Oddbean

Is there anyone who is *strongly* interested in being an early round beta reader for my sci fi manuscript? Near-future sci-fi, crime/thriller/cyberpunk. A blend of action and multi-character depth, and moral analysis. The action is key and all, but alpha readers thus far cried at the character aspects; that's what hit them hard enough to care how they would engage with the action. Strict Requirements for first-stage beta readers: -I need to know/trust you personally, either in person or very well online with high reputation, to the point that I'd send an unfinished manuscript to you. There's no strict requirements, but if you know, you know. -You like sci fi and/or fantasy books, and would be happy to read and offer objective (even brutal) feedback on a sci-fi action/crime thriller novel within the next month or two. -You can comment or DM, for privacy sake. That's a small group, but I'm putting it here on Nostr first for what I consider my pre-beta or readers. I will then expand 10x on Twitter and elsewhere for my full beta readers. Meanwhile, I'm in the early revision stage. Manuscripts won't be sent out immediately. I'm still doing revisions and working with alpha readers, but I'm at the stage where I can start *planning* for the next step to see who might be interested to be early beta readers. Nostr folks get the exclusive early notice here. I do tend to move pretty fast, though. All pre-beta readers that provide meaningful input would be mentioned in the acknowledgement section, if the book were to be published, which of course I cannot guarantee will happen. I will only publish good books, one way or another. But like, the alpha readers do like it. ;)

I would be happy to, with discretion. My partner is also an avid sci fi reader and constructive critic. Excited to see what you are working on that is a diversion or at least different angle from what I'm used to reading. I acknowledge we are not directly connected but i appreciate and value your work and am supportive regardless.

Hey Lyn, I don’t know if I’ll pass the personal connection test here, but if I fall short, no worries, I totally understand. Sci-fis been my passion since I was a kid. I grew up on games like EVE Online, Freelancer, and X², always diving into the deeper lore and niche books they inspired. I’m all about near-term sci-fi with a mix of grit and realism. Three-Body Problem, Blade Runner, Children of Men are some favorites that make me think (and feel) deeply. I’d love to bring that passion to reading your manuscript and give whatever input I can to help make it shine. Thanks for considering it!

I can give feedback as a life-long fantasy &scifi reader and writer of 2 novels (fantasy, urban fantasy) and microfiction (story in the zap.cooking newsletters). I’m retired, so can meet short deadlines if you need quick turnaround. Thanks for the opportunity!

Greetings. A good friend of mine is a publisher for Hachette, the worlds leading book publisher, he used to manage Sci-Fi (Ian M Banks, Arther C Clark etc) globally. I can put you in contact with him if that helps - DM me

GM! I offer my help; love sci-fi (from the hitchhikers guide to SG1) and the continued posts about your story made me quite curious. With fantasy we have a match too. I just got no idea how you can trust me. So I wish you all the best for the book!! (Still looking forward to an objective brutal, probably thrilled feedback 🙂)

I'd love to read it. My favorite genre and I can be super picky on the writing. 🤓 Of course, I'd have to put Mandibles down for a bit which @ODELL won't be excited about but... a small price...

I am interested! I'm also writing a sci-fi book but I won't need anyone to read it for a long while haha You may have missed it but I started a Diaspora sci-fi nostr book club with @jb55 https://primal.net/e/note18cfuwpkgcxjtr28feg0jmgfa5x6va3n3rq7kshvjvyp2ezlm7x3stsu3v4

I’ve done this stage novel manuscript editing for three unrelated authors and five novels on a voluntary basis due to my respect for each author. I’m a scientist and writer. Need no acknowledgement. Respect but don’t know how to solve your trust standard. I usually edit the “old fashioned” way via a red-lined Word manuscript with comments via email. Congrats on your progress so far in a very different type of writing!

Congrats Lyn! It’s a coincidence i’m reading this because recently I uploaded a failed sci fi manuscript of mine from over 10yrs ago (altho some agents did request to read it after accepting my queries, ultimately rejecting it) i fed it into my custom chat gpt i configured (with a fine tuned bs detector) to give me feedback and even psychoanalyze me😂 it was awesome! Now, at the moment as a solo founder im building my startup’s first service “the writing experience” (writing a playbook for it also) and it’s based around this return to american communication: direct, honest and to the point. Also uncensored speech. A real gauntlet. If you want me to be a reader for your story, it would be my pleasure. This would also help me strengthen the workings of the project i’m working on.