I have to decide what to do with my novel… I’m leaning toward one last round of queries and then self-publishing, but there is always the option to shelve it as well. I haven’t lost faith, I’ve just hit the point where I’m done working on it and need some fresh perspectives.
That’s where you come in…
If you’re interested in reading, I would ask the following:
1. Be available to begin reading mid-July when I get back from my trip.
2. Read like you downloaded off Amazon for a maximum of $5, (if I self-publish, it will likely be priced lower). When you finish, I want to know if you would feel satisfied if you had paid to read.
3. Note any typos.
4. If you get stuck and lose the momentum to finish, tell me where. If it feels like a chore, I need to know. No obligation to read the whole thing.
5. Be honest, but kind. Everyone has different tastes, (many of the books I read fall in the three star category on Goodreads even though others love them). I won’t be offended if it’s not your favorite book ever, I just need to know if it’s readable.
What you can expect:
1. Think Revolutionary Road meets One Day meets Shopgirl. If you have read any of those titles, might help gauge your interest. Think simple story about a young couple who feels frustrated and leaves everything behind to travel and find themselves, separately. I am looking for readers who read regularly and have an interest in mainstream fiction that crosses over to chick lit.
2. Gratitude. While I can’t pay you, I can thank you a thousand times.
If you’re interested, please either comment below with the title of the last book(s) you read or email me privately. Only volunteer if the premise interests you. I need a few more readers and will resort to names in a hat if necessary. I will contact you privately to let you know and appreciate the support given, even if it’s just a high-five for reaching this point!
oliviaobryon 
Girlie, I would love to read your book!! If you want “strangers” though, I understand. I can wait for the real deal. I’ve read 5 books since school got out: 2 for school and 3 for pleasure: Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok, Wild by Cheryl Stayed, and Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
p.s. I loved One Day!
Love your list of summer books! I emailed you 🙂
hmm, I think my most recent read was The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I’d love to read if you need someone you don’t know and have never met. 🙂
Night Circus is also a NaNoWriMo book– what did you think? I have it on my to-read list. I’d love to have a reader who doesn’t know me, I’ll definitely be in touch soon! Thanks! 😀
PS. Do you have an email address where I can contact you?
Hi Olivia! I would love to read your book, but my only thought is I don’t know if i have to right equip. to do the downloading you discribed. No problem with the $5.00. The last two books I have read; “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed and “A Fine Point” by Rohinton Mistry. I have been curious about your book for awhie… Have a good vacation!
Whoops, I meant “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry.
Thanks Elizabeth! I guess I should reword that– you wouldn’t have to pay anything, I’m just curious if after read you feel like it is something you wouldn’t regret paying for. If I’m going to self-publish, I want to make sure people are satisfied with what they pay for. You would read for free 🙂 Are you able to download PDFs? I think I’m going to throw names in hats, I’ll email or FB message you sometime soon! Thanks!
Olivia, I would love to read it! The last book I read was The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
Awesome, when I’m back in town I’ll be in touch 🙂
With my English level … I don’t dare! 😦 But I’ll buy your book whenever you publish it, for sure 🙂
I know the feeling… I wade through Spanish novels on a regular basis– hope my book is worth the wait!