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Do You Love to Read? - Beta Read!

Do You Love to Read? - Beta Read!

Laura BreckIf you love to read, you should consider becoming a beta reader. All you need is a good sense of what makes a book plot work (and what doesn't) and/or a basic understanding of grammar and spelling. (I'll explain the 'and/or' in each section below.)

There are at least three kinds of beta readers (that I know of):

1) Publisher's Acquisitions Reader

2) Publisher's Final Edits Reader

3) Author's Beta Reader

A publisher's acquisitions reader helps an acquisitions editor (AE) decide if they should contract the book for publication. The AE will send an e-mail to their group of beta readers asking which of them would like to read a 'fantasy werewolf romance' or a 'pirate historical' or a 'small town cowboy.'

Those who are interested read the book and complete a short questionnaire. The AE uses this feedback to decide if the manuscript is a good fit for their publishing house. For this job, a good sense of plot continuity and character development is essential. I'm a beta reader for a small publisher, and I love it. One week I'm reading a regency historical, the next, I'm deep into a shifter vampire story. For each manuscript I read, I am able to choose one free e-book from the publisher's website. It's a good deal!

A publisher's final edits reader performs the last check before a book is released by the publisher. The beta reader reviews the edited manuscript for grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. Usually, the beta is encouraged to point out any plot flaws that may still exist in the book. This is usually a paid position, and you may have to be tested on your grammar skills before being hired.

An author's beta reader is a trusted friend, family member, or acquaintance of an author who reads the final manuscript before it's submitted to a publisher or is self-published. By the time the beta reader sees the manuscript, it has usually been checked by the author's critique partner, and/or an independent editor. The beta reader checks for plot flaws, character issues, grammar, spelling…the whole thing.

An author relies on the beta reader to point out things they, their critique partner, and their editor missed. I have a wonderfully amazing critique partner, and we work together very well. When I send her a manuscript, she reads the entire book in a short period of time in order to keep the plot fresh in her mind. As she goes through, she makes any suggestions, such as, 'I don't think he would respond this way' or 'you brought up this point earlier but never resolved it' or 'I don't think that's physically possible.'

Then, she reads it again for grammar, spelling, typos, sentence structure, etc. and notes any errors she finds. If, when you read books, you roll your eyes at inconsistencies, or groan at typos, or hate that a plot point you'd been worried about for two hundred pages was never resolved, you would make a great author's beta reader.

How do you find these jobs? On Facebook, friend editors, publishers, and authors. Follow them on Twitter, check their websites, and watch writing news sources (such as blogs and forums.) There are online beta reading referral sites, too. They'll match you up with the perfect publisher or author. You can also contact your favorite author and offer to beta read for them. List your qualifications, your assurance of confidentiality, and your guarantee of integrity.

If this interests you, give it a try. It could be a first step into a career in editing, or a just a different spin on your everyday reading.

Happy reading,

Laura

LauraBreck.com

Secret Vegas Lives

Scandalous L.A. Desires

both available from Red Rose Publishing

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Celebrating Diversity in Humor

Celebrating Diversity in Humor

Laura BreckHave you ever watched a movie or a sitcom or a comedian and noticed people laugh at different things? When I published my first book, I received a lot of comments about how funny it was. I didn't realize it was really that humorous. When I wrote it, I added some silly, ironic comments as dialogue, but I wasn't laughing when I wrote them. Someone thought they were funny, though. Isn't that exciting!

Sometimes we don't realize we're being funny, and then there are the times when we truly don't think something's funny when everyone else does. It's like my husband and me. We'll watch a film and laugh at completely separate things. It's as if we're taking turns finding something funny. Is it possibly the writers? I laugh at things written by Writer A, and he laughs at things by Writer B?

Here's your test. Watch this video with your significant other, best friend, or funniest relative, and see if you laugh at the same things or different ones. Does one of you always laugh when someone gets hurt? Does one of you always laugh at the silly animals or babies? Give it a try and see how diverse our humor can be.

