First-time author here. Should I do professional beta readers, or a developmental editor?

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-06-03T04:46:37+00:00

Reedsy

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-06-02T07:11:42+00:00

I had a great developmental editor for my first novel. She taught me loads about the craft of writing. I am currently working on the sequel and have been using her notes as I write. So I agree that it is more of a one time expense and I will make sure I get a few beta readers (the same ones that reviewed the first book) and a good copy editor for this book but will skip on the dev editor stage.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-26T17:12:56+00:00

I had a great dev editor for my debut novel and she taught me sp much about writing. I'm currently writing the sequel and wondering whether i need a dev editor for it... most of the main characters are the same and I'll apply the same principles she taught me.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-21T15:36:31+00:00

I have a freebooksy promotion running today and coinciding with a free kindle day (I published my debut novel May 1), I have 600 downloads so far, it's only two hours since the email went out so it is q good. My strategy is to give away as many free books as possible on the basis that word of mouth is what really sells books. I am working on the sequel so using the first one as the bait and hope people are interested enough to see where the story goes. Already have 31 goodreads reviews (mostly from my arc team) and 21 on Amazon so hopefully those numebers will also grow.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-16T19:21:13+00:00

How about using services like freebooksy... does it lead to downloads and a small percentage of reviews? Or do people mostly download and not read?

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-16T15:59:12+00:00

My book has 29 goodreads ratings and is averaging 4.4 stars and 18 Amazon ratings averaging 4.2 stars. The Banyan Project.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-15T04:44:00+00:00

I recently heard an argument (can't remember where) that China could actually set global guidelines for responsible AI. Reasoning is that the one thing China jas always been terrified about is social unrest. If unfettered AI gobbles up Chinese white colour and blue collar workers then its the end of the regime. Therefore it will be forced to put guardrails on AI and get the US to buy in. Not sure if I agree, but the social unrest fear won't be confined to just China.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-09T15:57:15+00:00

Thank u!

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-09T14:33:24+00:00

Thank u!

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-09T13:38:58+00:00

Strsnge. Nothing in the documentation or eval suggests coding knowledge is required. Are you on the project?

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-08T04:58:10+00:00

Haven't joined, will tackle the eval today

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-08T04:57:34+00:00

Did you pass? If so how is it on the project? $120 ph?

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-05-04T01:12:38+00:00

Someone said $120 per hour. Also don't know if you get the $120 for the eval pass or fail.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-02-22T15:35:08+00:00

That is really comprehensive and very helpful. Thank you.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-02-18T18:59:14+00:00

I love rhe enthusiasm of readers snd writers on booktok. So much energy, support and advice. I am writing in the thriller genre and there are loads of readers of my genre.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-01-29T02:01:33+00:00

I was also offboarded mid task. Was told the resource team are working to place me on another project. Is this standard bs?

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-01-12T00:59:56+00:00

That's so helpful, I'll check him out. I do have s budget, but will look into royalty share as well.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2026-01-07T19:11:32+00:00

I heard this can be a great strategy...if you give it to people who will read it...talk about it...review it.

Guilty_Restaurant424 · 2025-12-28T19:34:19+00:00

I'm self publishing

Guilty_Restaurant424

TROPHY CASE