When your manuscript or e-book is approved for readers, email the following information to me at jls1422@yahoo.com:
- Genre
- A one-paragraph description about your manuscript or e-book (You want to entice readers. Give this proper attention. Include the total number of single-spaced pages.)
- The email address you prefer readers use to contact you.*
*If you’d like to keep emails from readers separate from your regular email account, create a free email address at either Yahoo or Google’s gmail service. You may also opt to have me act as the go-between so that email addresses remain anonymous.
**If you are a non-American writer, please note this so I can post it with your listing. Readers need to be aware of this as certain spellings and punctuation rules differ between American and non-American writings.
Reader assistance is voluntary (no fee). If you are not an Editing client, there is a 30-cent/page read fee for my time. Please see the Submission Guide for more information.
Decide how you want to interact with your reader(s).
- How much time would you like to allow for the read and feedback—one week, two or three weeks? Be specific with readers, and be realistic about their schedules. Perhaps offer timing options and have them tell you which they can commit to. Ask them to contact you if their ability to meet their return date changes. The average is two weeks.
- Readers can provide valuable feedback. Please do not consider them proofreaders or editors. Their comments may include such items, but this is not their role. Their role is to comment about how good a read what you’ve written is, if it flows, character and/or plot development, etc.
- Should a reader, in fact, be a freelance editor, and based on their feedback you decide to use their services, that arrangement and results are between you; and neither of you will hold me or this site responsible if dissatisfied. (If you’re really pleased with their services, you can let me know.)
- Create a tracking sheet so you can contact readers if they don’t meet their agreed-to deadlines. Always be polite and considerate. If one or more readers continue to not fulfill their agreement, provide their name and email address to me. If I'm the go-between, I keep up with this.
- Do not request a reader’s phone number or mailing address. Do not give them yours. However, you’re adults. If you exchange more than email information, you agree not to hold me or this site responsible in the event such an exchange sours.
- Do you want to provide a questionnaire to readers to make sure they respond to particular questions or concerns you have about your manuscript or e-book? Whatever your process is be specific so they know how to assist you. Create a questionnaire and/or cover letter that you send to all readers.
- Include a confidentiality agreement, if you engage with readers directly. Make it simple: they promise not to use, distribute, or discuss your writing with anyone. Make their agreement response simple, as well: they can email the words, “I agree to keep your writing confidential.” Save the email.
- Remember to thank them when they return their feedback, even if you disagree with their comments.
- If you would like a particular reader or readers to re-read your revised copy, ask them.
- Insert the copyright symbol © on your document before you send it to readers (remove it before you send it to an agent).
- You can decide to provide PDF or MSWord versions of your document. Send your document only after you receive a reader’s confidentiality agreement. However, if readers wish to make notes directly on your document (or you wish them to), MSWord is the way to go, as not everyone is equipped to manage a PDF.
- I consistently advertise for readers. If you know people who would like to offer this service, please direct them to this site.
Reader feedback is invaluable. However, you are the author. Take everything your readers offer into consideration; but you are not obligated to use their recommendations unless you feel they’ll truly improve your manuscript or e-book. Don’t listen to any inner fear, insecurity, or a need to please. Listen to your gut intuition.
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