As they say on the internets, "I know that feel."
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The agony of waiting for beta readers to report
Finished a work on Friday, sent it off to the beta readers whose opinions I trust, and now I'm sitting around like one of those goody two shoes kids whose entire life is school as they're waiting for their report card to come in. A couple days ago it seemed like the best thing I'd ever written, but now I'm just counting the minutes and worrying that it's total crap that will alienate every fan I've managed to acquire. Anyone ever feel like this? I'm probably a little too addicted to the approval of my readers, but damn, I just want to know if it's as good as I think it is.
Time to check my email again...
Time to check my email again...
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Bwahahaha, That is perfect, Dalya! Though I now have a strong urge to play MGS4 to kill time.Dalya said:As they say on the internets, "I know that feel."
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I'm right there with you. Waiting since Thursday. I'm trying not to think about it, but . . . you know how that goes.
If you figure out how to not think about it, lemme know. Cuz it's an every thirty seconds things here. Probably wouldn't be so bad if I could get out and do something.Lia Sebastian said:I'm right there with you. Waiting since Thursday. I'm trying not to think about it, but . . . you know how that goes.
Just shipped a book off yesterday. *biting fingernails*
I've already gotten some corrections back!
I've already gotten some corrections back!
I pick a new show on netflix and watch every episode until I hear back. Or write.
Maybe The Walking Dead will get your mind off of it? And give you nightmares.
Maybe The Walking Dead will get your mind off of it? And give you nightmares.
I've been writing. And watching lots of episodes of Snapped.If you figure out how to not think about it, lemme know. Cuz it's an every thirty seconds things here. Probably wouldn't be so bad if I could get out and do something.
My beta readers know I'm high maintenance and they have mercy on me. I've gotten emails that say, "I'm at page 72 and love it so far!".....that gives me a fix for a few hours until I start pacing again.
OK, now I'm feeling angsty about it. I think I'm glad I'm not counting my meltdowns for the year.
I distract myself by giving my beta readers the 2nd draft in 4 parts. While they work on part 1, I'm revising part 2. Then I hand them part 2 and start revising part 3. By the time I've circled around and started the third draft (which uses their feedback), I've heard back from most of them. A side-effect of this approach is that it gives both of us deadlines; I have to have revisions ready for the next release, and they have to return feedback before I get to that part of the third draft.
I must be getting jaded...I just lob the manuscript at them and go on my merry way.
I only start getting twitchy when they don't get it back to me by the time they promised.
I only start getting twitchy when they don't get it back to me by the time they promised.
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