Ack!! Just sent first few chapters off to a couple of beta readers

ebennet68

Avoids editing by procrastinating
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I've finally gotten up the nerve to send off the first few chapters of my first completed novel. For me, that is a big accomplishment, because the very first time I ever shared any of my work with someone else back in January, I had tears in my eyes because of hurt feelings. Since then, I've grown quite a bit thicker skin, thick enough to send off my work. Wish me luck!
 

Maryn

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Oh, we totally get how hard that can be, so congratulations! It'll be a little easier to find the courage next time, too.

And remember that even if they don't love it, it's not you they don't love, just something you wrote--although I hope they do love it, of course.

Maryn, proud of you
 

gypsyscarlett

Ma fin est mon commencement
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Good luck!

And don't be afraid of an honest critique. Betas want to help, not hurt. :)
 

Phaeal

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CGs on taking the next big step! The bananas salute you.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
 

Snowstorm

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I understand! It's not easy to realize the manuscript isn't perfect when we thought it was. But pushing through that pain and stress shows a high level of professionalism and desire. I'm happy for you that it's getting easier.

Best wishes and good luck on your revisions!
 

Chris P

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Awesome! Becoming a better writer includes knowing what input to accept and which to ignore. I'm getting ready to troll for a new beta or two, so I hope I've built up some good karma.
 

AuburnAssassin

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It's both thrilling and terrifying. I hope your latest batch of feedback is tolerable but fruitful. Sometimes the harshest ones are the best ones...but only after the sting has faded and the scars healed.
 

honeysock

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Good luck with the beta! It's hard, I know. AuburnAssassin (a few posts up) and I beta'd each others' novels a while back--[*mwaw* love you AA!]--and yes, once you get past the initial sting, you realize how very very helpful it is, on oh-so-many levels.

Finding qualified betas is one of the best things AW has to offer, IMO. I've done several since and all have been positive experiences.
 

AuburnAssassin

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Love you too, Honeysock [a sweetheart of a beta and a talented writer whose novel was a joy to read].

And EBennett, if your novel is like your flashes that I enjoy every week, you'll do fine because you do write well.

If you haven't already, I'd also recommend posting the first chapter on SYW. Some really smart people put a lot of time and effort trying to help those of us just learning. And I don't just mean pointing out a few punctuation or grammar gaffes but the meaty stuff too like infodumps, conflict, pacing, characterization. Invaluable stuff.
 
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Silent Rob

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Well done! It's a big step, but one that's very worth taking.