Conqueror Worm (paranormal crime novel seeks beta)

[TL1138]

Hello,

I just finished my last revision on CONQUEROR WORM, complete at 60,000 words. I'm looking for a beta (several, hopefully) who can read the whole thing and tell me what works for them, what doesn't, and why. You can be as harsh as you want--I have no issue with that.

Below is a short introduction to the novel:

DETECTIVE WALTER MONTOON is a reclusive, veteran officer well past his prime, when he's assigned several apparently random murders. The only link he can find among the train passenger, the high school football player and the police informant's killer is that they all died of a sudden, spontaneous brain failure. Montoon is about to declare them all cold cases when DRAKE, a hitman, contacts him and reveals that he has been hired to execute the man responsible for the murders: a mad telepath named ROGER.

He provides Montoon with a special weapon and an audio tape, and though skeptical at first, after listening to the tape, Montoon becomes convinced of Drake's story.

But Drake has his own plans. As Montoon investigates, Drake orchestrates a series of his own murders, all with messages to Montoon, all designed to draw Roger out of hiding and lure him and Montoon into confrontation.

Now, Montoon must not only find Roger, he has to avoid Drake's trap as he chases clues that could save lives...or cost him his own.

Thanks!

[telford]

Hello TL. Are you sure this is ready for a beta? Have you had input from an outside source or a professional edit. If the answer is no then perhaps you could try testing the waters in Share Your Work? This would give you a good feel for whether it is ready for a beta. If yes is the answer then good luck. Perhaps offer to read someone else's work in exchange? It's a big ask so make it worth the persons while. Hope this helps. T.

[Rowan]

Hello TL. Are you sure this is ready for a beta? Have you had input from an outside source or a professional edit. If the answer is no then perhaps you could try testing the waters in Share Your Work? This would give you a good feel for whether it is ready for a beta. If yes is the answer then good luck. Perhaps offer to read someone else's work in exchange? It's a big ask so make it worth the persons while. Hope this helps. T.

Bolding is mine.

I'm not sure why this matters? Plenty of individuals on here ask for beta readers without first seeking "input from an outside source or a professional edit". Beta readers are volunteers and can make up their own minds when it comes to accepting a project, or even continuing with a project once accepted, ETC. Furthermore, there's no requirement that a writer "test the waters" in the Share Your Work forum before running a project through beta readers--or posting a request for beta readers.

Some people like to beta swap, while others are merely seeking to beta read or have their project read. It's not for others to dictate.

It sounds as if you're discouraging TL1138 from seeking beta readers. My apologies if I'm wrong but...that's how I'm reading it. :Shrug:

[mirandashell]

Deleted because .... basically I was talking out of my bum! Sorry!

[TL1138]

Hello TL. Are you sure this is ready for a beta? Have you had input from an outside source or a professional edit. If the answer is no then perhaps you could try testing the waters in Share Your Work? This would give you a good feel for whether it is ready for a beta. If yes is the answer then good luck. Perhaps offer to read someone else's work in exchange? It's a big ask so make it worth the persons while. Hope this helps. T.

If a "professional edit"--do people actually pay for edits? What kind of tool does that? Really?--were in order, then what would be the point of having a beta reader?

I know you were just trying to help. It's all good. :)