Final Tally for #JoWriMoGo October 2018

I managed 20 chapters, 87 pages and 49,686 words in October

Here's to a busy November!

From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara isn't sure how she feels about working for the police. Especially given the history. 👮‍♀️👮‍♀️👮‍♀️ Find out more here: www.books2read.com/DTSS . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #DyingThoughts2 #dyingthoughts #bookworm #amreading #readersofinstagram #yalit #reading #writinglife #joeypaul #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #bookboost
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5 Facts About My Current WIP: Translucent

5 FACTS ABOUT MY CURRENT WIP: TRANSLUCENT

I wanted to do another new series where I talk more about the current books I'm working on. As things stand right now, there's usually about a three year period from when I start a book to when I publish a book. And while I need to do better at talking about my current works and the process that comes following completion and before publishing, I thought this might be a good place to start.

So before I do the five facts, let me just give you the quick rundown of what Translucent is about. It's the second in what may be a trilogy and may be a series, but the overarching plot will stay the same. It's set in the future, the UK being split up into nine self-governing segments. All of them trade and hunt, but mostly keep to themselves. The way they view their citizens is that so long as they're productive, they're able to stay in the segment and live their life without issue. This isn't a problem for those born and living abled, but for those like Zya, from S-W, who had a stroke at a young age that left her with partial paralysis, the focus for the majority of her life has been to pass the Exit Exam. This is a test all kids take following their schooling that deems them able to join the working world. Those who fail, go into Further Training and are pretty much never heard about again. Zya has known this life and is getting ready to sit her test when the world explodes.

A series of explosions release a virus into the air that attacks anyone able. Almost dying in the school is the first hurdle Zya and her friends must get over and then as people succumb to the virus or survive but suddenly living with a new condition, it becomes clear that the world as they know it as changed. The same can be said for Jonah, who lives in N-W. The same virus is released there, only Jonah was always abled. Now with both segments cut off from help, Zya and Jonah both have to find a way to save themselves, and anyone they care about.

And let's get down to facts!

#1 - THE MAJORITY OF THE BOOK IS ON THE ROAD
With the events of the first book leading to where they did, it made sense that the majority of book two would be on that journey both points of view needed to take. For Zya it was a choice, for Jonah it wasn't his first one, but one he made all the same. Both of them seem to have found themselves as the leaders of their groups and both aren't sure how suited they are to the role. But they muddle through regardless.

#2 - ZYA AND JONAH WANT THE SAME THING
Or at least, they both think they do. They think that they're both on the same path for the same reasons and it's not even really a concious choice for them to be at odds. Both groups have their secrets, but given that Jonah and Zya have never met in person and only spoken once on the phone, it makes sense that they hold things back. Neither one of them really are very good at trusting people and they both were affected by the virus differently. Zya lost people, Jonah lost the life he'd come to know as his.

#3 - THERE IS DIVERSITY
I'm talking not just about skin colour, or even medical conditions, but sexuality and gender. Backgrounds and thoughts and feelings. It's not about winning points, but about showcasing that people are, in general, very diverse. While one person may have the same condition as someone else. It all effects people differently. And that's not a bad thing.

#4 - THERE IS QUEER REP
Lena is a trans woman. Lumi is intersex. All of the colours of the rainbow are included in this series and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have ace characters and aro characters, gay, bi, pan and yes, het characters as well. I wouldn't want to write a book that didn't have a wide array of rep, simply because I know how much it's needed.

And finally, #5 - ZYA'S SECRET MAY KILL EVERYONE
Leaving this bombshell here because I'm not doing spoilers. Zya has a secret and a choice she made. One other knows of it, but they don't know everything. And as Zya internalises everything more and more, it's becoming clear. She may kill everyone and she doesn't have the first clue as to how to stop it...

So those are my five facts about Translucent! If you have any questions, feel free to pop them in the comments!

