Beta Female

Well, that's that. I finally finished the last of my edits of the alpha draft of the story. I can't help but feel a little anticlimactic, yet at the same time I'm nervous because as soon as I get enough cash together, I'm going to print out eight copies and send them to my beta readers along with the supplemental booklet for the final spin through the rock tumbler.

Since they're my friends, I know that they're not going to be cruel in their criticism or say anything hurtful but I can't get over this "stage fright"-like feeling in the pit of my stomach. I want them to like it, but I want them to honestly tell me if they don't like it because then I can more accurately judge the marketability of it and hopefully change it for the better. Also, I want to be able to tell potential publishers/agents that I'm not the only one who's gone over it with a fine tooth comb: I've had a group of people from ages 23-40, including both men and women, from all walks of life (Mary Kay consultant, video game developer, single mom, Starbucks manager, waitress, factory office worker, veterinary technician) go through it and they have deemed it acceptable. Or at least I hope they will.

I feel kind of nauseous.

Also seriously looking into an actual, professional website that will serve as an attempt to create an online presence for myself in the event I end up self-publishing. Even if I don't, I think potential publishers or bookstores that might stock my book would be encouraged to take a chance on someone who is an intelligent adult who's focused on her work (Please God don't let them find my Livejournal). A friend gave me a line on an inexpensive but good web hosting service and I have another friend who codes websites for "fun." Php, SQL, Rubyonrails...these things mean nothing to me. Last but not least, I'm putting feelers out to actual designers for graphics. This is exhausting. And I don't even know if this story's going to go anywhere yet.

On a completely unrelated topic that makes me so giddy I'm kind of lightheaded --- there is a possibility, however slim, that The George Romero might read Minor Side Effects. I'm not getting my hopes up, though.