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already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) Horror World • View topic - For all you authors out there.....
How do you select your group of pre-readers? It seems almost every author out there has them, and I've always wondered about the selection process.
I went to college as a creative writing major, have worked at a newspaper for about 4 years, doing layout design and editing. I've had 5 stories published in the Kansas City Star, and will have more in May. And I love horror.
The thought of being a pre-reader and doing proofreading has interested me for quite some time, but I've never known how to go about asking. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I'm lucky--I've got a World Fantasy-nominee right down the hall. My wife, Tia Travis, is a writer, and she's also worked as a proofreader for both SubPress and Night Shade. She knows my fiction better than anyone, and she's my first reader. Also, if I have a problem while I'm working on something, she's the one I go to for advice.
It wasn't that way when I was starting out. I didn't know any other writers, and I was on my own. In retrospect, I think this made me a much stronger (and better) writer. Any criticism I had came through rejection slips, or advice from editors. Sometimes I took the advice given, and sometimes I didn't. But mostly it was me alone in a room with a story I wanted to make as perfect as I could. I developed my own self-critical eye, which is a tool every writer needs. Most of all, I learned self-reliance. Anyway, if you're interested in more on the subject, check out my Subterranean Press collection MR. FOX--look for the essay "A Keyboard Built for One."
Of course, every writer finds a different way. I know many people who work in groups, or have a few trusted fellow-travellers who are on the same page creatively and will trade ms. If you do choose to seek out input like that, I'd definitely look for someone who's on the same page (i.e. if you're trying to write like Lansdale, a guy who reads nothing but Ligotti might not be the best first reader for you).
Hope this helps...and best of luck with the stories.
Joined: Sun May 25, 2008 8:27 pm Posts: 241 Location: New England
There aren't many people in my life that can give an honest criticism of my work. I know too many kind-hearted people, damn it! Mostly, I, like Norm, rely on editors for feedback.
I have been asked twice to be a first reader by two different authors who I really respect, and both times I have said no.
I did agree once for an author, but told the author I am not the person he needs to proofread for typo's, I'm just not that good at it, I would rather read for pleasure. So far I have not recieved that author's novel, and I understand why completely. And that was some time ago.
Ahh...I know the epic battle of sleep. My four-year-old and two-year-old have bested me many a time, and my wife and I just might be crazy enough to add a third combatant to the fray.
Emma (who will be 2 in June! ) seems to have a new thing about taking off her sleepsack, pajamas, and diaper sometime during the night, so that when I go get her in the morning, she's standing there in her crib naked, clothes and wet diaper strewn about the floor. Luckily, none of them have been dirty yet - that will be a nightmare!
Craig, I'll keep this in mind. I usually make a call right after my first draft, and take the most interested. I have a core group I trust who almost always respond, but I like to mix in new readers. For me, while copy-edit notes are always good, the thing that helps the most is to put reader's questions side by side to see if I need to go back and redo anything major...
I tend to pick my pre-readers from fellow writers or readers who are into and have read a lot of my work and aren't afraid to be critical. In fact, when I get an email from a reader or another writer pointing out all the typos or criticizing certain plot points in one of my stories, or even if I get an email totally trashing one of my stories from someone who usually likes my work, they have a pretty good chance of being asked to pre-read my work on a regular basis. Currently, I have a fellow writer who also freelances as an editor, a former book reviewer, and one of those hyper-critical fans as pre-readers. And I send each manuscript through all three of them before sending it to an editor. When they are busy it's just me and the wife.
This might make you laugh. I recieved an email asking members of my local writers club if we would be interested in reading some of our stories to our fellow townies on Home Day. I wonder how fast I could clear a room of old folk?
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