My First Beta Reader Experience

So I'm scrolling through Facebook (as I always seem to be doing for no apparent reason), and I see one of my favorite new authors, Christina C Jones (@beingmrsjones) shared a new blog post at her website www.beingmrsjones.com. Of course, I go read it. Hey, it may be a new book of hers and I couldn't possibly miss that; right? 

Anyway, I'm reading the post and she mentions that she's dropping not one but TWO books soon (the bookworm in me obviously rejoices). I keep reading and she says she's looking for beta readers. I'd never even heard of a beta reader so I keep reading the post to see what it entails. Wait...I get to read the book, as you're writing it, and give feedback? What kind of feedback could I possibly give one of my favorite authors?And I don't have to wait until the release date to find out what happens to these characters? I'm in! I commented on the status and next thing you know I get an inbox message saying she could send me the manuscript right then. Mind you, it was probably like 10:45 on a "school night" and I had to be up pretty early the next day, but who cares when you have a new book burning in your email? #bookwormproblems. 

Continuing on, being a beta reader is super fun. It's almost like you're watching the book in episodes instead of chugging through it all at once because it's available. And the experience has given me a chance to get to know the super cool Christina Jones. From the jump, we've definitely been kindred spirits (her characters sometimes think like I do lol) and I appreciate her for giving me the opportunity to be a small part of such an amazing novel. I got to go through the trials and tribulations of her characters with her which was entertaining in itself; you would've sworn they were real people the way we went on and on about them. I also learned a lot about the process authors go through when creating a novel, which I have MAD respect for. Trust me, I tried writing a few times and it is not easy! 

You can click HERE to check out some of Christina's work including Didn't Mean to Love You.

I also did a short review for the book, which you can find by clicking HERE. 

Looking for a beta reader? I may be able to help you, depending on the genre (I honestly won't be any good for a genre I'm not interested in).  Email me at thebookwormlodge@gmail.com to inquire! 

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