Greetings and welcome to another edition of Editor AMA! I asked my followers on Instagram if they had any questions for me about writing, editing, or publishing. Without further ado, let's explore the queries that have sparked your interest.
(Jump to a question by clicking the links below.)
Should I provide a recap of the series so far at the beginning of my book?
Including a recap at the beginning of your book can be a helpful way to jog your readers' memories, especially if it's been a while since they last read the previous instalment in your series. Whether you choose to place the recap in a foreword, preface, or prologue, it can aid readers in immersing themselves back into the story without feeling lost.
This approach has been met with positive feedback from readers, and it's becoming more common among authors, particularly in serialized storytelling. Comic books, like those from Marvel, often include recaps at the start of each issue, and it’s an idea that translates well to novels, too.
Your recap can be as brief as a single paragraph, or you could make it more engaging by writing it from the perspective of a character. For instance, in Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor, the book starts with a letter from the Odi Library Collective of Leopard Knocks', which helps set the stage for the story. Whether you go for a straightforward summary or something more creative, a well-done recap can enhance the reading experience without detracting from the main narrative.
Does romance have to have a Happily Ever After?
Certain genres come with specific expectations. In thrillers, readers expect a crime to kick off the action, while mysteries need to wrap up with justice. Similarly, in romance, a third-act break-up and subsequent happily ever after (HEA) are what many readers look forward to.
As a writer, you have the creative freedom to tell your story however you like. But it’s worth noting that knowing your genre and its conventions is key from a marketing standpoint. Retailers categorize books by genre, and readers typically search for books within specific genres based on what they’re in the mood for. If you label your book as a romance but choose not to include a HEA, you risk disappointing readers who picked up your book expecting that satisfying conclusion.
However, if your story includes romantic elements but doesn’t follow the typical romance structure, consider categorising it as another genre with a romantic subplot. This way, you manage readers’ expectations and are less likely to face backlash for not delivering a HEA. Ultimately, it’s about being transparent with your audience and ensuring your book finds its way to the right readers.
What is a book playlist?
A book playlist is a collection of songs that an author curates to accompany their book. These playlists, often shared on platforms like Spotify or YouTube, can serve various purposes. Some authors create them to capture the atmosphere or tone of their story, while others may use them to highlight the music that inspired specific scenes during the writing process.
Book playlists can offer readers a deeper connection to the narrative. For instance, if a scene features characters dancing to a particular song, the playlist allows readers to listen to that song and experience the moment as the author envisioned it. Some readers enjoy listening to these playlists while they read, as it enhances their understanding of the story's mood or emotional impact.
However, it’s worth noting that book playlists are entirely optional. Many authors create them for personal use during the writing process and may or may not choose to make them public once the book is published. Whether or not you decide to create a playlist won’t necessarily impact how your book is received. It’s simply an additional layer of engagement that some authors—and readers—enjoy. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if a book playlist is something that complements your creative process and adds value to your readers’ experience.
Is it okay to review/rate a book if you DNF it?
I know this might stir up some debate, but in my opinion, yes—it’s perfectly okay to rate or review a book even if you didn’t finish it. While some people argue that you need to read the entire book to provide an accurate review, I believe that your experience with the portion you did read is still valid and worth sharing.
There are many reasons someone might put down a book before finishing it, and those reasons can be incredibly useful to other potential readers. If you stopped reading because of poor editing, an offensive joke, a bland storyline, or misleading marketing, these are all legitimate critiques that can help others decide whether the book is right for them. Even if you didn’t reach the final page, your perspective can still contribute to the conversation around the book.
It's also important to remember that a DNF doesn’t automatically mean a negative review. You can acknowledge that a book is well-written or has merit, but simply wasn’t for you. For example, I once started a book that I realised was aimed at a middle-grade audience, which wasn’t what I was looking. I DNF’d it around 30%, but I still gave it a positive review because, despite not being the target audience, I could appreciate that it was well-written and would likely be enjoyable for younger readers.
So, if you feel strongly about why you didn’t finish a book, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Your review can offer valuable insights to other readers and contribute to a more honest and diverse discussion about the book.
When is the best time to work with beta readers? After how many drafts?
There's no definitive "right" time to start working with beta readers; betas can be valuable at almost any stage of your writing process. If you're confident in the direction of your story, you might want to keep writing until you hit a point where you feel stuck or uncertain. At that stage, a beta reader can provide feedback that helps you regain momentum and refine your story.
For some writers, this might mean asking a beta reader to review your manuscript while it's still in the first draft phase—especially if you’re looking for guidance on where to take the story next. Others might prefer to complete a full draft, revise it on their own, and then turn to beta readers for a second round of feedback.
In my own experience, my betas usually see my second, third, and fourth drafts. By then, I’ve ironed out many of the initial kinks and can benefit from each level of fresh perspective on how to improve the story further. Ultimately, the best time to involve beta readers is when you feel their input would be most beneficial to your writing process.
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