"A laugh a day will keep trouble away!"

Laura

LauraBreck.com

Secret Vegas Lives

Scandalous L.A. Desires

both available from Red Rose Publishing

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A Sweet for Valentine's Day

A Sweet for Valentine's Day

Laura BreckIf you live anywhere near Napa Valley, California, stop into my niece Wendy's chocolate shop, La Foret.

Here are a few very sweet photos to make your Valentine's Day richer.

If you're like me, and trying to lighten your load this year, here's a sweet sample of my latest release, Scandalous L.A. Desires. Fewer calories, but just as satisfying!

Dante worked through the night to finish the mural. The formal opening was the next evening and the paint needed time to dry.

Morning sun streaked through the windows as he yawned and made a few final brush strokes. Yesterday, he'd questioned the museum curator about the Beauden Foundation requesting his dismissal, but he'd assured Dante there would be no changes to the summer curriculum. Had Lindsey's family backed off their ultimatum? “I hope so,” he mumbled. His greatest satisfaction came from working with children. It nearly sidelined him when Lindsey had warned him he might lose his position with the outreach program.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone at the playroom door. Strangely, he sensed it was Lindsey, but what would she be doing here? He turned to her. “Hi.”

She smiled. “Hi.”

He chuckled. “This is a different side of you.” She wore a black Minnie Mouse warm-up suit and bright red running shoes, her hair in a braid with a red polka-dot ribbon tied at the end.

“The hospital board asked me to remind you that you're welcome to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow night.”

“I wouldn't miss it.” He set the paintbrush down and wiped his hands on his white painter's coveralls. “Are you on the board?” he asked as he walked toward her.

“I'm a new member, but I've volunteered since high school. One morning a week I play with the children. That's where I'm headed now.” She backed up half a step.

“That explains the outfit. You like children?” He stepped over paint cans and tarps.

“Yes, very much. They add so much to my life, and if I help these little ones and their families…” When he reached her and held out his hand, her sentence trailed off.

“Let me show you the mural. It's almost finished.” He stood with his hand out waiting for her to decide. He could see the hesitancy in her eyes as she looked around the room.

He smiled. “Will you come in and see it?” The bigger question was, did she trust him?

She tentatively put her hand in his, their eyes met, and he noticed that hazy look again. He fought the urge to pull her into his arms and kiss her breathless, and instead led her into the room, steadying her as she stepped over obstacles.

Still holding her hand, he stopped in the middle of the room and they turned to get the full effect of the painting. He heard her sharp intake of breath.

“Dante, it is beautiful. I'm absolutely awestruck. It's like being under the sea—whales, fish.” She eased her hand from his and moved closer to the mural. “The coral is so lifelike, and how you captured the filtered sunshine. It's perfect. The children will love it.”

He heard a catch in her voice and when she turned to him, a ray of sunlight hit her face. The tears in her eyes sparkled. He took a step toward her, overwhelmed by the need to touch her.

“Lindsey.”

“Forgive me for being emotional. Just knowing how the children will appreciate it makes me happy.”

“Art is worthless if it doesn't evoke emotion.” He put his hand on her shoulder, then slowly moved his fingers down her arm. “I am humbled by your response.” He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. He wanted to kiss her sexy, pink lips, hear her sigh, and see her eyes misty and unsure. He'd kiss away all her doubts…

Please stop by my blog to read the first chapter.

Hope your Valentine's Day is wonderful! Laura LauraBreck.com Secret Vegas Lives Scandalous L.A. Desires both available from Red Rose Publishing ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Don't forget to check out Romance Biggest Winner 2 – a fun, social way to make 2012 a healthier, happier year! http://romancebiggestwinner.blogspot.com/

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Get Fit With Fellow Romance Readers

This is a post from Romantic Times magazine http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/get-fit-fellow-romance-readers

Get fit and get inspired with the second annual round of Romance Biggest Winner. In this program, authors and readers team up to encourage each other to make 2012 their healthiest year yet. Today Helen Seeley talks about what participants can expect and then we hear from several of the authors that will also be joining in the fun of the weight loss program's second round.

