#117: Exploring the World of Beta and Sensitivity Reading with Julie Taylor from The Spun Yarn
Nov 21, 2023
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Julie Taylor, COO of The Spun Yarn, discusses creating perfect matches between authors and beta readers, the difference from working with editors, the beta-readers-questioning-method, and making changes based on feedback. They explore the significance of providing authors with constructive feedback, balancing praise with improvement suggestions, and enhancing manuscripts through detailed feedback on structure, dialogue, characters, and cohesion.
The Spun Yarn ensures a perfect match between authors and beta readers, enhancing collaboration.
Beta and sensitivity reading services provide impartial and constructive feedback for manuscript refinement.
Engaging readers through structured feedback, generating questions for dynamic reading experiences.
Deep dives
Insight into Book Coaching Business and Services Offered
The podcast episode delves into the world of book coaching businesses, offering insights into the author's book coaching journey and promoting a free e-book revealing behind-the-scenes details. Listeners who grab the e-book receive a special invitation to an exclusive conversation with the CEO of Author Accelerator. Moreover, it highlights the importance of understanding readers' preferences, especially when catering to different age groups, and explores strategies to engage and market effectively to different reader demographics, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach.
Sensitivity and Beta Reading Services by The Spun Yarn
The discussion shifts to the services provided by The Spun Yarn, focusing on paid beta reading and sensitivity reading offerings for authors. It introduces Julie Taylor, the company's COO, who shares her journey into beta reading and the evolution to her current role. Specific details about the feedback report offered by The Spun Yarn are highlighted, emphasizing the thoroughness and value of the feedback provided to authors, including the option to view a sample report on the company's website.
Benefits of Working with Beta Readers and Developmental Editors
The importance of beta readers and developmental editors in the writing process is underscored, discussing the unique insights and critical feedback they offer to authors. Contrasting feedback from friends and family members to professional beta readers, the conversation reveals how impartial and constructive criticism enhances the manuscript by identifying blind spots and areas for improvement. The podcast emphasizes the value of diverse reader perspectives in pinpointing story inconsistencies and character nuances that may go unnoticed by the writer, showcasing the collaborative approach to refining storytelling.
Feedback Structure and Progression in Storytelling
The podcast discusses the importance of maintaining reader engagement by utilizing a structured feedback approach at key points in the manuscript. Feedback is structured to generate questions at the beginning, which evolve as the story progresses, keeping the reader engaged and active in real-time assessment. This method aims to ensure a dynamic reading experience where readers are constantly engaged and questioning while advancing through the narrative.
Comprehensive and Constructive Feedback for Authors
The episode delves into the process of providing comprehensive and constructive feedback to authors during manuscript evaluation. Feedback encompasses both quantitative and qualitative aspects, evaluating elements such as setting, character development, and dialogue. The emphasis lies on offering actionable and kind feedback to authors, highlighting strengths, pinpointing areas for improvement, and fostering a supportive environment for enhancing the manuscript.
“As I kid I was like, I would love to get paid to read.” - Julie Taylor
In today’s episode, I’m sitting down to chat with Julie Taylor, Chief Operating Officer at The Spun Yarn - a company that offers paid beta reading and sensitivity reading services to authors. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
[06:15] How does The Spun Yarn create a perfect matching system between its authors and its beta readers?
[15:37] When would an author need this type of service? How is it different than working with an editor?
[31:14] The beta-readers-questioning-method and thinking process.
[47:28] Making changes throughout the years thanks to feedback given by both authors and beta readers.