Since it's come up twice today . . . in my understanding, if you want dedicated readers to trade novel critiques with, the place to go is not Fragments and Feedback, but Hatrack Groups. I joined one, and that's how I got my novel critiqued.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
The other way is to take it offline and strategically email other people you know that are novelists. Better, though, is to try to cull your own readers locally. It takes careful observation, but then, so does writing.
Posted by MCameron (Member # 2391) on :
Personally, I try to avoid culling my readers. Posted by MaryRobinette (Member # 1680) on :
I dunno. I've gotten novel readers through Fragments and Feedback. I'd never ask folks to read the whole thing there, only the first chapter. If it's working, they'll ask for the rest of the book. Is that too sneaky?
Posted by benskia (Member # 2422) on :
Sounds like a good tactic to me Mary. And, it gives you an indication that you must have a great hook, if they are willing to read the rest after that first chapter.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
I've found one reader after striking up a conversation in a used book store SF/F section.
Posted by NewsBys (Member # 1950) on :
There's Kathleen's group - Science Fiction and Fantasy Workshop. After registering, I was approached by two different groups who needed new members.
Posted by Kickle (Member # 1934) on :
Ditto Newsbys suggestion. I found several wise readers thanks to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Workshop.
Posted by Survivor (Member # 213) on :
If the hook is great, they should be begging to read the rest after reading the first chapter. Remember, you have to get your work past an editor, who is burning valuable worktime to read, and the public, who must pay for the book.
If they are willing to read, that probably means they think it's pretty decent.
If they are not willing to read, then that tells you everything you need to know about your first chapter.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
The problem with going 100% with online people here and in workshops is that you don't get the person on the street reaction, only other writers. It's very important, I think, to get a reader for long fiction who doesn't write.
Posted by wbriggs (Member # 2267) on :
I like the way you said that, Survivor: first chapter. It reassures me a little. My WIP has only a mild hook in the first 13, but I think anybody who gets halfway into Chapter 1 will want the book.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
As a reader I will generally allow about 50 pages before I give up on a book.
Is that too sneaky?