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books

From Joey's Instagram

It's finally blanket weather. I have a #MissViolet 😻 on my legs. Had some dinner and getting ready to watch tonight's #DoctorWho! And I'm done with my writing for the month so three days off to deal with port and other health issues! 😷✒📚 . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #catsofinstagram #kitty #snuggles #spoonie #brittleasthma #spoonielife #wheelchairuser #oxygenuser #chronicpain #joeypaul #writinglife #readers #readersofinstagram #indiesofinstagram #writingcommunity
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From Joey's Instagram

A writer writes! Check out this bonus video here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! ✒+✒=📚 . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writinglife #joeypaul #smallyoutuber #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram
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#AmWriting - #005 [CC]

A writer writes... #Authortube

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

Review of Alienation by S E Anderson

Sally Webber's dream is coming true: Zander is back and taking her out for a night on the town--on a planet hundreds of light years away from Earth.

But when an accident separates her from her alien tour guide, she’s thrown into the seedy underbelly of an insane city where nothing is as it seems. Suddenly lost and desperate to get back home, Sally is willing to do anything to get out, even if it means accepting spontaneous marriage proposals, crashing some fancy parties, or joining what appears to be the space mob.

All she wanted was some decent interstellar pizza, but now it might be the end of the world as evil nanobots and an out of control AI try to take the universe by force, and the only one who can stop them is missing in action. Sally has no choice but to try to stop them herself--if she can stay alive that long.

Amazon 

My review: 5 stars
I loved the first book in this series and was so pumped about reading the second. It was amazing and I couldn't put it down. Taken to a far distant planet our favourite Sally is trying to have her one-time adventure and make the most of it. Of course things aren't always that easy! The book was engaging from page one, I was super excited, pulled into the story and managed to read it all in one sitting. I love Anderson's way of telling the story in such a down-to-earth way even when we're completely off earth! The words pull you in and bring you along for the ride. Anderson is an author to watch! Highly recommended!

You can follow S E Anderson on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

Im talking all about facts, where to find them and how to check they're accurate! 🧐🧐🧐 Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio. . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #joeypaul #smallyoutuber #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writinglife
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Research: Just The Facts [CC]

And it's all about the research on today's #Authortube video!

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

Writing today and it's an action scene and we all know that's a weak point for me but I'm actually really happy with it so far! Lines mostly blurred because spoilers! 🤫🤫🤫✒✒✒ . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksinprogress #Translucent #books #writinglife #joeypaul #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Hope is having none of Lynne's nonsense. Sisters but not friends. 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️ Find out more here: www.books2read.com/LANH . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #bookboost #bookworm #amreading #readersofinstagram #yalit #reading #writinglife #joeypaul #bookcommunity #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram
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Authortube: What's It Like? - The Creative Process

AUTHORTUBE: WHAT'S IT LIKE?

I thought I would do a new series, while keeping it under the header of the creative process, but giving you all an idea of what happens in the world of #Authortube. Put simply, this is a community of authors who also do youtube videos. They can be on anything related to the writing process. I do writing advice as well as updates on my progress, and upcoming releases, cover reveals and all of that. But it's a question I've had asked before, basically what is being on authortube like? Hence this piece.

Now I want to be clear that I am one of the very small fishes on Authortube. In that I don't generate a lot of views and despite being on the channel for almost three years, I don't have a ton of subscribers. A lot of that is down to my own mistakes when starting out. To be blunt, I didn't do my research and I should have. I thought I had it all planned with a camera and made my own thumbnails, but they were, to be kind, cringe-worthy and horrible. I have since deleted every video from that first year and so I can only really say that I've got videos going back to the beginning of 2017.

So step one of what's it like, you need to be aware that there is no competition between you and another channel. The best thing you can do to help increase your own visibility is to engage and talk with other authors in the community. Take part in tags, collab with other authortubers, and get to know these people because they're out doing the same thing as you and it's always good to have people in your corner. I said above, I'm still very much a small fish and while that's starting to change, it's because I adopted this message of subbing and watching and commenting on other videos. That's drawn more people to my channel and has made my time there a lot easier.

Before it felt like I was, quite literally, talking to myself. On top of that I have to say that cross-posting to Goodreads, Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram is a great idea as it brings more people to your channel and watching your videos. But when we get down to the meat and bones of this topic, what is authortube like? It's terrifying and amazing all wrapped up in one. I have made some amazing friends and watched and followed some damn talented authors. And I don't see any of them as my competition simply because we're all in this together.

