Anyone willing to give feedback? (Looking for female input)

[Loskop78]

New wannabe/potential author here - after reading many of the amazing stories here, I felt like I wanted to join in, so I started dabbling. I've had some fantasies in the past that I've often thought would be fun to actually turn into a story. I started a few different stories, some developed into more than others. I'm looking for someone to read and critique/give me feedback.

The setting is a mid-40s (single) woman is letting her friend's 20 year old son move in while he's transferring to the local college. I'm male, but I've written it from the woman's perspective - not sure why, it just seemed to fit.

If you're interested in reading or critiquing, let me know! I can send to you.

Thanks!

 

[NotWise]

You might find someone here, but the Editor's Forum is where you should be looking for a beta reader. Start a thread there to Introduce yourself and ask for a beta reader. Describe your story (as you have here) including the category you expect to submit it to, and it's length in words.

Asking specifically for input from a woman raises red flags for potential beta readers.

 

[Loskop78]

Thanks, I didn't really know where to start. I'll repost.

I was asking for female input since it's written from the woman's perspective. I'm open to anyone's feedback though.

 

[NotWise]

Thanks, I didn't really know where to start. I'll repost.

I was asking for female input since it's written from the woman's perspective. I'm open to anyone's feedback though.

Guys can tell you if your female character seems authentic.

 

[Loskop78]

Guys can tell you if your female character seems authentic.

Fair point. I'm checking the Editor's forum now.

 

[NotWise]

Fair point. I'm checking the Editor's forum now.

In addition to the other introductory stuff, you can also ask specifically if the female character seems authentic or any other question you need answered. Don't go overboard on the questions, though. It's better to give the beta readers a free reign.

 

[Loskop78]

Is a "beta reader" the same as a "volunteer editor"?

 

[NotWise]

Is a "beta reader" the same as a "volunteer editor"?

No. A beta readers reads your story and gives you feedback on the story. They may also point out a few editorial problems. That's up to them.

The editors can beta read and do a range of things from proofreading, to cleaning up your style. You generally need to tell them what service you need. Editors are harder to find, and they'll take longer to turn your story around. Editing is like work or something. Those who volunteer are angels.

 

[FrancesScott]

I’ll consider reading at least some of it. But I would like to know:

1. How long is it - I don’t have time to read a novella?
2. What category - there are some I won’t read (including I/T, NC/R, IR, MC, LW)?
3. Is it just feedback on the FMC’s POV you want, or anything broader?

I’m not offering editing services. I’m not offering writing coaching services. I’m not offering proofreading services. I reserve the right to stop reading if I’m struggling with it (I’ll tell you why - most likely content, or it being poorly written, or I got bored). If you think I’m not selling the idea, I have no intent of doing so.

Much as I’m worried about them from a privacy point of view, a Google Document would be the path of least resistance.

Bear in mind I’m just a random author, who has only been doing this for a few years, not some paragon, or guru. It will only be my opinion you get.

Finally, further to what @NotWise said above, I’m not interested in sexy chats, or in telling you how physically excited your words made me. Understood?

If that’s all OK, then PM me. Or not…

 

[onehitwanda]

a Google Document

from a privacy point of view, Proton is far better in that it doesn't require DNA, a credit card, your underwear preferences and a mobile phone number before you're permitted to log in. I moved eveything for lit from google to proton and I'm glad I did. YMMV but I've found proton's online document format good enough for sharing lit stuff.

 

[FrancesScott]

from a privacy point of view, Proton is far better in that it doesn't require DNA, a credit card, your underwear preferences and a mobile phone number before you're permitted to log in. I moved eveything for lit from google to proton and I'm glad I did. YMMV but I've found proton's online document format good enough for sharing lit stuff.

Can you write in it as well?

 

[Loskop78]

No. A beta readers reads your story and gives you feedback on the story.

Got it, thanks - that makes more sense. Yes, definitely looking for a beta reader then, not an editor.

 

[Loskop78]

from a privacy point of view, Proton is far better

Sounds interesting! Suggestion on how I can check it out?

 

[onehitwanda]

Can you write in it as well?

I... think so. It's a document editor. Maybe not as fully-featured as word or google docs, but good enough for Lit I suspect:


I don't use stuff like this for myself.

 

[onehitwanda]

Sounds interesting! Suggestion on how I can check it out?

https://proton.me/ - register, falsifying your details to your heart's content, and pay with something anonymous if you decide the free tier isn't good enough. They're swiss.

 

[FrancesScott]

I... think so. It's a document editor. Maybe not as fully-featured as word or google docs, but good enough for Lit I suspect:

View attachment 2549325
I don't use stuff like this for myself.

Google docs on iOS can’t really be described as fully-featured either. It’s like Note+

 

[ThatNewGuy]

from a privacy point of view, Proton is far better in that it doesn't require DNA, a credit card, your underwear preferences and a mobile phone number before you're permitted to log in.

Well, shit. I didn't realize the Underwear preference field was optional.

That aside, I use Proton and like it quite a bit.

 

[onehitwanda]

Google docs on iOS can’t really be described as fully-featured either. It’s like Note+

My carpet tunnel syndrome won't let me write on a mobile device. I need a proper keyboard.

 

[onehitwanda]

That aside, I use Proton and like it quite a bit.

I got the hell in with Google demanding personally identifying information before they'd let me access my mail.

 

[Trionyx]

My carpet tunnel syndrome won't let me write on a mobile device.

I’ve heard of ‘love tunnels’ and ‘hot, wet tunnels’ but have yet to hear of carpet tunnels. Sounds like they could chafe a little.

 

[onehitwanda]

I’ve heard of ‘love tunnels’ and ‘hot, wet tunnels’ but have yet to hear of carpet tunnels. Sounds like they could chafe a little.

That's why you've got to go for the plushest, most luxurious deep pile.

 

[stickygirl]

https://proton.me/ - register, falsifying your details to your heart's content, and pay with something anonymous if you decide the free tier isn't good enough. They're swiss.

Google knows I'm a pervert already. No point letting the Swiss in on the act.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

That's why you've got to go for the plushest, most luxurious deep pile.

Yes, the beetles love to burrow into it. If you don't want the beetles, though, digging them out is hard on the carpals. The mnemonic for the carpals might make for a good story here: "Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle."

 

[Nynah]

from a privacy point of view, Proton is far better in that it doesn't require DNA, a credit card, your underwear preferences and a mobile phone number before you're permitted to log in.

Google actually gives you a discount on their new Gemini AI Pro version if you don't wear underwear! At least that's what I heard last.

 

[onehitwanda]

Google actually gives you a discount on their new Gemini AI Pro version if you don't wear underwear! At least that's what I heard last.

Gemini is not a caring and understanding lover. It's very much a 30-seconder at best.