I’m excited to share an update on my first novel! I recently finished revising my manuscript, and I also took the time to format it properly. I already talked about the revision process in the last blog post, so you learn more about it there if you like. The next step is to send it out to beta readers for feedback. In this post, I’ll talk about the importance of beta readers, novel formatting, how challenging it can be, and how I used Atticus Writer to simplify the process. Additionally, I’ll invite interested readers to sign up as beta readers for a second round of feedback.
What are beta readers?
Beta readers are a group of people who read your manuscript before it’s published. Their role is to give you feedback on the story and help you identify areas that need improvement. Beta readers can be anyone from friends and family to other writers or even strangers you meet online. I found my beta readers by putting out a call on social media and asking for volunteers.
What I hope to gain from beta readers
My goal in sending my manuscript to beta readers is to get a sense of how readers will react to my story. I’m hoping to get feedback on everything from the pacing and structure to the character development and overall readability. I want to make sure my story is engaging and satisfying, and I’m eager to hear what my beta readers have to say.
Inviting readers to sign up as beta readers
If you’re interested in becoming a beta reader for my novel, I would love to hear from you! I will be looking for a second round of beta readers after I receive feedback from the first round. As a beta reader, you’ll have the opportunity to read my manuscript before it’s published and provide feedback that will help me improve the story. If you’re interested, please sign up through my website or social media channels.
What is novel formatting?
Novel formatting refers to the way in which your manuscript is presented on the page. This includes things like the font and font size, the margins, the spacing between lines and paragraphs, and the placement of chapter headings and page numbers. Proper formatting makes your manuscript look polished and professional, and can make it easier for agents, editors, and publishers to read and evaluate.
How important is novel formatting?
While the quality of your writing is ultimately what matters most, formatting is still important because it affects how your manuscript is perceived. A well-formatted manuscript is more pleasant to read and easier to navigate, which can help keep readers engaged. Additionally, agents, editors, and publishers receive a lot of manuscripts, and a poorly formatted manuscript may be rejected out of hand simply because it’s difficult to read.
How difficult is novel formatting?
Novel formatting can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the technical aspects of document formatting. There are many word processing programs and formatting styles, and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. For example, some publishers have specific formatting requirements that you’ll need to follow in order to be considered. Additionally, different genres may have different conventions when it comes to formatting (for example, some genres may use larger font sizes or wider margins).
Using Atticus Writer for formatting
To simplify the formatting process, I used Atticus Writer, a popular app that allows writers to format their manuscripts easily and quickly. The app provides a range of formatting options, such as adjusting margins, line spacing, font, and font size. Atticus Writer also helps writers with structuring their manuscript by providing tools to organize chapters, sections, and headings.
Using Atticus Writer saved me a lot of time and effort when it came to formatting my novel. The app took care of the technical aspects of formatting, allowing me to focus on the creative aspects of writing.
The Waiting Game
Now that I’ve sent my manuscript out to beta readers, it’s time to play the waiting game. It’s difficult to be patient during this stage of the process, especially since I’m so eager to hear what my beta readers think. But I know that waiting is an essential part of the process, and that taking the time to get feedback from others is critical in making my story the best it can be. While I wait, I’ll continue working on other projects and keeping my creative energy flowing. And when the feedback finally comes in, I’ll be ready to take it all in and use it to make my story even stronger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, formatting your manuscript and receiving feedback from beta readers are essential steps in the writing process that can help you improve your story and make it more engaging for readers. As I send my manuscript out to beta readers, I’m both excited and nervous to hear their feedback. It’s always a bit scary to put your work out there, but I know that their feedback will be invaluable in helping me take my story to the next level.
I’m also grateful for the tools like Atticus Writer that make formatting my manuscript easier and more efficient. Without it, I would have spent a lot more time and energy on the technical aspects of formatting, which would have taken away from the creative side of writing.
Finally, I want to thank all of my beta readers in advance for their time and energy in reading and providing feedback on my manuscript. It’s a big ask, but their input will be critical in helping me bring my story to life. And to those who are interested in becoming a beta reader for my novel, I look forward to hearing from you and embarking on this journey together. Stay tuned for updates on the release date of Project A.E.O.N. and for sneak peeks at the cover art and more. And don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list and follow me on social media to stay in the loop.
