ARC and Beta copies

I often forget when I read an ARC or beta copy that its prepub and uncorrected. I’m not alone. As I’m reading for a friend, I’m seeing the errors. I know my ARC readers always send me the errors they find. How distracting is that? 

 Beta readers can expect more errors, simply by the fact the author is looking for feedback on what works and what doesn't. Technically, its still in development (although it should be darn close to done). The author is the alpha reader by virtue of creating it, and they're looking for a second opinion, or beta reader.

There there's the ARC. I know I've released a couple of books to ARC readers that were uncorrected, and I heard about it. An ARC should be one step away from a final version. That doesn't necessarily mean perfect, but the errors should be minimal, if any. This is the version that is in queue for publication. I've read uncorrected ARCs by other authors, too, but I've also received feedback on uncorrected ARCs of mine that the remaining errors turned readers off. For that reason, I've stopped sending "uncorrected" ARCs. The last couple I've sent out were "one proof" away from final (which means they'd been through multiple sets of eyes to spot those pesky errors that don't want to be caught). Even at that stage of production, there are bound to be errors, and I thank my readers for pointing them out to me. 

As a reader, how annoyed are you with errors when reading an advance reader copy or beta reading for the purpose of providing feedback to the author? Do you accept that those mistakes will likely be cleaned up before the book is finalized? 

Back in the Saddle Again

I've been taking a deliberate break from my Hillendale novels. It's similar to that feeling when you have house guests. You love to see them and spend time with them when they first arrive, but after a a period of time, you're ready to kick them out. While this isn't true in all cases, I think you get the idea.

The writing project I picked up to fill the void has been giving me fits, however. Reviewing my old work has been a lesson in passive voice and redundant words and phrases. I fix a boatload, then pass it to my critique group, and they find more. I'm relieved to note that my writing has matured in the last ten years and my new projects are much more "seasoned." At least I like to believe they are. Working with an editor has helped me learn what to look for and how to correct it. One of my critique partners is always saying not to edit bad writing but to start over. This eliminates a lot of the errors I've been overlooking, and she's probably right. There's an old saying about playing to the level of your competition, and I think that applies to editing to the level of the writing, but it's hard to dump a completed novel and start it over from scratch. Hopefully, after this editing pass, all the old rookie mistakes will be corrected. If not, my editor will certainly point them out! 

I'm hoping to release the Legend People story later this year. Which reminds me - I'd love beta readers. For a spot on my team, sign up for my newsletter and indicate you want to be a beta reader (or sign up as an ARC reader for future releases). If you're already signed up, you can update your information to include your interest. Here's the link to sign up. What's it about?

A young sprite gets lost on her way to ask the Coyote to release one of the Hoodoos from his stone prison. Nascha gets roped in as her guide, and capitalizes on the opportunity to find answers about her missing mother. On their way to the neighboring canyon, they hitch a ride with a plane that carries them off course to Illinois. Now they must enlist the help of the pilot to get back to Utah.

Devin Sike mistakes Nascha for an Indian Princess, except for the pinger beacon she seems to activate inside him after she touches him. The more he finds out about her, the more determined he is to come to terms with his own lost heritage.

Their journey enlightens them both to a destiny neither expected. 

As I wrap this one up, I've begun work on the fourth installment in the Hillendale series, and I'm finding renewed energy - the goal I was hoping to achieve by taking a break. It feels good to give the old writing horse its heads and gallop forward into a new story with my old friends!