At the “Back of the Theater” with Advanced Copy Readers

As a film director and producer, the coveted seats in a theater for film premieres are direct center and three seats to the right and left of that with a 360 degree view. However, when I desire real feedback before an official release, I want to be in the back of the theater without my presence being known. I love hearing the feedback, watching the audiences’ reactions and listening to the comments as the attendees leave the theater. I remember watching some of my films, in particular several times with various audiences, this way and noting the where the laughs happened, the audience leaned forward and what messages resonated with the different demographics. When my presence is known before an official release with distributors, such as at a film festival where a Q & A is conducted or audience members stand in line to do a meet and greet, the conversations are always enlightening and rewarding.

These focus groups and screenings are conducted for a variety of purposes created that will further ensure the success and reach of one’s film. Equally, an author needs similar “audience” review for his or her book.

The Beta readers vs. Advance Copy Readers Difference.

Beta readers read the book while it’s in progress. Sometimes self publishing authors exchange copies with fellow writers or give them to friends and families. However, critical review by experienced beta readers is a much more valuable means for input allowing the author to make corrections, change direction, develop further story lines or scenes, and nail down messaging that is may be required. We provide that competent beta readership to our authors.

Beta reader review is the equivalent of editors and others in the film industry giving a critical eye to the rough cut versions. You want the expertise of industry and trained eyes weighing in. Would I want general public members to view my initial rough cut? Absolutely not but to have the trained industry members to assist in review is imperative. Further, I don’t randomly put out my film’s rough cuts for the general public to see nor to individuals I don’t know. The same is true for your book. The creative, business, and legal ramifications are important to learn for authors who don’t know the why, when and circumstances. It is our responsibility, as your publisher, to protect, educate and coach, in addition to the actual publication of your book.

In contrast, an advance copy is prepared at the end of the writing and prior to its release. This is not the time to have these readers proofing, rewriting or changing your book’s direction. It’s true that adjustments in the story can be made if necessary but at this stage, an author should be clearly beyond any proofreading, questions, lack of clarity or doubt about his or her book. Our guidance and team’s expertise will lead you to the point where you are indeed ready and have prepared for this moment. Every detailed aspect of your book will have been covered before the advance copies go out.

We also specifically and strategically recruit advance copy readers for our authors. The advance copy readers will be potentials for business opportunities, speaking engagements, media, marketing, publicity, writing reviews, providing written praise, blogging and adding to the pre-release buzz about your book. The advance copy readers can be some of the author’s best ambassadors and thus, their selection is another benefit of working with an expert team.