Are you interested in beta-reading Valley of Monsters?

Posted on October 21, 2013 (Subscribe to Blog)

I've been really quiet for the past month because of a ton of work and other things going on. My deadlines are slipping a little too, although not by much. Nothing a healthy dose of not sleeping won't cure!

I finished Valley of Monsters (Island of Fog, Book 7) and am now in the editing stage. About a third has been hammered into shape, and by the end of October it'll be good enough to enjoy but not quite clean enough to publish. That's where YOU come in.

I want to request super-fast beta readers this time. Normally I give three weeks for the complete read-through, but I've noticed that many betas are done much earlier. So, if I send the book out to my list of beta readers on the morning of November 1st, I'd like feedback and nitpicks back by the end of November 14th, which is 14 days.

Are you up to the challenge? Think you can manage it? Can't wait another month for the final, published edition? Comment below or email me at keith@unearthlytales.com, or post on my Facebook page under this subject.

You see, I figure I've slipped about two weeks in my schedule, but I'll gain a week during this speedy beta read, so in fact I'll only be one week behind overall. Which means I still might make my November 30th publish date. I don't have to meet that deadline, but I want to.

I enjoyed writing Book 7, and although I have my usual pangs of self-doubt, I do think it moves along nicely and has a number of elements that are sure to keep fans on edge. Something about writing this novel flowed. It all came together so well, and it's a little different to the other books because Chase has a story of his own to tell, told in first-person. His personal story of growing up with Miss Simone neatly parallels the present events, and I was almost surprised at how that happened. So I think it's turned out well -- but of course, only readers can tell me how it stacks up against the other books in the series.

Brian Clopper is having an early read even as I finish my editing. This is great, because he's already pointed out a bunch of small things that I'm fixing as we speak, so the version I send out to beta readers on November 1st will be much cleaner than it is right now. At the end of Chapter Three, he said: "I love this. Your readers will eat this up! Clever man!" Hehe. I have to admit I'm looking forward to the general reaction at this particular bit.

I have other things to report, but this post is primarily about Valley of Monsters, so I'll leave it here for now. Beta readers, block out your diaries for November 1st-14th. Look forward to hearing from you!

Comment by KAREN HUDSON on Monday, October 21, 2013...

I would love to beta read the newest book. I have done some beta reading in the past for another author. I am going on vacation for the first part of the time period and what a way to enjoy and relax.

Comment by JUDY on Monday, October 21, 2013...

me me pick me!

Comment by JENNIFER on Monday, October 21, 2013...

um, I would enjoy nothing more.

Comment by CATHIE SMITH on Monday, October 21, 2013...

I would love to read book seven. I think your books are amazing and I cant wait to read the continuation of this series.

Comment by KAREN BYNOE on Monday, October 21, 2013...

I would like to beta read again if you still need someone.

Comment by PATCHES on Monday, October 21, 2013...

yes I'd love to help

Comment by DWAYNE JELLOTE on Monday, October 21, 2013...

Hi Keith! Sign me up!

Comment by KAT BREWER on Monday, October 21, 2013...

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes.

Comment by KEITH ROBINSON on Tuesday, October 22, 2013...

Thanks, y'all! You're all on the list, and I'll get the book out to you on November 1st. :-)

Comment by SABREEN on Tuesday, October 22, 2013...

I would love love love to read it for you! Don't worry I can read it by November 14(also by birthday). I could not wait till it came out!

Comment by HEATHER on Sunday, October 27, 2013...

My 12 year old son and I BOTH LOVE this series, and we've both read Fractured as well ... I can't wait until the next books come out!

Comment by DONNA on Wednesday, October 30, 2013...

Would love the opportunity to read this book. I have really enjoyed the series.

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