Many writing sites will tell you that when you ask someone to critique/beta read your work you should never ask your spouse or mum or anyone closely related to you. The reason for this is that they will most likely give you a biased view because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. I’m lucky enough to have both a spouse and mum who are very honest with me, and it’s something I appreciate, because I’m always openly honest (I’m a terrible liar).
I found my husband to be a fantastic sounding board in the drafting stage of my novel. I would ask his opinion on certain plot points, if he thought there was enough tension, if the ending was strong enough, etc. As yet he’s never actually sat down and read my novel. I thought in light of his usual honest opinions I would ask him to read my pitch for some feedback. This is our conversation:
Hubby (having just finished reading my pitch): Uh-huh
Me: So what did you think? Does it make you want to read the book?
Hubby: It’s about a girl.
Me (rolling my eyes): If the main character was a boy would you read it?
Hubby: I don’t read books. (This is true, he’s never been a reader and hasn’t read a novel since he was forced to in high school.)
Me: Pretend it’s for a movie, would you watch the movie?
Hubby: If the girl was hot.
Me: …
Hubby: Maybe you should ask someone else to read it. Someone who knows about this kind of thing.
All I can say is, thank goodness I have a great critique partner who does know about this kind of thing. Thanks Beth!
