IWSG – Feb 2023 – Seeking Beta Readers

Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh created IWSG — because Alex understands we need a place to congregate, insecurity is part of our creative nature, and together we’re stronger.

On the first Wednesday of each month, you can write on any subject related to your writing journey or adopt the option of answering the month’s question. Either way, you’re in safe territory.

If this sounds good to you, sign up here.

IWSG’s Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and the hashtag is #IWSG.

Every month, a specific question is offered, which may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you struggle with something to say.

Remember, the question is optional!

 

The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are Jacqui Murray, Ronel Janse van Vuuren,Pat Garcia, and Gwen Gardner!

February 1 question – If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?

I’m not answering February’s question because it’s been 15 years and everything was done old school. Instead, I’m seeking beta-readers for my mystery/suspense THE SILENT MAN. If you enjoy mysteries and would be interested in reading my manuscript, (99,600 words; 13+) please email me privately at joyleneDOTbutlerATgmailDOTcom and I shall send you THE SILENT MAN as a word doc.

I’ll also be available to swap jobs if you need a beta reader in the future. Or if you know anyone who might consider reading my work, please pass this request along, and I shall be eternally grateful.

THE SILENT MAN, Elevator Pitch:

When his wife is murdered, a grief-stricken professor refuses lifesaving brain surgery and instead hires an ex-FBI agent to help him find her killer to bring closure to his estranged daughter. The investigation sends them from Vancouver to England.

I’m horrible at pitches, so here’s another one:

Professor Jason Sinclair has always known he’s different. But it didn’t matter. His wife made sense of the world. Only now she’s been murdered and he’s racing against time to find her killer before the tumours in his brain take him down.

Sadly, time is a factor. I would need the ms back within the month. Or ASAP. Thanks. Even if you’re only able to read the first 10 chapters that would be a huge help.

I’m interested in feedback on the plot, characters, clarity and pacing. Line-by-line editing is not necessary; I’ll leave that to my editor.

–best
joylene

ps. Meanwhile, here are some photos of my neighbourhood in and around Bucerias:

La Cruz Marina
Our apartment – top right-hand corner

Our Apartment

 

Mayto Village:
La Cruz
Meet The Author event 2018

Comments 40

  1. Your book sounds awesome, Joylene. I hope you get enough beta readers for what is sure to be your next bestseller!

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  2. Hi, Joylene! I was just checking in on you on IWSG Day. I did finish “The Silent Man” a few nights ago. I really enjoyed it. I’ve been swamped in the past week, but I will get back to you soon with my feedback. Take care!

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  4. I’d love to beta read for you, but I’m completely slammed until at least April. I’m sorry. I hope you find some great folks and get some useful feedback–your story sounds wonderful.

    You’re so close to the beach–I’m jealous! I really need to visit Mexico (I mean, I grew up in California and live in Arizona–there’s absolutely no excuse for me not ever having been there).

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  5. Wishing you luck on the readers! I wish I had more time right now to help out. It sounds like a fascinating story. My husband has had surgery twice to remove a head tumor, I think I would have to come back and haunt him if he didn’t get it taken care of because of me!! Adding this to my TBR list 🙂

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  7. Hi Joylene! Those pics are amazing!

    I’d be happy to beta read. Down the track, I might ask you to return the favor if that’s okay. I’ve had some life events that have slowed down my writing, but I’m slowly getting back to it.

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  8. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos of Bucerias and your apartment. Terry and I visited Cabo San Lucas earlier this year. We enjoyed visiting Mexico so much that we’re returning for another week in Cabo later this year. I can be a Beta reader for you. I’m not that experienced, but I happy to give it a go. Have a great day, Joylene!

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  12. I’m currently beta reading another project for a different author, otherwise I’d jump at the chance to help out. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’d be able to get feedback to you in time. Best of luck finding the best readers for you!

    Gorgeous pictures, btw.

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  13. Love the pictures, Joylene. I’d love to read the entire book, but I can’t take that on right now. I’m in the middle of storm cleanup and repair that’s going to take some time to complete. I could read the first few chapters, however, if that helps.

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  20. Loved the photo tour. The pictures brought back so many memories…when we lived on sailing vessel La Vita in the marina and Meet the Author featuring three of the very best writers, Wanda St Hilaire, Joylene Nowell Butler, and Susan Appleyard.

    I liked excerpts from both Elevator Pitches. The Silent Man sounds like a great read!
    Lynn La Vita

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