Share

cover art for Beta Readers - Author Terry Stafford Reveals All!

Ladey Adey Show

Beta Readers - Author Terry Stafford Reveals All!

Ep. 11
What is Beta Reading and why is it a great tool for Authors?


Constructive feedback is great and now Authors can get this in the middle of their writing.



Author Terry Stafford talks to Ladey about how Beta Readers has helped him write his book Kentro.


Using a wonderful app from the guys at Beta Books Authors can put chapters up, when they are read for their Beta Readers to comments.


Those who love reading new books - Beta Books give them the opportunity to help authors.


Terry's book Kéntro is out Summer 2018. For more information go to Terry Stafford's website.


Listen to the insights Terry gives to the process of Beta Reading and let us know of your experience of Beta Reading ladey@ladeyadey.com

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 32. Ladey Adey and Sheila Holt talk books - Trust is the New Currency

    20:19
    In this episode, Ladey Adey is joined by Sheila Holt.Sheila’s personality shines through in her business, which is unique in the finance sector as it specialises in building lifelong relationships, trust, and communication. It’s the finance business with heart. Sheila’s lightness and brightness of character together with her high energy, drive, and passion take the serious and often overcomplicated business of finance and turn it into something that flows with ease and clarity.Sheila recognises that she’s both an outlier and a disrupter, which means that the standard career path never suited her – a discomfort that led her to a life-changing moment. Attending a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) course in Hawaii opened her mind to entrepreneurship and gave her a completely different direction and purpose in life. Fascinated by how people think, Sheila developed a coaching practice utilising NLP to help her clients achieve clarity, focus, and success. During this time Sheila was also actively investing in property. The big lesson she learned from building a sizable portfolio was that in the property industry money needs to flow.In 2007, she loaned some of her own money to a property developer, recognising a need in the market. This was the first step to building what is now Sapphire Lending Ltd. The business has evolved and grown over the years and she’s in the fortunate position of having attracted a great team, strong advisors, and good systems. All this was accomplished by applying the theories, practices, and actions outlined in her book. Shelia talks of the 40,000 lessons this is teaching her.Sheila has a postgraduate degree in career counselling and an MA in research and education. She revels in being an entrepreneur and sees it as one of the greatest personal development journeys you can go on. She is a lifelong learner. Tip: "I think writing is a very personal thing. I naturally write from the heart, emotively.It is about recognising who your readers are – who do you want to read your writings, and why? How do you want your readers to feel; what do you want them to do as a result of reading what you have written?Also think about the key message(s) you want to convey.Be clear about how you want your writing to position you – as a thought leader; an expert; a speaker; a mentor; etc"Favourite Quote: “Only connect the passion and the prose…” from Howards End by E M Forster  Useful linksGuests: Sheila HoltWebsite: www.SapphireLending.com Book: https://amzn.to/3LESr07 Social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/sheila.holt.9210LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sheilaholt007 Instagram: https://instagram.com/sapphirelending  Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 29. Ladey Adey and David Rogers talk about "Fuelled Fit and Fired UP"

    14:15
    In this episode, Ladey Adey is joined by David Rogers.David is Chief Business Narrator at Fuelled, Fit and Fired Up. He passionately believes every business has untapped potential, a best-selling success story yet to be written. Using a childlike curiosity to explore the solutions to business challenges, David works with you to create the narrative that allows your people and business to thrive.With an inquisitive nature about people and business, coupled with working for industry-leading organisations, has allowed David to learn from the best. After a successful corporate career, working across many business functions, David set up Fuelled, Fit and Fired Up to share his knowledge and help people, businesses, and communities thrive.Along with this journey came David's book, Fuelled Fit and Fired UP – Unleash the Power of a Healthy life.Toward the end of 2019, David made the decision to change his own lifestyle, addressing diet and exercise. Through the pandemic, David shared recipes, exercises, and tips and tricks that were aiding his new healthier lifestyle. During a writing experience with Michael Heppel the title and first chapter came to life. Tips: "When writing my book I found reading more than usual helped my process. I tend to read business, self-development, and biographies, but I have recently started reading fiction which has triggered my creativity again, helping me think differently about life’s challenges"Favourite Quote: "Do What You Love, Love What You Do"Useful linksGuest: David RogersWebsite: http://www.fuelledfitandfiredup.com/Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/FUELLED-FIT-FIRED-UP-UNLEASH-ebook/dp/B094RC545Q Social media:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fuelled-fit-and-fired-up-ltd/https://www.facebook.com/fuelledfitandfiredup/https://twitter.com/fuelledfitfired Song mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm6DO_7px1I  Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 28. Fiona Myles THIS IS ME – No Darkness Too Deep, from addiction, prostitution and challenges to Christian life and hope

