In part 1 of this series on writing your first novel, we talked about finding your story. I shared a bit about my family history that inspired the writing of my first novel.

In part 2, I discussed developing your craft and identifying your theme. What is the larger message of your story?

In part 3, I gave you tips for finding your audience and putting “butts in seats.”

Today we’ll wrap up the series by examining the importance of critique groups, beta readers, and editors. I’ll also detail some pros and cons of traditional publishing vs. self-publishing.

Critique Groups

I’m in a critique group of five. And we’re tough on each other. Another woman and I have been together in several groups for almost twenty years. Others come and go. Critique groups can be fabulous, or worth little.

Having other eyes on my work is invaluable.  A week before our monthly meeting, each of us submits a segment of their project to the group. One member told us he’d been in a group where everyone “loved” his writing and never gave him helpful feedback to improve.

We don’t do that. We critique each submission individually and graciously, and then meet to review our comments, answer questions, etc.

And we have different strengths. For example, I’m strong in grammar, punctuation, and details. Others have a mile-high view of the overall story, plot, and what might be missing.

For a beginner’s guide to critique groups, visit TheWritingBarn.com

Each of us needs the others to round out our work. We ask questions like these:

• Does your timeline make sense?
• Are there gaps in your story that need to be filled?
• Does the novel flow and keep the reader engaged?
• Eliminate words that stop a reader from moving forward. Jerry Jenkins says, “If you have a choice between a simple and a more complex word, use the simple one.”
• Are you too wordy? Can you condense a paragraph, a sentence, or a scene?

Beta Readers

Once I made the changes that strengthened my document, I sent the complete manuscript to several beta readers. Their purpose is not to fine-tune your work, but to let you know if they lose interest midway through the book, if it holds their attention throughout, if the story flows.

For more on beta readers, visit Reedsy.com 

Editors

After implementing appropriate suggestions from my beta readers, I sent my novel to a professional editor. We met on Zoom and I felt comfortable with her skillset and personality. We agreed on a schedule and fee.

• When I would send her the manuscript
• When she would return it with her input

Once satisfied with my story, I needed to decide on a publishing path. My options were traditional publishing or self-publishing.

Traditional Publisher

With a traditional publisher, you typically need an agent to represent you as you submit a query letter that includes the following:

1. A compelling first paragraph or “hook” (a summary of your book in two to three sentences)
2. Genre (fiction, memoir, nonfiction, study book, etc.)
3. Who you are and why you can successfully complete this book

If the publisher is interested, they will request a synopsis and the first three chapters of your novel.

This summary includes the primary characters, who they are, their goals, fears, and deepest desires; then moves from one POV (point of view) to another until the end of the book. Based on this synopsis and your first three chapters, the publisher will determine whether to offer you a publishing contract.

Pros and Cons of Working with a Traditional Publisher

Pros: No up-front expenditures. Editing, cover design, possible marketing assistance, placement in bookstores and online, possible advances, and the sales percentage you will receive are spelled out in your contract.

Cons: Once you’ve signed a contract, your book is the publisher’s and you release creative control. Traditional publishers generally take nine months to two years from contract to publication… a long wait.

Self-Publishing

Publishing has changed significantly over the years. Today, whichever way you publish, you are the primary person who will market your book. Publishing is a business and needs to make money on your creative work. You are a significant part of that process.

For more on self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, visit TheCreativePenn.com 

Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing

Pros: You retain creative control and own all rights to your book. You keep all income generated by your novel, although you will need to pay upfront to have it printed.

(There is a third option, “Indie” publishing, in which you retain creative control but the publisher covers printing costs and you agree on what percentage of every sale goes to each of you.)

Cons: You are responsible for paying for individual upfront costs, such as editing or cover design. And you do all the marketing to sell your book.

I’m still new at this, so I expect I’ve missed some steps; however, I hope this series has helped you understand more about the authors you enjoy, and perhaps some of the reasons you dislike others.

My prayer is that my readers will:

• Be encouraged by God’s faithfulness to one family through very difficult circumstances; and challenged by the story of imperfect people who trusted God to bring them to a land where they could worship Him freely.
• Enjoy a tension-packed romance spanning the globe and filled with obstacles.
• See parallels with much of today’s socialist ideology, recognize its dangers, and be reminded of a tragic time in history that could easily be repeated.
• Enjoy a good read!

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

—I Corinthians 10:31, NIV

Question:

What “hooks” you when you start reading a new book? Can you tell within a few pages whether you want to continue reading? Please comment down below.