So, The Elarra Solstice Book 1: Whispers and Shadows manuscript is at a point where I am really pleased with it. I still will have my editor, Andrew Howe, edit it one last time (this is the third draft she’ll get). But I’m ready to have some beta readers read through the entire manuscript. Let’s put it this way: this is the story that I’ll be submitting to agents and publishers starting next week. So, right now I’d like to give 5-10 people the chance to read the pre-publication manuscript.

Here’s what I need from a potential beta reader:

  • A promise to not copy or print any portion of the manuscript.
  • An effort to read through the manuscript by February 28, 2010.
  • When you’re done, send me a simple email giving me your general thoughts on what you liked/disliked. Nothing too complicated, lengthy, or time-consuming. Just needs to be done by February 28, 2010.

As a reward for being a beta reader, I will provide you with a signed copy of the published novel by the end of the year (2010). If I haven’t nailed down a publishing contract for the book by 12/31/10, I’ll use an online independent publishing company to print a book for you to have. If publishing is in the works and it’s just not ready yet, then I’ll ask you to wait for me to get my copies from the publisher.

In order to be a beta reader, I need your help in spreading the word. So, if you want to become a beta reader, please do the following:

  • Don’t be related to me. If you are related to me, email me and we’ll work something out :).
  • Have 10 (or more) of your Facebook friends go to the Elarra Solstice web site and/or Elarra Solstice Facebook Page and become fans of the page and/or followers of me on Twitter (who aren’t already doing so).
  • If you’re not on Facebook but you are on Twitter, then talk to 10 (or more) of your Twitter friends and direct them to the Elarra Solstice web site and have them to follow me (who aren’t already doing so).
  • I promise that I’ll do my best to ensure that they don’t hate you for becoming fans and/or followers, but that they’ll like what’s there and what’s coming.
  • If you’re not on Facebook or Twitter, email me and we’ll figure something out.
  • Once completed, email me at ben@elarrasolstice.com with the list of the 10 (or more) Facebook fans or Twitter followers that you helped add, and I’ll send you a PDF version of the manuscript.

Take advantage of this reading opportunity through January 29! (I want you to have an entire month to read through the manuscript before I’ll need your thoughts/comments.)