How can one get readers for a novel that has not been published yet?

1. 67

   lovebuglenaposted 12 years ago

   How can one get readers for a novel that has not been published yet?
   
   I've written a novel and am currently editing it. It would be helpful to get feedback from readers as that may help make the story even better. How and/or where can I find people that will be willing to read my novel? Any help, suggestions will be appreciated.

   replyreport
2. 70

   To Start Againposted 12 years ago

   Try a friend or family member first, someone you can trust to give an actual opinion not just tell you what they think you want to hear. Someone who reads a lot of books, especially in the genre you are writing, can be very helpful! Or, you could try joining a writing group and ask for readers who would be willing to help. Or, you can pose excerpts here and see what readers say.
   I will warn you, though-hubbers aren't likely to give you decent constructive criticism in their comments, though. You'd be more apt to receive a lot of generic 'good job' kind of stuff. Not that that isn't nice to hear sometimes, but it isn't really helpful when in the editing process. A friend who will be honest with you is your best bet, I think (I'm actually writing a hub about that now.)
   You could try reaching out to fellow hubbers in the forums and see if someone would be willing to read some, too.
   My questions to you would be, 1)what type of novel are you writing? and 2) what kind of feedback are you looking for?

   replyreport
3. 80

   Ronna Penningtonposted 12 years ago

   Maybe Readers' Favorite could help. I can't paste the link here; it's not allowed.They have a writing contest too, so maybe you could kill two birds with one stone. I don't know if they have fees or not.

   replyreport
4. 67

   lovebuglenaposted 12 years ago

   The main character in the story is 19 years old so the novel doesn't quite fit into the YA category. As far as the genre... there is a love/relationship aspect to it... but not sure it is really romance or not. I am not good at classifying novels. I know for sure that it's not supernatural, or fantasy, or western, or sci-fi...
   
   As far as the feedback... it would be helpful if someone were to point out any weak spots in the story, or any parts of the story that perhaps should be edited or removed altogether or if anything should be added to the story that is currently not there... that kind of thing. I don't need someone to critique every word or sentence...
   
   I've had some people read my novel (people I know) and they said they enjoyed it, that it was great. Found some typos/errors in it that I've corrected. But they couldn't offer any constructive feedback on improving the novel, and as it is my first one I am sure it needs improving...
   
   I have been editing it for a long time, so what I have now is not the first draft. Not even the second...But even with so much editing I still feel that perhaps it is not the best it can be...

   replyreport
   1. 88

      Marian Designsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I write fiction, too, and I sympathize with you. I'm not sure that you will ever feel that your novel is the best that it can be. At some point, once you've gotten feedback from readers whom you trust, you have to let it go on out into the public.

      replyreport
5. 81

   Ericajeanposted 12 years ago

   Creating an author profile on Goodreads has helped me with getting a reader. Also, like someone else said, getting a close truthful friend who is always frank with you is another good help.
   
   I do book reviews for traditional and self published authors and the work is hard because I have so many books piled high to read. But just googling bloggers who would be more than willing to check out your novel helps as well. (Do a book giveaway on your website and pitch it to bloggers and let others know on your social networking site-folks love free stuff).
   
   Hope this helps.

   replyreport
6. 72

   WalterPoonposted 12 years ago

   I wonder whether it would be better to just try your luck and sent it to a few publishers to get a feel. If they reject it, don't be too disappointed because some publishers don't entertain new writers. In my opinion, I think that looking for smaller publishers is better than looking for the big names. Once you have established a name, you can then contact the bigger publishers.

   replyreport
7. 61

   whitacre1880posted 12 years ago

   you could always post the novel on here and have some of us read it and help you out. some of us, like myself, are writers also. i havent done any full novels, but ive done several short stories and poetry. i would love to read it and help you out as much as i can

   replyreport
   1. 81

      Ericajeanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good idea, Whitacre.

      replyreport
   2. 61

      whitacre1880posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      thank you Ericajean

      replyreport