On top of that I've been able to share my covers, my releases, my ups and downs. I don't know if any of you followed me in the 2017 time before the trial drug was approved? That was hard as hell trying to stay optimistic while knowing that my time was on a clock. When it finally started in October 2017, I was over the moon and now a year later I am doing so much better and I have a record of that because of being on authortube.

I know you might be wondering about why that matters to me, or why it counts as authortube. I mean, surely that's just me vlogging about my health issues right? Well, yes and no. While the majority of my videos are writing related, I do have my Life Of Joey videos that contain a short segment on how my health has been over the past month. I do this for a couple of years. One, it's part of me being real, part of being transparent and also part of showing the truth of my life and why I did or didn't get such and such done. Another reason is that I feel like it's a good idea to be visible as a spoonie, even on Authortube. I can't tell you how many other writers and authors I know who actually have chronic illness. While some of them prefer to keep that part of their lives private - which is completely okay - others, like me, don't mind sharing bits and pieces with their audience.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, you need to decide just where you draw the line at sharing. And wherever that line is, that's okay. Being on authortube has made me very aware of just how welcoming the writing community is. Not only have I found friends through the other authors, but also through the people watching. I feel like I have carved our a corner for myself and I like that corner. I liked being part of that and I liked and still do like, that I can connect with other people. While yes, it was, and sometimes still is, terrifying to record myself and put myself out there, the benefits, for me, have outweighed that.

As always, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to lemme know in the comments and I'll try to answer them!

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books

From Joey's Instagram

And I did the small authortuber tag! This tag was created by @_brookepassmore @writehollydavis & @katiewilsonauthor. Check out my answers here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio. . I tag: @ekinsellaauthor Gloria Russell @brianamorganbooks And @sapphicauthor! . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writinglife #joeypaul #smallyoutuber #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #writingcommunity #indiesofinstagram
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Small Authortuber Tag [CC]

SMALL #AUTHORTUBER TAG

TAG CREATED BY BROOKE PASSMORE, WRITE HOLLY DAVIS & KATIE WILSON

BROOKE'S VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tha_0LXA4ac
HOLLY'S VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ane0FsxrxXo
KATIE'S VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA6WmjWTkik

Small AuthorTuber Tag Questions:

1. Introduce yourself. What are your top 2 favorite genres to write and what genre do you think you’ll NEVER write?
2. How long have you been on AuthorTube?
3. What is your video set up? Lights? Camera? Microphone?
4. Do you write scripts for your videos or do you wing everything as you’re shooting?
5. How do you balance AuthorTube with writing?
6. Do you bulk film your videos or shoot one at a time?
7. How much do you have to edit/delete out of your videos? (Example: 5-10 minutes? 20-30 minutes?)
8. Do you edit & upload videos the day they’re posting or schedule them in advance?
9. What do you enjoy most about making AuthorTube videos? What’s the hardest part?
10. What’s your favorite video you’ve made?

I TAG ERIN KINSELLA, GLORIA RUSSELL, BRIANA MORGAN & SAPPHIC AUTHOR

ERIN'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO9oK9D2DpNqcdHfQrh9y9w
GLORIA'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYhuOoDcwLZdg4xkRw9SuBw
BRIANA'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66P73pKDcuAIgPL9a5OpiA
SAPPHIC'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSZt62HzP3XGOST0UH183-w

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

Saturday me and writing for me. At least it does most weeks. And today is no different though the space I'm using isn't my norm. Because of #Mepo yesterday and issues with my port. I'm writing in bed. Gotta be done! ✒✒✒🤒🤒🤒 . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #indiesofinstagram #writinglife #joeypaul #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity
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Review of Carbon by A J Eversley

“I’ve lost everything – my humanity, the man I loved – but I won’t let him win. I will not give up and I will fight back…because I made a vow and I intend to keep it.”

Sawyer spent most of her life hunting the very thing she has now become. No longer the Watcher she once was, Sawyer struggles to make sense of her new identity. Though she has new powers and abilities, she is also tied to the control that comes with those powers.

Desperate for help and answers, Sawyer travels to the United Isles with Max in search of an ally. Not only must she learn to harness her new abilities, she must find a way to mend a broken heart. Help comes in unexpected ways, and though she is ready to fight back, it's not going to be easy.