Every year the number one resolution is to lose weight and get healthy. Gym memberships go up, attendance is high. By February thirty percent of the people who joined a gym are no longer going. By the end of February fifty percent of those who joined gyms and started diets have stopped altogether.

Romance Biggest Winner (RBW) is the romance community’s answer to getting fit and losing weight. What is Romance Biggest Winner? It’s The Biggest Loser only tweaked a bit. The goal is to lose weight and get healthy, only we don’t kick any one out for not losing. Nope we give books to the biggest weekly winners with a grand prize to the biggest author winner and biggest reader winner!

We are getting ready to launch the second round of RBW and calling on all the readers and authors to join us as we get fit and healthy. Here are the important details:

1. If you’re interested in joining us send us an email to romancebiggestwinners2@gmail.com be sure and tell us whether you are a reader or an author.

2. We start on March 1st and all fees are due by February 20th.

3. We will have personal trainers available.

4. You won’t be doing this alone you will have a group to lean on for support.

5. The best part is losing weight and getting healthy.

There are some things we are looking for. We are looking for authors who would be willing to be cheerleaders, fitness buddies, and to donate books. If you can do any of these things please email us at the same email address.

If anyone has any questions or want to join please email us here and check out our Facebook Page!

- Helen Seeley

Now that you know how to join find out what inspires authors Noelle Pierce, Elise Rome, Nancy Gideon, Camryn Rhys, Laura Breck and Cat Johnson.

Noelle Pierce says, “Both my parents have been overweight for most of my life, and my poor eating habits led me in the same direction after I left college and began a sedentary lifestyle. Based on my family medical history, I'm at risk for all sorts of medical problems, like sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. And all of these are potentially controlled by diet and exercise. Neither I wanted to change. The deciding factor was hearing my dad was in the hospital due to diabetes complications back in December 2010. I still struggle with getting my diet under control, but for the first time in my life, I've joined a gym and actually used the membership for the entire contracted year. My weight isn't where I want it yet, but I've noticed differences in my endurance, my flexibility, and my overall energy.”

Elise Rome says, “After watching the documentaries Forks Over Knives as well as Food Matters recently, my husband and I decided that we need to approach losing weight and getting healthy in a way that's very different from the perspective we've had in the past. Instead of focusing on calories, we're going to focus on nutrition —specifically, on eating more plant-based foods and less animal-based foods. This is huge for us, as we're from the South where a meal just doesn't seem complete without a hunk of beef taking up half the plate. But by focusing on food as something that can help us instead of something to constantly battle against, we're confident that not only will the quality of our lives improve through feeling better and not getting sick as often, but that (along with regular exercise) the weight will come off as a result of this lifestyle change, too. The book I'm using for inspiration in RBW Round 2 is Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health by Stone, Campbell, and Esselstyn.”

Nancy Gideon was inspired to hit the gym after videotaping an interview to promote her book Bound by Moonlight at the Simon & Schuster offices in New York. “Nothing like seeing yourself on camera to make reality settle in! Working in my home office for twenty-five years and doubling full time as a legal assistant for eleven of them tends to make sedentary assets spread … if you know what I mean. Too much fiction and not enough fitness! I figured what kind of kick-butt romance heroine would I be if I didn’t get off mine and take control of my situation. Since accountability and competition are big motivators for me, the Romance Biggest Winner challenge is the perfect venue for me to get back in shape.”

Camryn Rhys says, “Joining Romance Biggest Winner was always as much about the community as it was about anything else. One of the biggest keys to my weight-loss the first time around was a book called The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron. It encouraged my writing and walking daily, which was a huge part of my ability to get healthier. I still have quite a bit of weight to lose, but I know that the principles I learned in Julia Cameron's book will be part of whatever success I have in the future.

