The question I’m always asking is: where can I make suggestions for change that are going to help move this author closer to their ideal story?

I’ve been a creative writing instructor and educator for over a decade now, and working with authors at the early stage of their projects is one of my favourite things to do!

I’m patient, focused on giving clear, actionable, and constructive feedback, and I’m a published author too!

So, a quick look at definitions:

An alpha reader is going to take your very, very early pages—possibly even while you write them—and provide feedback. I’d always suggest working chapter by chapter, so the reader can get a sense of the scene and chapter structure as a complete unit. You can also get feedback on how well the chapters are tied together and whether you have a satisfying progression and character arc. My advice would always be not to make changes until you’ve got most of the first draft completed, because it’s easy to get stuck in editing limbo—and it’s always best to move forward. That’s where editing can come in and work its magic.

Beta readers typically work on a completed draft. Ideally, they are genre fans and not too closely connected to the author—because we all love praise, but some criticism (of the helpful kind) is what’s going to move your story forward and onto the next stage. Feedback and readers are a crucial step, because we want to gauge how readers feel (i.e., their emotional reactions) as they move through the story. Are there any moments where they felt bored, the pacing felt too slow or fast, and, subsequently, are there scenes that could do with more detail?

I’m a great genre fit if you are looking for feedback on gay romance, queer crime, historical fiction, and memoir that covers sexuality and identity. I chose a narrow scope of manuscripts to work on because I’m truly passionate about these types of stories, well read, and I centre my feedback in genre expectations—or work with authors who want to break the mold and try something new. Obviously, that should always be intentional, and I’ll gain a sense of that when you tell me about your novel and the ideal story you want to tell.

So, that’s the A and the B of early drafts—and I also provide the C! As an author coach who works with authors when they brainstorm, outline, revise, and polish their manuscripts, I meet the author where they are at in the process, and we decide on a course of action. I have a couple of paths for manuscript evaluations and coaching that you can find through the menu at the top of the page and below.

Whether you have dreams of finding an agent and going the traditional publishing route, or you’ve set your sights on a self-publishing empire, I can work with you through the various stages of publishing preparation and get you ready to rumble!

If Keir Editing and Writing is the book editing service for you, then feel free to reach out! Always happy to chat about gay and queer fiction.

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay