

If you've already read Heartless and thought of a few tweaks, feel free to send me an email detailing the things that bothered you.

And as a special thank you, all volunteers* (including those who have already read it and send me an email with their complaints) will be sent a code to download the new edition for free from Smashwords.com, when it's released. Additionally, all volunteers will be entered to win a signed paperback of the new edition.

Any questions? Please ask. :o)

Thank you and happy reading!!

*You must complete the "assignment" to qualify for the free download and be entered to win the signed paperback.  

Call for Beta Readers

Do you like to read? Of course you do! Well, here's your chance to read some new books before they even hit the shelves. 

My publisher, TreasureLine Books & Publishing, is looking for beta readers. If you're interested, email Linda at TreasureLinePublishing@gmail.com. Be sure to include the genre(s) you prefer. 

Beta Readers

A few weeks ago, I sent my upcoming release, Honor, to six of my close writer/reader friends (ones who are guaranteed to give me honest, critical feedback) to give the story a beta read, looking for loose ends and inconsistencies. On facebook, I asked for more beta readers and received four more responses. 

I've already received half of those readers' opinions and so far, Honor's receiving 4 - 4.5 stars for the way it stands now. A few slight tweaks and it will be a 5-star read for sure. 

I haven't gone over every detail of the critiques yet but the readers all put a few suggestions in the body of their return email. Already, a few of those suggestions stood out as "Oh yeah!" moments, changes that I know will be the right move even if they're only mentioned that one time. Other suggestions just don't feel right and this is definitely the time to "trust my gut," as it were. 

All in all, this is turning out to be a great process and I love the reactions I'm getting. I've written a story that keeps the reader engrossed, makes them forget to watch for flaws, and is a joy to read. I'm thrilled with these responses and maybe one day I'll even reveal the reason I wrote Honor. 

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!