Lots of people said I need to get on and write the Highway Cello book. So I got on and wrote it.
The first draft, and first edit, are complete. (That’s not a real book cover you can see there, sorry).
I suppose now the real work starts – it’s a complicated process to get from here to a finished book in a bookshop.
So I’m looking for a few volunteers. It’s very hard to judge the worth of what we’ve written ourselves. The publishing industry calls them – I don’t know why – “beta readers”. A few people who will read the draft, and give critical feedback.
Would you like to do that for Highway Cello? I would be very grateful for a few volunteers. And you’d get your name in the book!!!
The only rule is you have to promise to give properly honest feedback – what worked, what didn’t work, did it make sense, did you want to turn the page or would you rather have put it down. Is the tone right – is it too serious, flippant, complicated, simplistic, episodic, discursive, ordinary, unbelievable, etc, etc. Did you cry? Did you laugh?
If you would like to help in this way – and get first sight of it all – please leave a comment, or send me an email.
Thanks!
I’d love to be one of your readers, Kenneth. Count me in!
With love,
Larry
Hi Kenneth
We met at your concert in Mayfield.
I’d be happy to be a reader – am an experienced editor and loved your account
but can apply constructive critical skills. Do count me in!
Christine Roberts
I honestly am interested in the whole project. However criticizing something I know so little about, the writing process, it is in everybody’s best interest for me to just anticipate the final book.
Thanks Fred!
I have no experience in this except I read a lot and would be willing to help.
Catherine Makepeace
Hi Kenny,
If I can be of help, I will.
I love storytelling.
I’m also a critical reader and have some experience editing.
Diane
Dear Kenneth,
I love you too much to give you my critical comments, which of course I would make plenty of and keep to myself. Seventy years on the earth have taught me this much… I am so impressed that you already have a draft, and look forward to reading it!
Love
Granny Sally
Haha! thanks Sally. I’ll keep you posted.
xx
I don’t see myself as a critic, but can not wait for the book. Good luck with the process.
Thanks Keith
Oh Ken, how delightful that you have a rough draft already. I wish I were a critical writer but am not, so will look forward to the book when it is ready.
Thanks Mary, your encouragement always appreciated!
That was a wonderful, and magnificent, response. Thanks to everyone! I’ve now got a lovely list of readers.
I will gladly give it a go with brutally honest praise and gentle questioning of the bits that toss me off.
I am by no means an editor but when a turn of phrase hits a speed bump I can take notice of that for you.
Best
Bob Morrow
It’s brilliant to see the project taking shape and as I’m looking forward to seeing the finished book in our local book shop. If you find you need anther reader I am happy to give honest and considered critical feedback.
Though, given my typos you might have some doubts!
Hi Kenneth:
Yes, I would love to read it & give feedback. Well done you sir.
Chris x
I’d love to read your draft, your adventure sounds so exciting..
Thank you everyone! I never expected quite such a generous response. I’ve now got a lovely long list of “beta readers” (I’m still trying to find out why they’re called that). So now I’m anxiously waiting for the feedback, and then we’ll decide where to go from here.
Watch this space!
Hi Kenneth,
I’ve recently completed the Via Francigena and the independent publishing journey too. I found York Publishing Services
http://www.yps-publishing.co.uk very honest, helpful and good value. My book “Walking on Holy Ground: a Pilgrimage on the Via Francigena and the Western Front from London to Laon” is in their on-line bookshop ypdbooks.com as well as on Amazon. Good luck with your project!