Tag Archives: editing

Looking for Alpha/Beta Readers

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I just hit 70% done with my current project. I’m sitting at 62,000 works with an expected final range of 85,000-90,000. I am starting to move at a much faster pace now that I can feel the end. I hope to be done by the end of October. With that in mind, I am starting to contemplate what happens after I complete the rough draft.

I will do a couple reviews immediately after I complete the rough draft. One will be a basic spelling and grammar review. Another will be a “continuity of voice” review to make sure I don’t drift to far within any one characters voice. I hope to have all this done before the end of 2026.

With that in mind, I am looking for Alpha Readers and Beta Readers for Early 2027!

Alpha Readers: You will be the first to see the text. I would like your feedback rather quickly (a month or two) so that I can incorporate your changes before I move on to my next project. With your feedback, I will make the final “big” changes to the book and prepare a copy for Beta Readers.

Beta Readers: You will receive a copy of the book that is ready to print. Your job is to find and report back on any final issues before it is ready. It can be a voice issue, a spelling issue missed–anything. This is my last chance to make a clean copy. I will need feedback within two months.

If you are interested in being an Alpha reader, Beta Reader, or both, please let me know. Text me if you know my number or send and email to RichardThomasReilly@gmail.com. I can send you the copy as a e-book or a paperback–just let me know what you prefer.

Three projects.  Past.  Present.  Future.

On the Record: An Oral History
100% – Now available

When I was 22, I wrote my fourth novel, The Stagner Chronicles. It was the strongest work I’d produced at that point in my life. On the Record is the result of a comprehensive overhaul and reimagining of that book — a chance to revisit the core ideas with better tools and a wider perspective. I’m proud of how it came together and of the new life it found in the process. It’s now available for purchase.

Continuity: An Oral History of a Generation Ship
70% Done with Rough Draft

I am chasing down the end of the book. I have a writing weekend scheduled for next weekend. At my current pace, I am working toward a rough draft completion by Halloween.

Untitled
Trying to narrow it down

I want to try my hand literary science fiction. But that only narrows it down so much. I will explore how previous ideas I’ve fleshed out will fit in this model in the coming months. I expect this to be my major project for 2027.

Friday All-Nighter

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Considering the absence of any friends in my general area this Friday Night, I have taken it upon myself to make this night interesting.  I just got back from a short evening on the town.  I picked up a four-pack of Redbull on my way back.  Tonight will be a night that I need.  One where I fight my body, the urge to sleep, and come out the other side with a beautiful glimpse of the sunrise.

I wrote a short poem for everybody.  It is linked below.  I am going to spend tonight, editing my novel, writing memories, walking the dark streets around my neighborhood, and probably watching the movie “Brick.”  I haven’t had a night like this in a while.  I need it.  I hope I last past 3:00am this time.

Freckle
I wrote this shortly after wandering the roads of my new town.  I remember doing the same thing in my hometown–traveling around like an explorer.  Only this time, I was alone.  The difference was immense.

Editing While Stressed

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I spent a very frustrating morning at the DMV.  After realizing that I would accomplish nothing today, I decided to declare defeat until a later date.  The stress of days like today is palpable.  My job is to try to focus that energy.  As I felt like bursting into tears, I went to my coffee shop instead.  I’ve been editing for the past hour and will continue to do so for a while (free refills on drip coffee is pretty much the best thing int he world).

Refocusing stress into the perfectionist mindset that is necessary for editing is beautiful.  I remember always trying to erase my stress by jumping in a hot tub or going for a walk.  I still do that from time to time.  But this is so much better.  I feel like I am using that stress to do something productive.  I am now almost halfway through the second draft of my novel.  I’m going to get back to it.  I’ll talk to you guys tomorrow.

With Love,
Richard

Getting Down to Editing

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I just finished editing the first two chapters of the book (out of 47).  I’ve decided to edit on the computer.  I could say it’s because I want to be environmentally conscious…but that would be a lie.  I prefer editing on the computer because I can make all the changes I need to instantly without the chance of forgetting.  I go straight through the writing and change what is needed.  At the same time, I have another Word document open tracking all of the plot holes and whatnot that I need to keep an eye on.

I’ve heard plenty of times that you are supposed to ready through the entirety of the novel one time without changing a thing.  I have to cry bullshit on that one.  I cannot read through, see all the small mistakes, and not do something about them.  I’m really enjoying editing right now.  Of my four novels, this one seems to have the fewest mistakes.  Considering how quickly I wrote it, I expected the exact opposite.  My goal for this editing job is to edit about ten pages a day.  With about 110 pages in Word, I should get a new draft done every eleven days or so.

With Love,
Richard