My Beta Reader Community

I remember the first time I read Eragon, Book 1 of the Inheritance Cycle, I immediately went online and devoured everything I could find by Christopher Paolini, the author. I wanted to know what books he read, how he created the world in the book, and all about his writing process - and this wasn't the first time I'd been fascinated by an author. I did the same for JK Rowling and Tamora Pierce, for Mercedes Lackey, for James SA Corey, and for pretty much any author I read.

I always wanted more than they gave me in the book. I wanted to connect with other readers, to discuss plot ideas. I craved insight into the creative process, to understand how my favorite books came to be. I wanted to build my own word, but I didn't know how.

That's my dream for this website, and my Beta Reader community.

What's a Beta Reader?

Just like in videogaming, a "beta" community is a key part of the process. In videogames, beta members play the game when it's still unfinished - they offer feedback and advice to the game developer, and help the design team figure out what works, and what doesnt.

In the reading and writing community, it's not all that different. Beta Readers are people who will get to read portions of the book before anyone else, and see drafts that will be refined before publication. It's a chance to step inside the writing process, and provide feedback to the author. It's also an opportunity for the author (yours truly) to ask questions and see how different chapters feel to the audience.

For me, it's also a powerful way for me to help build a community and give back to the people who have supported me during pre-orders. I get to share all sorts of cool insights into my process, and answer the questions I always wanted to know more about when I searched for information on my favorite authors and books.

What Beta Readers Get

Like I said above, while I get a ton of valuable insight from my Beta Reader Community, the cool thing is that it's really all about the beta readers. There are a ton of cool "extras" that my readers get access to, including:

• Sneak Previews - Beta Readers get to reach chapters early, and give feedback. It's a space to ask questions about why certain things happen, hear my perspective and insights going into each chapter, and let me know what you like and don't like.
  
• Exclusive Updates - I post a weekly video update, sharing what I've been working on that week, and what they can expect in the upcoming week. I also post surprise updates along the way, when we hit goals in the pre-sale and publishing process, or when I have something I just can't wait to share!
  
• Interactive Activities - There will be polls available for Beta Readers to pick what they want to hear more about, and opportunities for live streams and ask me anything (AMA) events. Beta Readers also get to weigh in on outreach and marketing campaigns I'm considering, and offer advice.
  
• Space to Talk - Anyone in the Beta Reader Community can post and comment in the group, and as more content becomes available, it will become a space for people to share ideas and learn from one another.
  
• Character Reveals - While there's some basic information about key characters on my website, Beta Readers get exclusive insights into the different characters, and learn about how they came to be! They also get to find out fun secrets, like who my favorite character is, and what characters always cause trouble.
  
• World Secrets - Just like characters, you can find out some cool information about the world on my website. But, in the Beta Reader community, not only will more secrets about the world be revealed, but I'll share more about the world-building process, and my tips and tricks for success!
  
• And More - Beta Readers get to see inside my publishing journey, vote on my book cover, and participate in all sorts of other cool opportunities.
  

What Are You Waiting For?

If you're already a Beta Reader - welcome! I'm so thankful for your support, and so excited to bring you on this journey. I want to hear from you and know what feedback you have, and I'm looking forward to sharing all sorts of insights and stories with you along the way. Thank you!!!!

If you want to be a Beta Reader, you've got 6 more days to make it happen! Pre-sales close on August 14th, and the only way to become a Beta Reader is to pre-order Summer Twilight. Follow the link below, reserve your copy, and join the community today!

Become a Beta reader