Strangers will become allies. Lovers will become enemies. And a destiny formed before birth unfolds.

The epic journey continues, and the war for the human race draws ever closer. Join the resistance in the next chapter of the Watcher Series.
Amazon

My review: 5 stars
I loved this book, picking up from a few months after the events of Watcher, you're thrown into the mix with a new threat and a new worry. Sawyer being sent away to hopefully find answers to the problems she's facing. Alongside her Max who seems to only annoy and probe Sawyer with questions she doesn't want to answer. The story is fast-paced and engaging, you find yourself pulled along with the characters wanting to same answers and the same resolution. Highly recommended!


You can follow A J Eversley on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

And I'm answering your questions on thus weeks vlog! You are all making me choose favourites this week! Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writinglife #joeypaul #smallyoutuber #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram
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Questions From Readers - October 2018 [CC]

Answering questions from you guys

The other #Authortube channels I mentioned!

JENNA'S CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_fcv9kBpDN4WWrfcbCrgw
KIM'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcDmM2bgezD0c95Y38OAcg
ALEXA'S CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfwTRhTSM2NyJImC8HeUd1Q
HOLLY'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ghQE8qqXNh6rswrG5zZfQ
EMILY'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaa0pB9ohy9_in_Dvqn0l4w
BETHANY'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPCRTrY4fiQXF9JXdNtr7rw
BROOKE'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxbU2zO6l5DNgq8IN6f8Uw
KATIE'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQAO_Ds-QqcAGxguir44VVw
BRIANA'S CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC66P73pKDcuAIgPL9a5OpiA

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
BUY MY BOOKS ON AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1VhLHog
BLOG: http://www.joeypaulonline.com/
TUMBLR: http://authorjoeypaul.tumblr.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/JoeyPaulOnline
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/MsJoeyBug
INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/authorjoeypaul
GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/1UcS61E

From Joey's Instagram

For those who wonder how I keep track every month I can't say enough about the dodo pad. Mum bought it for me one Christmas and I adore that I can track three months at a time! It's the little things! ✒📚✒ . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #Jowrimogo #writinglife #joeypaul #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram #NaNoWriMo
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara knows her dad is hiding something but he won't share what. An exercise in frustration. 😤😤 Buy here: www.books2read.com/DTFT . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #DyingThoughts1 #dyingthoughts #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #amreading #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #yalit #reading #joeypaul #writinglife
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From Joey's Instagram

Check out this awesome review and beautiful photo by @book.amour . #Repost @book.amour (@get_repost) ・・・ Name- Blackout Author- Joey Paul Genre- YA fiction Pages- 214 Blackout by Joey Paul is a wonderful young adult fiction work, talking about a teenager, Tally, and her life when she wakes up from a long coma, supposedly caused by a heavy drug consumption. Tally is a young girl with wonderful friends and is enjoying her school life. Being the most popular girl at school, everything seems perfect until one day she is told that her entire life was a dream. In reality, she doesn't have many friends and is bullied by others at school. Finding it difficult to absorb, she is shocked to find that even her father seems changed. Coping up with her new 'real' life at school, she starts getting flashbacks of her life and instances before she got into a coma. The book is her journey placing these pieces of information together to make some sense and know what actually happened. Paul has beautifully narrated the story of teenagers through Tally. The writing is simple but the element of thrill maintains the interest till the end. The book beautifully says how it is not always necessary to fit in, the right people come your way on their own. Though the climax was shocking and unpredictable, I felt it was a little too much. No doubt though that the book was worth the time. Thank you @authorjoeypaul for this amazing book! QOTD- What are your thoughts about teenage problems? #booklove #bookish #reading #bookstagram #books #bookreview #bookaddict #bookgeek #bookworm #bookaholic #novels #bibliophile #readingisfun #booksarelife #booktime #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #booknerd #beautifulbooks #favouritebookreview #blackout #joeypaul #youngadultfiction #thriller #bookamour
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From Joey's Instagram

And that's my fourth signing done and over with. Looking forward to 2019 and doing what I can then but as of yet I have no confirmed signings planned! 😫😫✒✒📚📚 . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning #Darker18 #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #writinglife #joeypaul
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Beta Readers - The After Process

BETA READERS

Now I did a video on this recently (found here) but I thought I would touch on it a little as a Monday blog piece since it's something that I see a lot of questions being asked and people wondering about this part of the after process. I did, way back when I started the blog, have a piece about them, but I decided to update things now I have a few more books under my belt.

