I essentially rewrote my entire book. Let’s face it, all our first drafts look like the after-effects of a few confetti-filled balloons, popping one after the other. Beautiful? Could be. A mess? Definitely. 

And I’m pretty sure my first editor, who did a brilliant job might I add, did not want to read my second draft, purely out of fear of gauging her eyes out. 

So, I found a few beta readers and a developmental editor on Fiverr, and sent my second draft to them. 

Waiting for their feedback was exciting and daunting at the same time.

I asked them what they thought about my characters and plot. 

Having others read your work is eye-opening, especially as a first-time author. 

They have read books upon books. The good ones, the shitty, soon-to-be good ones (ehm ehm), the ones that need a well-rounded love interest (ehm ehm, mine again). 

I found their insights quite helpful and they made helpful suggestions. (Their validation alone sent me buzzing if I’m being honest)

Basically, having a second, third, or however many pairs of eyes on your story, allows you, the author, to view the story from different angles as well!