On 20th March I posted about beta readers, wondering how they were to be found. On 22nd March I joined the WriteWords site and a few days later, the 'Whole MS read/swapping' group. There I posted one, then fourteen, chapters of my problematical 'Not wanted on voyage'.
In just three weeks I have had four folk read and comment on it, with honesty, insight and courtesy, which was way beyond my expectations (the reading, not the courtesy etc).
So I thank Gaius, Arboreal Sal, AlanH and Astrea whose comments have been exactly what I needed to know what is still required to knock this into a shape which others might want to read. ('Prune' in a word - the length of my sentences, yet again causing problems; Astrea's "I don't think style should overwhelm meaning" being especially pertinent) Can't say it'll be easy but am sure it'll be worthwhile.
It is, of course, absolutely necessary to reciprocate, to also read and comment on others' work, otherise the group fails to function, but that is no hardship when I consider the pleasure I get from that. Also, there are myriad other groups, you don'r have to have an MS, but this I CAN and do recommend.
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