So what are beta readers? They're people within your target audience who read your manuscript in chunks and answer questions about it, way before it's published. Generally they're reading a second, third or fourth draft and they'll read it, go through the bits that work and the bits that don't. This usually all happens before you get to the professional edit simply because why pay to edit a book that's most likely gonna have lots of changes done to it. Beta readers come in all shapes and sizes and they need to be people who would normally read your work. There is little point in asking someone to be your beta reader if your work isn't something they'd pick up in a book shop.

As for what they do, they help you find any pitfalls and good points and all of that. It's a necessary part of the after process because it enables you to get that first idea of what readers think. Generally people will go through multiple rounds of betas. I've done up to five before to make sure that my book is up to scratch. A round of betas can be anywhere from 10-15 readers. When you get back their thoughts, you can make the changes and then will recruit another 10-15 readers for a second round and so on. The reasoning behind not using the same people is that you're wanting them to react to your work for the first time. If you use the same people, then you're not going to get that reaction, even if you've made extensive changes.

Now, where do you look for betas? I know this is a big question a lot of people want to know. The simple answer is everywhere. You can post on your social media asking for people wanting to read. You can use sites like The Book Robin Hoods, or Beta Books, though the last is not a site I've used and does cost after, I think, two or three betas. However, there are places out there. And while I've said that 10-15 is the better number, I know some people won't get that much interest and that's simply down to not having the social reach, which is okay. You can work with what you have and ask for signal boosts from other writer friends.

As to how you get their feedback, you can do this a number of ways. I prefer to do a questionnaire that the reader will fill out right after they finish reading that chunk, and from there I can work out what parts they liked and what parts they didn't like. On top of that, I can combine several different reactions. You may find that you have some changes that only one beta spoke up about, whereas others will be a general consensus. Beta readers are a necessary part of the indie and sometimes, traditional, publishing process. They are as useful as critique partners and can be a goldmine when you find ones who love your writing style.

I do know of other writers who do an interview with each beta and that can work for you should you wish. What you're asking for is detailed feedback. You don't just want to hear: It's great! I love it! But why, and what parts were great and how they were great. For some readers that's more work than they're willing to put in, and because of this you might find some of your readers dropping out, but that's okay because it's just part of the process. I generally have a waiting list or back up people just in case this happens.

Of course implementing their feedback is a daunting task, and of course, creative control stays with you at all times, but it needs to be done. This is not something you want to skip, because then your first reader reactions come after publication and when it's too late to change anything. So betas are a necessary part of the publishing process and while sometimes difficult to find, are best to utilise.

Do you have any tips on finding betas? Let us know in the comments below!

Follow Joey here on her blog, or on Facebook or Tumblr to be kept up to date with the latest news regarding Joey and her books.

From Joey's Instagram

A bonus Sunday video on a tad ranting video about editing. It's basically not optional! 📚📚📚 Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #authortuber #writingvlog #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram #writinglife #joeypaul #smallyoutuber #writinglife
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That's The Tea With Joey: Editing [CC]

Approaching a topic that we need to talk about more on #AuthorTube

BUY WALK A MILE: http://www.books2read.com/WAM
THE BOOK ROBIN HOODS: https://therobinhoods.wixsite.com/thebookrobinhoods
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Review of In The Shadows by Sharon McDonnell

Until the age of fourteen Kiki lived a normal life, she was a happy, well-adjusted teenager, the only thing that marked her as different was her belief in her imaginary friend, Gabe. Shortly after her fourteenth birthday everything changed. Gabe was gone, and in his stead, came vile creatures out of her worse nightmares who wanted to control every aspect of her life.

