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| From Dreamstime.com |
This blog series following the creation of Duty from idea to print book is part of an experiment. The first installment was Birth of a Novel: the starting point.
After a preliminary edit/read through by myself, I sent the novel out to a number of trusted readers. A selection of volunteers, they picked over the manuscript looking for everything from typos to plot issues. I am greatly indebted to these women. They spotted so many things I had missed. Their efforts pushed me to make the story even better than it was before.
Once all the beta readers’ comments were in, I spent hours
going over the novel again. Changing tweaking, and polishing until it shone.
The final step was my husband. He reads everything I publish.
Although he isn’t my target audience, he is my toughest audience. With a sharp
eye, he questions everything and pokes at every loose thread. It is uncomfortable,
but good for me. He has spotted issues I and others have missed simply because
he is not the target audience. I think my work is significantly better because
of his efforts, aggravating as they are to go through. J
Question: Would you let your spouse read your writing/read
your favorite books?
3 comments:
I'm not married yet (and have no man in sight) but my final editor is my mom ... and she's brutal, so I completely understand.
Love that your husband is your final proofreader! That is so awesome!
Kendra, It sounds like you have a very good editor in your mother. :)
Thanks, Shanna. :) There are days I wish he wasn't, but on the whole I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
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