The Heartburn-Inducing, Anxiety-Ridden Task of Test Reading your Manuscript

By Mayra CuevasLast week I mailed my manuscript to seven marvelous teen girls and women. They were tasked with reading it and giving me feedback.I would like to tell you that I mailed the books and then walked away with complete peace of mind, but that would be inaccurate.The truth is I secretly have been a nervous wreck, waiting for some type of email, call or text telling me what any of them thinks so far.To my credit, I haven't stalked or reached out obsessively to my test readers with excuses, in an attempt to surreptitiously elicit their opinion.  Although, the thought has crossed my mind.I even went so far as thinking that Stephanie Meyer's sister liked the Twilight series when she first read it, so maybe I too would be all set if my sister liked my manuscript. Yes, I confess, this thought actually went through my mind during the worst of my anxiety.  But, it actually made sense for another reason.  My little sister, 30 years old and a mom of three, is one of the pickiest readers that I know.  Mostly because she doesn't have much time to read. So when she called me yesterday to tell me that she couldn't put the book down and only stopped reading it because she couldn't possibly stay awake any more, I almost lost it.How I found my test readersI'm a talker. I'll talk to anyone. And when I began working on my novel, I did just that. I shared my enthusiasm with family, friends, colleagues and other writers I met at writing conferences. As a result, I ended up with a group of people who offered to help me in various ways. Some knew literary agents or publishers, some wanted to help with my website and some wanted to test read my book.So, when the time came to do the test reading, I already had a dozen readers that fit my ideal reader profile.  I learned from best-selling author Claire Cook that six test readers is ideal because you can easily compare their feedback to see what areas they all agreed need more work. I chose seven, adding a back-up just to be safe.How I choose my test readers Strong test readers are key to the writing process and will be instrumental in making your novel publishing dreams come true.Here is a checklist of the qualities that I looked for in my seven test readers:1. They represent my target audience.2. They are from various cultural backgrounds. (This is very important in a multi-cultural publishing industry.)3. They have time to read my manuscript and give me timely feedback.  I requested one month because it keeps me my timeline moving but also gives then sufficient time to read the book and give me feedback.4. They expressed interest in being a test reader for my book.5. They can provide constructive feedback in a positive light.6. They like to read, especially the genre that I am writing.Asking for feedbackI sent the readers the manuscript in a three-ring binder, along with a letter with instructions and a feedback questionnaire. Both of which I have copied below for your reference.  They are self-explanatory.I've found that the questionnaire helps them in the review process.  I don’t expect them to answer every question, but it gives them an idea of what kind of feedback I am looking for.As a courtesy, I also sent them a red pen and return postage.Share your tips! Do you have any tips on test readers? Share them in the comments section below. My test reading letter: Dear Test Reader,Thank you for taking the time to read this draft of my novel and provide me with your feedback.Because this manuscript is still in a draft form, I request that you please do not share it with others, post any pages online or comment about its contents on any online platforms or social media sites.In order to simplify the test reading process I have compiled a list of questions for you to consider as you read.Please read the entire list before you begin reading.I have provided a red pen for you to make notes as you read. After you return the manuscript, I will review your notes and possibly make changes to my draft based on your feedback. Feel free to make notes on the margins and point out any grammatical, spelling or punctuation mistakes.I would greatly appreciate it if you could answer as many of these questions as possible. You can hand write the answers on a separate sheet or type them up - please write the question number next to the answer.If you have any questions you may reach me via email at (email) or call me at (phone number).If possible, I would like to receive the revised copies of the manuscript by August 10, 2013.Thank you. I am deeply grateful for your help.Mayra My test reading questionnaire: OPENING1) Did the Prologue draw you into the story? Do you think its necessary? Or could you do without it?2) Was the first chapter compelling? What did you like or not like about it?2) At what point did you take your first break from reading?3) Did you get oriented fairly quickly as to whose story it is, what’s going on, and where and when it’s taking place? If not, what were you confused about at the beginning? CHARACTERS4) Did you relate to (main character)?5) Did you come to feel you know (main character)? Did you feel her emotions? Did you understand her motivations?6) Which characters did you connect to and like? (or love to hate)7) Are there any characters you think could be made more interesting or more likable?8) Was the relationship between  (main character) and (secondary character) believable? Did you connect to their feelings for each other?9) Was the relationship between (main character) and (secondary character) believable? Did you connect to their feelings for each other? DIALOGUE10) Did the dialogue sound natural to you? If not, whose dialogue did you think sounded artificial or stilted? SETTING11) Were you able to visualize where and when the story is taking place?12) Did the setting pull you in, and did the descriptions seem vivid and real to you? PLOT, PACING, SCENES:13) Was the story interesting to you? Did it drag in parts?14) Which scenes/paragraphs/lines did you really like?15) Which parts were exciting and should be elaborated on, with more details?16) Which parts bored you and should be compressed or even deleted?17) Was there anything that confused, frustrated, or annoyed you?18) Did you notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies in time sequences, places, character details, etc.? WRITING STYLE/TONE/VOICE19) Do you think the writing style fits the story and genre? If not, why not? ENDING20) Was the ending satisfying? Believable?