Desperately trying to get on with her life Kiki hides what is happening from everyone, except her sister Tracey. As her sister’s mental state deteriorates Tracey’s is forced to take action

Kiki is hospitalised where she is drugged and is now at the mercy of her tormentors. Then begins an extraordinary journey into darkness that draws many people into her inner hell.

Amazon

My review: 4 stars
This sounded like my kind of book, and so I picked it up. It was a different style than I'm used to in it all being told as prose rather than any dialogue, but once I got into it, I started to find it easier to follow. It tells the story of Kiki, Tracey and some of the people they meet along the way. Kiki has had a normal childhood, up until she reaches the age of fourteen and then everything seems to change for the worst. Tracey intervenes and it ends up with Kiki being admitted to a hospital, all the while trying to fight the darkness and inner hell. It was an interesting twist as the book continued and I found myself enjoying it as it came to an end. Good read.

You can follow Sharon on Twitter.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

And it's Thursday! That time of the month when I talk about all I did last month! Been a busy September! ✒✒✒ Find it here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writingtips #writingadvice #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram #writinglife #joeypaul #smallyoutuber
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Life Of Joey - October 2018 [CC]

All about my life in the past month and what I've been up to!

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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tally has some issues with anger! 😡😡😡 Find out more here: www.books2read.com/BOUT . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #indiesofinstagram #writinglife #joeypaul #bookboost #bookworm #amreading #readersofinstagram #yalit #reading #Blackout #readera #wriringcommunity
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From Joey's Instagram

The day after #Darker18 And I have to share this photo of @paulaacton And I at the ball. It was an amazing signing and weekend and headed home tomorrow but bring on #Darker19!! Thanks to @hourglassevents for such an amazing time! ☠☠👻👻😍😍✒📚✒ . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning #purplehair #readers #readersofinstagram #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram #readersofinstagram
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From Joey's Instagram

At #Darker18! Come along and join the fun! Having an amazing start to the day! . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity
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From Joey's Instagram

And we have arrived for #Darker18 getting some rest after the drive and chilling with Netflix and tea! Ready for the signing tomorrow! 📚✒📚. . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #indiesofinstagram #writinglife #joeypaul #booksigning #purplehair #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity
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Review of Starstuck by S E Anderson

She could barely look after herself. Now, she's looking after the entire planet.

After an incident with a hot-air balloon causes college-dropout Sally Webber to lose her job, she sets off to find direction in her life. Crashing into a teleporting alien, however, is not on her to-do list.

Now she’s on the run from TV-drama-loving aliens, and things are just getting started. Zander won’t stop reeling her into life-or-death situations to save her planet, as he waits for his laser-wielding sister to search the universe for him. Though Sally isn’t quite sure if he wants to save Earth from annihilation, or just quell his curiosity of all things human.

Now she’s got to find lost alien emissaries, as well as a job, and stop the planet from getting incinerated in the process. But with Zander as her roommate, what could possibly go wrong?

Amazon 

My review: 5 stars
I have been following this author for a while and had the chance to pick up a copy of this book. I was expecting a much more serious sci-fi and I have to say I loved what I got. The story is engaging from page one, pulling you into Sally's life and wanting to know more. It's fun, quirky and heart breaking at the same time. I loved this book and have happily picked up the second and third to read as quickly as I can. An amazing story with a world that's so like our own. You fall in love with Sally and Zander almost immediately and want to know everything you can about their lives. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good, funny sci-fi with some serious parts to it as well.

You can follow S E Anderson on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here.

From Joey's Instagram

Happy Thursday! I'm talking this week about how to stay on track with your writing! ✒✒✒ . Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/JoeyPaulOnline or the link in my bio! . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #authortube #lovemyjob #ilovewriting #igwriters #igauthors #writinglife #joeypaul #smallyoutuber #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #writingtips #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram
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Staying On Track Writing [CC]

Talking about staying on track with your writing #Authortube

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From Joey's Instagram

You know it's a bad day when your first aid pouch is in use. Bleurgh to nausea and pain. 😷😷😷🤢🤢🤢 . But I am still getting something written! How do you handle bad days? . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #spoonie #chronicillness #brittleasthma #oxygenuser #wheelchairuser #spoonielife #chronicpain #joeypaul #writinglife #indiesofinstagram #readers #readersofinstagram
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From Joey's Instagram