Laura Breck says, “I've been trying to modify my eating and exercise habits for many years. I have had successes, but the weight has always crept back up. Since the beginning of January, I'm trying something new. If you've read the book The Secret, you'll understand how using motivational imagery and positive mantras can change the way we think about our lifestyles. I repeat the following phrase constantly during the day: "I am losing two pounds a week." It's simple yet strong, and it includes a realistic goal. For me, it works by affirming a multitude of positive things. It reminds me to eat right, reminds me to exercise and be active, and ultimately it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It's working! I lost three pounds last week. Stay positive!”

Cat Johnson keeps it short and sweet saying, “As an authors I spend so much time working in front of a computer in solitary and stationary conditions, I thought participating in the Romance Biggest Winners program would solve two problems by 1) connecting me with the romance community and 2) inspiring me to make the time to get healthy.”

Feeling inspired? Get your new healthy lifestyle started by registering for Romance Biggest Winner right now. The program officially kicks off on February 20, so be sure to send out your registration email before that date!

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Starting A Diet – oops – A Lifestyle Change!

Starting A Diet – oops – A Lifestyle Change!

From LauraBreck.com Posted by Laura, on January 11th, 2012

My main goal for 2012 is to lose weight. I’m guessing right about this time of the year, it’s about half the population’s goal, too. I’ve tried a lot of different diets, programs, regimens, hypnosises. But this year, I’m organizing a five-pronged attack.

Exercise, diet, motivation, reward, and support.

Exercise – self explanatory, but here’s what I figured out. I have an exercise DVD that I just don’t like. I’m going to sell it on E-bay and buy one I do like. Something like belly dancing, or hip hop, or maybe…would hubby let me put in a pole??? I’m much more likely to exercise if I enjoy it.

Diet – I have a sweet tooth. I’ve purchased mass quantities of gum, hard candy, and dried fruit. I’ll use them in that order to curb the sugar monster. Fresh fruit works, too, but for some reason, it never cures the crave for me.

Motivation – have you heard of The Secret? If not, check out the book from your library. I’m using a positive mantra which I repeat constantly during the day. “I am losing two pounds a week.” Keeping that reinforcement running through my head reminds me to eat only what I need and in appropriate portions. It also reminds me to be active. Walk up the stairs a couple extra times each day, walk to the neighbors instead of driving. Do leg lifts while I’m watching television. Turn on the radio and dance around the kitchen.

The positive reinforcement of this type of mantra solidifies my willpower and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

And now to my favorite – reward. There’s nothing I like more than to surf the web for a good deal, buy it, and enjoy the anticipation of a package heading my way via UPS. Every week that I achieve my goal of two pounds lost, I will buy something inexpensive. A new bead for my bracelet, a new face cream, and when the pounds are really dropping – along with my dress size – new clothes. I’m truly lookng forward to shopping as an instant reward for reaching the tiny goal of two pounds.

I’ve never tried the reward approach before, and I have a good feeling that celebrating tiny goals, instead of waiting to reward myself once I reach that final, huge goal, will bring me more success.

The other side of the reward prong is consolation. If I don’t reach my goal of two pounds that week, I will not be shopping, and instead will choose a slip of paper from the To Do jar. On these slips, I’ve written chores that need to be done around the house. Big, ugly chores, like Clean Out Credenza, and Straighten Pantry. Clean Refrigerator, and Reorganize File Cabinet.

This will not only give me an extra dose of exercise toward reaching my goal that week, it will set up good habits for me as I feel the pride of a clean closet, or organized drawer… (I just rolled my eyes at that pride hoo-haw. Gosh, I hate cleaning!)

Support – I’ve just joined the Facebook page Romance Biggest Winner. Starting in February, this group of romance lovers will organize to support one another under the leadership of Helen Seely, a really great person who has more dedication and energy than anyone I know. Published authors and readers will be competing. Participation is not free, but spending a little money makes it motivational, as well.

