
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!

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.
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.












Comments 40
Your book sounds awesome, Joylene. I hope you get enough beta readers for what is sure to be your next bestseller!
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!
I’ll contact you through your email. Absolutely love your new locale. All the luck with this new book.
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).
Author
I totally understand, Janet. I know you would if you could.
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 🙂
Author
Oh my goodness, Steph. I definitely think DH should come first.
Hi Joylene! My comment seems to be missing. The email you gave for beta reading doesn’t work for me.
My email is: den.covey@gmail.com if you could contact me instead.
Author
Thanks so much, Denise!
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.
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!
Author
Thank you, Louise! Come to visit me in Bucerias!!!
Nice view! Good luck on your new mystery. I’ll share this on Twitter.
I’m Gwen, co-hosting the IWSG this month – https://gwengardner.blogspot.com/2023/01/iwsg-how-are-you-book-covered.html#comment-form
Author
Thanks for sharing this, Gwen, and for co-hosting.
I’d love to help but I couldn’t get it done in a month. If something else comes up and you can give a few months to get it done, reach out. You have my email. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Author
That’s okay, Anna. I totally understand. Take care.
Your photos make me sigh. Such wonderful colours in both the sky and your home! I’m glad your writing has progressed to the beta reading stage. I’ll message you. 🙂
Author
Thank you, Carol! Best of luck with the sale of your house!
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.
Author
Thanks, Loni. Everything will work out. I’m sure.
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.
Author
I saw your pictures. Wow. It must have been scary. Best of luck with your cleanup. Thanks, eh!
How pretty! I love the interior of your place.
Author
I’ve added a lot more colour and it’s very tropical. Thanks, Diane.
Gorgeous photos. HUGE congratulations on being ready for beta readers. I am sorely tempted but my unread towers are almost mythically high. Good luck.
Author
I understand, Sue. I really do. Thanks anyway.
What a gorgeous place to live. Your photos should be in a travel magazine or brochure! Thanks for sharing.
Author
ah, thanks, Janet. I appreciate that. Bucerias is a special place.
I always love your pictures. I wish I knew someone to recommend. Hope you find the beta reader you need.
Author
That’s okay, Susan. Have a great day.
Hi Joylene. I am not into thrillers but I could pass your request to some friends who write mystery and might be available for 10 chapters. Let me ask around.
Author
I appreciate that, Sonia! Thanks!
Cool photos. You live in a beautiful place.
Author
Thanks, Captain!
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
Author
Thank you, Lynn. Best of luck on your webpage.
Good luck on finding the beta readers. I wish it was me, but I’m awful at that. Just ask my editor!
Beautiful home and surroundings.
Author
Thanks, Jacqui!
Hi,
Your new neighborhood is beautiful. I especially like the pics with the sunset and the one with the sunrise.
Shalom aleichem
Author
Thanks so much, Pat.