#TEASERTUESDAY Tara's not sure about all these feelings and she's not all that sure that she wants to know either. Kaolin to the rescue! 👫👫 Buy here: www.books2read.con/DTSC . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #readers #amreading #readersofinstagram #bookworm #bookboost #yalit #reading #booklover #bookstagram #DTSC #dyingthoughts #books #igreaders #igauthors #igwriters #DyingThoughts6 #writinglife #joeypaul #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram
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From Joey's Instagram

Just #fourdaystogo until #Darker18! You can grab your tickets here: http://bit.ly/2IVeJXK and join me and 29 other authors on October 6th at the Bull Hotel in Peterborough! 👻👻👻 . . . . #Authorslife #authorsofinstagram #indieauthor #amwriting #writerslife #writersofinstagram #booksigning #purplehair #readers #readersofinstagram #bookworm #wriringcommunity #indiesofinstagram
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Editing As You Go - The After Process

EDITING AS YOU GO

I've not done a piece on this before and I thought that it might be a good one to do because I get a lot of questions about it and I know other authors and writers who do the same and also get asked about it a lot. I, personally, will edit as I write. I do not recommend this for a newbie writer because it's something that can lead to you getting stuck in this never-ending cycle of chasing the perfect first chapter, which FYI, isn't gonna happen.

However, I do know that some writers find that they want to produce as clean as first draft as possible, and part of that is learning how to edit as you go. Personally, I've always needed to look back at the last chapter (or two) to remember where I am in the story and the general feeling of the plot, pacing and all the rest. I know a lot of people will say to just open up a document and write, and if you're doing it regularly, then yeah that works, but for a long time in my early career, I was writing on the odd day here and there and I needed to familiarise myself with everything before I dove back in.

This won't work for everyone and that's more than okay, but when I got to a point where I felt like I knew what I was looking for, I started to edit as I went. Some writers can do this from their first manuscript, but it's rare and it's okay to not be one of those. When I read through the previous chapter now to get ready to start writing, I check for this like awkward sentences, that the pacing is okay, whether there's some grammar issues and plot issues and all the like. It means that when I finish the first draft, it's had a bit more drafting to it than one of my earlier works.

So how do you know if you're able to do this? I thought of a few pointers to look for and decided to share them. As I said above, not everyone can do it, and that's cool and completely fine. I wasn't able to for a huge chunk of my career and it's not a bad thing to need to draft completely before going back to start your second draft and such. So keep that in mind and here we go!

#1 - ARE YOU ABLE TO READ BACK THROUGH YOUR WORK WHILE DRAFTING?
If this is something you find yourself able to do, then it might be possible that you're able to edit as you go. If you're someone who can't do this, then it's probably better to keep moving forward and leave the edits to when everything is wrapped up.

#2 - ARE YOU A PLANSTER/PLANNER?
I ask this because if you have a better idea of where the ending is going to land, then editing as you go is something you might be able to do. I added planster because I'm that and I don't always know what the end scene is going to be like. Because of that I can't always predict where things will go and what might need to be taken out. Now if you plan and have a major outline, then you can see further ahead and with that knowledge you'll be able to tell which scenes work and which don't. I always advise that you don't edit the work the same day you wrote it. Sleep on it, and then come back to it the next day or next time to write to see how it looks.

#3 - IF NOT A PLANSTER/PLANNER, DO YOU HAVE AN ENDING IN MIND?
I know this sounds like it's very similar to question two, and in a way it is, but I know that with some books, even if I don't have a big idea of where I'm going, I *do* know the ending. In all of my crime books, bar one, I always knew where I was leading to, who the killer was and how to get there. I say bar one because there was one where a new suspect popped up and I didn't have the first clue they'd be there, which made editing as I went impossible. But if you are someone who knows where the ending will be, then maybe you can try editing as you go and decide which clues to drop where and when.

Now as I've said, it's not for everyone and it's also not something I recommend a completely new writer do, but if you think it's something you can do without getting stuck in that circle of perfect hell, then give it a go. You might find it does work for you or you might not, and both of those are completely okay. If you have any tips you want to add, lemme know in the comments!

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