Basically, I know only this about beta readers: they are a complete stranger who readers your not-first-draft manuscript and gives feedback.
That sounds like something I will need a little bit in the future, but there is a problem. I have a form of extreme social anxiety called Selective Mutism. What Selective Mutism is, is that I can talk fine at home with my close family, but I can't talk and get super anxious when in public. (if this explanation doesn't make sense then please look it up).
I know that Beta readers don't meet in public all the time, but I would still feel a little anxious (but better than meeting in person) swapping e-mails or stories with a complete stranger.
I don't know what to do. I really want to self-publish my book, but... I'm scared to communicate with people. I know I should suck it up and be brave. But with this mental disorder, I...I just don't know how to.
And an editor....How do I get one if I'm terrified to talk to people? My mom has some author friends (I don't know them) who she says would be willing to edit my book for money, but my sister tried to edit with one of them and they were... well, not very good at it.
In your opinion, what should I do? Suck it up and be brave? Or is there something else I could do that would be easier for me to find a beta reader?
Sorry, if I sound like a whiny baby, but even writing about finding a beta reader makes me feel like crying and hiding from the world.
Keep in mind I don't need a beta reader now, but I might need one later on.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
That sounds like something I will need a little bit in the future, but there is a problem. I have a form of extreme social anxiety called Selective Mutism. What Selective Mutism is, is that I can talk fine at home with my close family, but I can't talk and get super anxious when in public. (if this explanation doesn't make sense then please look it up).
I know that Beta readers don't meet in public all the time, but I would still feel a little anxious (but better than meeting in person) swapping e-mails or stories with a complete stranger.
I don't know what to do. I really want to self-publish my book, but... I'm scared to communicate with people. I know I should suck it up and be brave. But with this mental disorder, I...I just don't know how to.
And an editor....How do I get one if I'm terrified to talk to people? My mom has some author friends (I don't know them) who she says would be willing to edit my book for money, but my sister tried to edit with one of them and they were... well, not very good at it.
In your opinion, what should I do? Suck it up and be brave? Or is there something else I could do that would be easier for me to find a beta reader?
Sorry, if I sound like a whiny baby, but even writing about finding a beta reader makes me feel like crying and hiding from the world.
Keep in mind I don't need a beta reader now, but I might need one later on.
Thanks in advance for your advice.