So here I am. Sitting at my desk, coffee going lukewarm, staring down the full-manuscript feedback for Echoes of Oria, and wondering how many open tabs is too many.
The answer is… more than I currently have.
Because let me tell you: beta reader feedback is gold—but collecting it? Organizing it? Actually using it without getting lost in the weeds?
That part’s a mess.
The Joy and Chaos of Beta Notes
I sent Echoes of Oria out to a group of wonderful, smart, insightful beta readers. People who genuinely want to help this story shine.
And they delivered. Boy, did they deliver.
Only… they delivered in about seven different formats.
- One reader commented directly in a Google Doc. Bless them.
- Another emailed me a bulleted list. (Also helpful!)
- Someone annotated a PDF and sent it with the subject line: “Sorry this is a little chaotic lol.”
It’s like running a writers’ room where nobody knows what episode we’re on.
Why I’m Trying to Standardize (Before I Lose My Mind)
I love getting notes. I really do. It’s that feeling of, “Ah! You got it!” Or “Oof, okay, I need to rethink that scene.” Feedback is how Echoes becomes the best version of itself.
But what I don’t love?
- Digging through email chains to find That One Comment someone made about Cora realizing she’s been talking to ghosts the entire time
- Cross-referencing ebook notes with the actual manuscript, because the page numbers don’t line up
- Doing seven partial editing passes because I missed something the first six times
So I’m making a change.
Google Docs to the Rescue?
I’m officially leaning into Google Docs for my next round of edits.
Why?
- Everyone sees the same version. No more “which draft are you on?”
- Comment threading. Readers can bounce off each other’s insights. (And sometimes fix issues for me before I have to.)
- Suggestion mode. Easy to spot changes, and I can accept or reject them as needed.
- No lost feedback. No mystery attachments, no inbox scavenger hunts. Just one doc, one link, one happy writer.
Other Tools I’m Eyeing (Because Let’s Be Honest, I Like Options)
- Google Forms: Thinking about sending a feedback form with targeted questions—especially for thematic stuff or big picture reactions.
- StoryOrigin / BetaBooks: I’ve heard great things about centralized beta platforms, and I might explore those for future projects.
- Spreadsheets: I’m now tracking feedback by category (character, pacing, worldbuilding, etc.) to spot patterns without feeling overwhelmed.
Editing Is Hard Enough—The Process Shouldn’t Be
Echoes of Oria is deeply personal. It’s magic and love and found family. It’s grief and busting the bad guys and growing into the woman you’re meant to be. I want to do it justice.
But trying to make meaningful revisions while juggling scattered, uncoordinated feedback? That’s not helping anyone—not me, and not the story.
So I’m gently nudging my amazing beta readers toward a new system. One that saves everyone time, cuts down confusion, and gives the next book, Crone of Oria, (if you’re curious) the focus it deserves.
If You’re Also in the Beta Trenches…
You’re not alone. Whether you’re in the early draft phase or neck-deep in revisions, know this:
- You can set boundaries and expectations. It’s not bossy. It’s smart.
- You don’t have to implement every note. Curate. Protect your voice.
- You’re allowed to say, “Hey, could you use the doc instead?” and nobody will think less of you.
At least that’s what I’m hoping!
So I’m curious: 📚 What’s your system for handling beta feedback?
📄 Are you a Google Docs convert or a PDF purist?
💌 Or are you still deep in inbox chaos like I was?
Drop a comment and let me know. Let’s crowdsource some sanity-saving strategies.