beta readers – Jeffe Kennedy Blog

Three Things to Never Do as a Critique Partner

Jeffe Kennedy / February 22, 2023 / Blog

I’m engaged in a project this year to promote my backlist more. (*cough* AT ALL *cough*) So today I’m featuring EXACT WARM UNHOLY. This story originally appeared in THE DEVIL’S DOORBELL anthology and it’s one of my favorites. I adored writing this troubled, but super smart heroine. So much smexy in this one.

Tonight my name is Mary…

Or is it? Sometimes she’s Tiffany or Syd or Bobbi. But whatever face she wears, she returns to the same bar, to find a new man and seduce him, safe in the knowledge that no one will recognize her. Until one man does.

“And I was … Stunned by the originality of the concept of this story. Stunned by the emotions it made me experience in such a short expanse of time. Stunned by the beauty of the romance in it that ran parallel to the overwhelming sadness throughout. I mean, seriously. If you don’t fall in love with Peter, you have a heart of stone.”

~ Kristen Ashley on Goodreads

This week at the SFF Seven, we’re giving tips on How to Become a Better Beta Reader or Critique Partner. As with many skills, this is one that is acquired over time, through extensive practice and lots of trial and error. In fact, learning to become a better reader for others, with useful feedback to give, is largely a case of figuring out what NOT to do. So that’s what I’m offering today.

Don’t tell the other writer how to change their work. Focus on what isn’t working for you and, if you can, do your best to articulate why it’s not working. But resist the temptation to suggest rewrites or any kind of specific plan. Those kinds of feedback move it into the realm of how you would write it, not them.
Don’t get emotionally involved. So you hate the protagonist? Maybe you hate the premise? Doesn’t matter. Separate your personal reactions from legitimate reader ones. If you can’t step away from your personal buttons being pushed, then recuse yourself from reading.
Don’t argue with the writer. It’s their work. They get the final say. Give them your honest feedback and let it go.

First Cup of Coffee – July 5, 2021

Jeffe Kennedy / July 5, 2021 / Blog, Podcast

Critique, Alpha Read or Beta – Which Is What?

Jeffe Kennedy / September 20, 2020September 20, 2020 / Blog

Here’s a little tease for you of the cover of UNDER A WINTER SKY – the midwinter holiday anthology I’m doing with, well, as you can see! Kelley Armstrong, Melissa Marr and L. Penelope. An amazing lineup and a seriously gorgeous cover. Look for the reveal on Tuesday, September 22 on Frolic! Preorder links are here.

Also, I’m super excited to be doing this online event “at” Love’s Sweet Arrow bookstore with my brilliant author friends Maria Vale, Amanda Bouchet, and Kait Ballenger. Danielle Dresser, Editorial Manager for Fresh Fiction will moderate. Join us on Saturday, September 26, at 3pm ET for fun conversation! You can register here.

Our topic at the SFF Seven this week is: How do you define Critique Partners, Alpha Readers, and Beta Readers?

I think this was my topic suggestion because I was sincerely interested in everyone’s definitions. Seriously, I feel like writers use these terms very differently depending on the person. Come on over for my take.

Who Do You Trust with Your Work?

Jeffe Kennedy / March 1, 2020March 2, 2020 / Blog

This week at the SFF Seven, we’re asking: how do you know who to trust with your writing, especially early drafts and idea bouncing. Come on over for my hard-won lesson on who to trust.

Crit Partners vs. Beta Readers

Jeffe Kennedy / April 3, 2016 / Blog

P1012997 This week’s topic in the Bordello is critique partners (CPs) – why we do or don’t have them.

It’s surprising to me that, while many aspiring and newbie authors use CPs, it seems like many authors gradually grow away from them over time. Particularly if they are working with editors. Also, more and more these days I hear writers refer to “beta readers” more than CPs, which I think indicates a few trends.