Anyone interested in beta reading for a novel?

[itsallhappening]

I'm getting ready to submit a manuscript and thought I'd take the advice some folks on a message board for writers.

What I'm looking for is a few people (mostly women) who like to read and would be interested in getting a free copy of the manuscript.

I'm not looking for technical editing -- that's going to be handled -- but I'm interested in some opinions about the flow of the story, characterization, whether things make sense plot-wise, basically the things you do as a reader on a regular basis.

The category is contemporary romance. As is common in that genre, there are some sex scenes. Fair warning to anyone who isn't familiar with the standards of the genre.

If you're interested, send me a p.m. and let me know. I can email you a copy in just about any format you'd like (Word doc, pdf, mobi, etc.).

It's a short novel, but more than a novella. It runs a little over 40,000 words.

Thanks!

[struggle4progress]

1. OK. Here are my impressions in advance.

Great idea, mostly. But it's really too long: take out about 50% of the words. After that, you might want to consider setting it in the middle ages: the middle ages are hot right now. Then you need maybe more tension in it, maybe more sex scenes with the queen, after you add her character to the story. Also, I can't remember whether it's told in the first person or in the third person: anyway, it's not working: if it's in the third person, change it to the third person, or if it's in the third person, change it to the third person. Maybe that helps

If you want more feedback, PM me the first chapter or first half of a chapter, and I'll PM you back some feedback and decide if I wanna see more

[ceile]

2. How soon would you need the feedback?

[itsallhappening]

4. A few weeks, maybe.

Thanks for responding. I appreciate it.

[ceile]

6. Tried to PM you.

Won't allow messages...

[frogmarch]

3. Critique Circle might be

a good place for you to get the kind of feedback you want:

http://www.critiquecircle.com/

[itsallhappening]

5. Thanks. I've talked to a few people who have used that but have been

warned off of it, for various reasons. I appreciate your response, though! :)

[suninvited]

7. My aunt used to write romance novels

when I read one as a teenager, after reading the sex scenes I thought I would never look at her the same again! That didn't last long, because before you knew it I was an adult, too.

I would be happy to read it and give my thoughts.