WORDSMITHERS
WordSmithers is a program that focuses on cultivating a love of reading and writing in our youth by fostering a community of like-minded creatives. In a culture driven by technology, it is more important than ever to encourage young people in our lives to use their imagination.
IMAGINATION IS THE PATHWAY TO POSSIBILITIES.
Help Erin Everleigh get her books out into the world...
Learn what is needed to publish a book.
Use your critical reading and writing skills.
Use your imagination, be creative and have fun!
Join a team:
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The TEAMS will open again shortly, but we are accepting applications for the BETA TEAM and the RELEASE TEAM for BAILEX: volume 2. CLICK HERE
CURRENTLY CLOSED
BETA TEAM (Beta Readers)
A beta reader is a test reader. Many authors will ask other people to read their book and give feedback on it before it is published. It is very useful to the author to have unbiased feedback from the point of view of an average reader.
**You will be guided through the process with various questions throughout your reading.**
CURRENTLY CLOSED
RELEASE TEAM (Advanced Reviewers)
An Advanced Reviewer will receive an advance review copy of a book. This copy is a free, promotional edition of a book that is in the process of being published but has not yet been released. The book isn't in the final version yet, so it may be a bit different from the final published copy.
An author will use an advance review copy of his/her book to build excitement in readers, to acquire advanced reviews of the book, and to advertise/get the word out about his/her upcoming release.
Reviews that are already written and ready to go when a book is first published are extremely helpful to the author. These reviews will establish immediate credibility for the book and are a great way to spread the word to others about the newly published book.
**Resources are available HERE, to assist you in writing your review**
CURRENTLY CLOSED
MEDIA TEAM (THE COVER...would you pick it off a shelf?)
People often say not to "judge a book by its cover" but in reality that is exactly what we do when we are at a book store or library (physical locations or online) looking for our next read.
You will be asked to imagine that you are at the library or at the book store and you are looking for a new book to read. You will be shown 2 covers for the upcoming book. Would the covers that you are shown be ones that you would pick off the shelf?
**This a good exercise in understanding the influence that various media sources play in our lives, through the messages that they are created to portray.**
What are people saying...
Grade 7 teacher
A selected group of my seventh-grade students and I had the opportunity to participate as "beta readers" for a manuscript on a soon-to-be-published middle-grade novel. This real-world literary experience was of great interest and value to these young readers. They enthusiastically plunged into the story, with the knowledge that their critique and suggestions would be of real value to the author. Their feedback was thoughtful and insightful. The beta readers are looking forward to the publication of the novel and its sequel, and are proud of their contribution to the publishing process.
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Vance, age 10
It was really cool getting to read a book before it was even published. I did not want to put it down and found the story intriguing. Being part of the Beta Team and having a chance to share my thoughts on the book was something that I thought was a fun experience. I would definitely do this again.
Alexis, age 14
I loved reading Bailex! I really enjoyed being a beta reader and I am glad that I had this opportunity.