Looking for a third pair of eyes...

and a fresh new opinion.

I'm not going to go around the internet begging or wasting my time but I thought I would post where I think I'm most read (maybe) and where I know that people I know check relatively often. Probably.

Anyway, I am looking for an extra person (or people) to edit and offer their opinion on Half Blood. I have been writing it for two years and so far have only had Steve (my boyfriend) as my editor and he has been with me every step of the way to tell me what makes sense and what doesn't but since I am going back and rewriting a bunch of it I need a fresh pair of eyes, someone who doesn't know the future of the characters and the hidden secrets--someone who doesn't know the characters but would like to get to know them.

I know I ask a lot by putting this out there and I know I take a great risk but I'm not asking because I'm lazy or because I want attention. I'm asking because I am considering sending it to a publisher and I want it to be in good form whether it is 100% perfect or only 70%. I'm asking for help.



What I am looking for:

1. Someone who is familiar with the fantasy genre but not biased. I'm not Tolkein's biggest fan but I do respect him and a number of fantasy writers. I don't expect to be a next Tolkein or George R Martin and my work certainly isn't like theirs in any form or fashion. So someone who is open to a different type of story and a different take on the genre would be an angel from Angels Inc. And no, that isn't a strip club... I think...
   
2. You aren't required to be a genius with grammar and spelling though that would be a plus. I use spell check and word to double check everything but sometimes the computer doesn't know everything. If you know a great deal that would be awesome, but if not that's okay too.
3. I have been writing Half Blood for two years. I have the series nearly complete. I am rewriting the beginning and adding things but I basically would not lag behind in sending you chapters or posting them. I'm not looking for someone who will give up everything to make time for me but I am asking that you make sure you HAVE the time to help. I really can't wait a couple months to get feedback about one chapter.
4. I'm not looking for a strict art editor but I am looking for someone who may be able to offer opinions as to where I might be able to add illustrations if the ideas I already have are lacking. I dunno maybe I've only drawn 3 illustrations but you thought one part might be better illustrated and more important to the book than one I decided to do instead. I will have art in the book so its important.
5. I can't pay you. I really don't have the money to pay someone. I'm asking for help as a friend or a peer, and yeah as a professional but I really can't afford to "hire" someone. I am, however, willing to exchange critiques and opinions if you have something you would like to get opinions on. I'm not very good at critiquing writing in terms of technical things but I hope that I might be able to help.
   
6. Friends and Aquaintances only. Please. I really would like to seek help in someone I trust and someone whom I can share this work with in confidence. I have had too many friends screwed over, and I've had my own ideas copied or taken in the past. So if you're a fan, I'm sorry, but if you'd really like to help, send me something that says you are legit. I know its a pain to ask proof but its that important to me. I ask that anyone helping me not share any information with the outside world. I'd really like to keep it within a certain circle until it is published.
7. The story is for a more mature audience. It is dark fantasy, and involves more mature themes so I would prefer it if you were older than 13 or 14. I also don't want anyone to be offended so if you aren't comfortable reading about that stuff (even though its kind of hard to avoid it in the real world) then don't volunteer. I really don't want to hear about how unreligious characters are or how cruel they are or if smoking or drinking is bad. These aren't the kind of characters that put on shows for anyone who approves. If you want more details I can't give them here but I am willing to discuss them privately.
8. A downside: you get to see the book before its published, and its possible it might not be published at all. I may have to self publish it. Don't feel obligated to stick around for all of the stories but I may ask you again when I move onto the next volume, or I may ask for an extra opinion if I decide to change something or self publish it. Don't just volunteer to be nice and then blow me off. If you don't want to be a part of it anymore just say so. Don't leave me hanging. Also, I will share some art on Deviantart and on the blog and website but the story itself will not be shared until it is in print. That being said if you really don't want to spoil it for yourself don't volunteer. It's always a risk and its kind of unavoidable. Part of this is so I can explain things that need explained and get feedback onto where to develop things a little more for it to make sense. So I won't spare you any details unless its necessary to keep it secret. :)

That's all I can think of right now, feel free to ask me any more questions and if you are interested please send me an e-mail via modernreaper @ gmail. com (take out the spaces)

Or comment here, but I'd prefer a private e-mail :)