Beta reader program launched

TRENTON – Writers and readers are two sides of the same coin; you can’t have one without the other.

That relationship is highlighted with the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library’s new Beta Reader Spot which is based at the Trenton branch but accessible across all branches.

The Beta Reader Spot program lets writers submit unpublished manuscripts of all genres for reading and feedback from volunteers. Program details are available at the Trenton branch website at http://parl.ns.ca/locations/ trenton.php.

The official launch was held Saturday, Nov. 26 with an enthusiastic group of writers and readers on hand.

Marianne Guimond White dropped off the first official manuscript with her untitled novel of love, suspense and intrigue.

“I can’t believe it, I think it’s just awesome,” Guimond White said of the program. “As a writer you want opinions from other people, what they think about it.”

The Beta Reader program is the brainchild of Thekla Altmann, Trenton branch assistant. She said she remembers needing to have readers for her work and believes this program will be very valuable.

“It feels like this is the right time,” she said. “I want to encourage writers also to be readers...We also learn something about our own writing when we’re readers.”

Altmann said she’s already had several inquiries about how to participate and hopes it continues to grow across the PARL branches.

Guimond White said she believes it will.

“I can see this exploding,” she said.