To find out more, Like the FB page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Romance-Biggest-winners-part-2/128300167287718, then check out the rules (these are last year’s rules, and I’m told they’re changing a bit this time – more to come soon!) http://romancebiggestwinner.blogspot.com/2011/06/romance-biggest-winner-competition-is.html

While this site is very supportive and motivational, it’s also rewarding. The author and reader who lose the most weight will each receive $1,000 at the end of the event. And each week, the winning team gets free books!

I hope you’ll join me on the Biggest Winner challenge, and if you’re one of those lucky people who are hoping to lose weight this year, tell me how you’re doing it. What is working for you?

Have a great day, Laura

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Submit, Please

I just hit the send button which submitted a manuscript to a wonderful publisher. I love the book, and I'm sure the acquiring editor will also love it, but that's not what's making me ecstatically happy.

It's nice to have a manuscript being read. To know I have the chance to impress a publisher enough that they will contract my book. It's like holding a lottery ticket. The excitement of the possibilities and the dream of a positive outcome, makes it addictive.

It's been a few months since I've had a manuscript in with a publisher, and I've missed that wonderful cloud hovering above my head, ready to produce rain with a rejection, or split wide open bursting sunshine if it's accepted.

Before I move on to my next project, I'm pouring myself a glass of wine and celebrating the accomplishment - and the possibilities!

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Writers' Holiday Party Minus A Few

I had a fabulous time today at the Midwest Fiction Writers' holiday party. It's so nice to see a room full of people who share the same dream. The talk is always about industry news or contest wins or new releases. But I noticed a few things missing this year.

A few of our group have given up on writing. They've decided they're not willing to suffer through the difficult years where critique partners are brutally honest, contest entries come back with low marks and multiple Track Changes suggestions. It hurts to hear this. Could I have done more to help them? Should I have been more encouraging?

At the holiday party, I sat next to a wonderful writer who has been at it for years, and seems to truly love writing (a prerequisite for making it in this business.) She said she'd taken on a new critique partner whose only comment was, "Have you thought about reading some craft books?"

I cringed. How terrible for this writer to hear such heart-wrenching feedback! I could tell she felt bad, but she took it to heart. She found an editor and is working through her manuscript one chapter at a time, learning what she needs to do to be published. I'm so very excited for her! She could have tossed her laptop in the closet and given up her dream, but instead, she's going back to basics.

She will make it in this business!

An adage that has served me well over the years goes like this: You're not a failure if you never stop trying.

A simple philosophy, but lifegiving!

Happy December!

Laura

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ROBOTS OR DINOSAURS?

Dinosaurs. Sorry, tumblrbot!!!

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That Time of Year

Are you like me? Do you feel that nesting urge this time of the year? Fall brings sunny, cool days and full-moon-lit cold nights. Walking through forests, the crunch of leaves under my boots is a comforting sound.

I love to start a fire in the fireplace, fill the crockpot with chili ingredients, and decorate for the holidays.

My writing takes a definite turn, also. I like to finish up loose ends, work late into the night to organize and plan my winter. I think it's because I sleep so much more in the winter that I do in the summer. Hibernating? Could I possibly be an undiscovered shifter? Am I a were-bear?

Woo-hoo! A new story idea!

Have a productive day!

Laura

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Contracts and Concentration

My eyes have always glazed over when I read contracts. Especially those from my publishers. It's all exciting and wonderful information, but it's presented in such a way that my concentration slips. Is that because I'm a fiction writer?

What if contracts were written as fiction? Would they be easier to follow? Using all five (or six) senses in each contract could pull readers in, make them feel as if they were there with the attorney who created the document.

Something for me to think about for the future. I can start a company that creates fictional accounts of business contracts. What's next? Screenplay? How would you like to get your next publishing contract as a movie?

Have a grand day!

Laura

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Romance has been elegantly defined as the offspring of fiction and love.

Benjamin Disraeli