It’s been months in the making, but I finally sent my first draft to beta readers. In this video, I’m sharing what it’s like sending your novel to beta readers for the first time—along with all the nerves, doubts, and “what have I done” moments that come with it. If you’re a writer working on your first draft or getting ready for feedback, you’re not alone in feeling this way.
I talk about…
– how I prepared my manuscript for beta readers
– what I included when I sent it out
– what I’m hoping to learn from my beta readers
– my fears about getting feedback on my first draft
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MY FAVORITE TOOLS- – – – – – – – – –
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→Email software, Kit:
Mandi Lynn published her first novel when she was seventeen. The author of multiple books, Mandi spends her days continuing to write and creating YouTube videos to help other writers achieve their dreams of seeing their books published. Mandi is the owner of Stone Ridge Books, a company that works to help authors bring their books to life through cover design and digital book marketing. She is also the creator of The Book Launch Planner, a planner designed to help authors publish and market their books. When she’s not creating, you can find Mandi exploring her backyard or getting lost in the woods.
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links. By purchasing a linked product or service, Mandi Lynn will receive a small commission at no additional fee to you.
Title: Sending My Book to Beta Readers (Here's What I Included)
Search terms: writing vlog, author vlog, send to beta readers
#writingtips #indieauthor #selfpublished
So I was a beta reader this time around for project Italy, I wanted to say thank you for letting me read the first draft of the book, i actually just finished the last form today, and I really loved it! ❤️I can’t wait to see it in print and get it on the kickstarter!
Out of curiosity for the kickstarter version will there be an annotated version? I got the annotated version of Sparks in Iceland and absolutely love it! I can’t wait for the kickstarter!!!! ❤️
Ah! So glad you loved the story!!! For annotated copies, I’m not 100% sure if I’m doing them yet. I think I’m going to do a poll and see what people want to see from the Kickstarter!
That purple is a good color on you
Thank you!😊
My book is in pre-launch too, but I haven’t 20 followers yet. I’m going to go follow yours, if you’re interested in a swap, I would love that, it’s been difficult to find people to swap with since i only do clean books and most of the novels there are spicy, so I’m actually doing more swaps with board games than I am books.
Yeah I had the same problem with my last Kickstarter. I ended up abandoning traditional Kickstarter swaps and did newsletter swaps with closed door romance authors.
I’m not at the point of being ready to arrange swaps yet but feel free to send me your Kickstarter link on Instagram: @authormandilynnbell
wait how do i even find a beta reader (net galley is out of my budget💔)
I just read about booksirens but i dont have any experience with them, but they are cheaper than net galley
If you build a friend group of writers on a social platform you can often find a free beta reader there. What are you writing?
I didn’t use Netgalley (that’s ARCs). I just send out a newsletter asking for beta readers and people filled out a form to apply. Then I picked betas based on who fit best.
Cute baby!
You’re wearing a Juneau sweatshirt 🥹 that’s my hometown ♥️🏔️
So cool! We got to visit last year on a cruise!
I’m happy to see you up to working with adjusting to 2 kiddies and postpartum! Keep up the great work, Mandi!