Would you like to be a Beta Reader for FINDING VERITY

Faith Friese Nelson (Level 5) ~ 6/27/2012 7:39 PM

I continue to make progress with my current novel, FINDING VERITY. Current word count is 87,278 words. I expect it to come in between 90,0000-100,000 words.

The idea for FINDING VERITY germinated a few years ago during a MP logline contest.

I have decided to use Beta readers for FINDING VERITY. I did not use Beta readers for WINDFALL and I think the story would have been improved if I had. I plan on getting FINDING VERITY to Beta readers by the end of the summer.

A Beta reader reads a draft of the novel, answers a questionnaire about the story and provides comments. It is not a quest for compliments but a way to find out where the novel needs improvement. There will be no money involved but, if you participate, your name will be included in the “Acknowledgments.”

Here is what FINDING VERITY is about…

FINDING VERITY is a coming-of-age story about a boy named Puck Scarsi.

In 1992 thirteen year old Puck lives in a slum apartment in New York City. When abandoned by his mother, he befriends Finn, a homeless man who lives in the dark subway tunnels. Finn takes Puck to social services and they place Puck in a foster home.

But Puck is abused in the foster home so he runs away. After being beaten by a gang in Central Park, he ends up in a hospital. After being released from the hospital, he is adopted by a family in rural New Jersey.

Fast forward to 2003. Puck is 23 and a published novelist and, although successful, he lives like a pauper in the same building he lived in when he was 13.

One day Puck rescues Emma, an 80-something widow and a retired psychologist, from an attack in Central Park. Emma’s major regret in life is that she never had children.

The story centers on Puck’s friendship with Emma. With the exception of Emma, Puck has no friends, and he is jealous of Emma’s friends. When Emma encourages Puck to move out of his slum apartment, he purchases a flat two floors above Emma. Emma suggests he invites his adopted family to see his new home but he refuses.

Though Puck’s first novel was a success, no one knows what he wrote because Puck writes under a pen name. Puck guards his privacy with a vengeance and refuses to tell Emma his pen name, but she vows to figure it out.

Puck’s publisher wants to publish Puck’s second novel but threatens to drop him as an author because Puck refuses to autograph books in bookstores.

As Puck come to grips with his past, he must learn to trust, but also learn there is little he can control.

Puck’s story will give the reader an insight into why some people become homeless. They might begin to understand why some people prefer darkness to light.

If you are interested in becoming a Beta reader for FINDING VERITY, please let me know.

Masoud Soheili (Level 4) ~ 6/27/2012 11:54 PM

Good idea!~
I'm so slow in reading English and 87,278 words is too much for me,
But wish you bests and hope this way will help you to edit your story.
I like your story BTW,
Congratz

Kirk White (Level 5) ~ 6/28/2012 11:37 AM

always down for beta...just let me know how I can help...

Denise Jewell (Level 4) ~ 6/28/2012 3:01 PM

I'm happy to be a reader. I really liked the bit you worked out in your short script "Spelunker" and am anxious to read more. I also have a 17 year old daughter who would probably read as well. She's been going through books like crazy this summer and I know she'd love to be able to help out with something "in development".

Faith Friese Nelson (Level 5) ~ 6/29/2012 12:04 PM

Beta readers will most likely receive a copy of FINDING VERITY sometime in August or September.

Zach Jansen (Level 4) ~ 7/4/2012 4:28 PM

If it's not too late, sign me up.

Faith Friese Nelson (Level 5) ~ 7/5/2012 9:04 AM

Zack, I'll contact you when it's ready for distribution... August or September if I meet my goal. Later if I don't.

Faith Friese Nelson (Level 5) ~ 8/21/2012 5:48 PM

Getting closer...

Anyone else interested in volunteering? If so, please send me an email.

Thanks.

Reginald McGhee (Level 0) ~ 8/21/2012 5:57 PM

I'll read a copy of your this if you wish. I enjoyed the intrduction you given us at the begnning of this thread.

Reginald McGhee (Level 0) ~ 8/21/2012 5:59 PM

I mean I'll read a copy for for Finding Verity if you wish.

Faith Friese Nelson (Level 5) ~ 8/21/2012 6:37 PM

R M, I'd love for you to read it. Please email your mailing address to me. Thanks.

Richard Martz (Level 3) ~ 8/21/2012 8:54 PM

Faith, what is the drop deadline date from date of receipt of copy (or # of days from receipt of copy) for the beta read, including answers to questionnaire, and comments? In other words, are you wanting beta reader to turn it around in 10 days, 20 days, or other?

Faith Friese Nelson (Level 5) ~ 8/22/2012 6:10 AM

RM, I'm asking everyone to have it back to me within a month.

Denise Jewell (Level 4) ~ 9/5/2012 12:34 AM

Faith - I recieved the package today. Looking forward to the read!

Kirk White (Level 5) ~ 9/5/2012 8:59 AM

got it yesterday; looking forward to it...