    12:19
    In this episode, Ladey Adey and the book academy are joined by author Fiona Myles.Fiona Myles, born in the mid-60s is married to the amazing Brian, a gorgeous redhead. They share one daughter, Georgie, and a son, Connor.They have called Manchester home for the past 18 years.Fiona started writing and telling stories at a fairly young age, her Mum bought me a typewriter when she was eight or nine years old. From there she battered away at that little typewriter day in and day out. Fast forward 45 years and the laptop has become her new typewriter. Fiona has found her passion as an author and blogger has reignited with a strong desire to bring hope in an awful time called “Lockdown”.Fiona has a series of books including,THIS IS ME – No Darkness Too DeepTHIS IS ME – I’m AdoptedADOPTION TRAUMA – Latest BookTHIS IS ME - No Darkness Too Deep tells Fiona's story of becoming a Christian from a challenging background of addiction, prostitution, and difficulty. Fiona felt her story could inspire and help to change their life.THIS IS ME - I'm Adopted. Fiona talks about her experiences being adopted as a child, her struggles with fertility, and how life went full circle when she adopted her daughter.Fiona hopes that by sharing her story she can let people know that whatever the challenge, there is a pathway through the dark times. For Fiona, this was becoming a Christian.With more books hinted at, we look forward to what is to come for Fiona and "Adopted and Angry"....Top Tip, " Focus , focus, focus. On both reading what you can and determining yourself to write every day regardless of how you feel. Get someone alongside you that’s not afraid to tell you your writing is not great and work towards making it great. Invest in yourself" - wise words!  Useful linksGuest: Fiona MylesWebsite: https://www.fionamylesauthor.com/Social media:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-myles-960470226/https://www.facebook.com/fionamylesauthorhttps://twitter.com/FionaMyles5  Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 30. Sandra Peachey to Lady Adey about 10 years of writing Peachey Letters – Love Letters to Life

    19:52
    In this episode, Ladey Adey is joined by Sandra Peachey.Ladey and Sandra met through networking. This episode, recorded on 14th February 2023 - Valentine's Day celebrates the 10th anniversary of the book Peachey Letters – Love Letters to Life. Originating from a blog in 2012, Sandra is celebrating this milestone by recording and releasing her first audiobook. Sandra has always felt she was a writer. As a small child when learning my words, she would imitate her father's grown-up, joined up-hand-writing, creating wobbly, meaningless versions of her own.Sandra confesses an obsession with people-watching. At the age of 11, she read psychology books and would peer over their pages on the bus ride to school, checking out the other passengers, and trying to read THEM, too.As years passed by, Sandra managed to combine a corporate career as a Human Resources expert: managing people, whilst crafting precisely written policies and perfectly polished letters.In her 40s Sandra had a happy mid-life crisis, took a pause from the Corporate world, and trained as a life and business coach. At the same time she became a Director of the Women's Personal Development community 'Damsels in Success' (now known as Simply Sisterhood), running groups in England and Scotland for over 5 years.Nervously, in February 2012 she began a blog called 'Peachey Letters', setting herself the challenge of writing a love letter to the world every day of February. Tip: "My first piece of advice to would be writers is simply to start and keep going! What you write and how you write will depend on why you write. As for me, well - I write for myself, first and foremost. I read broadly in fiction and self-fiction to keep my mind exercised and energised. Whilst there is a temptation to make comparisons, I always remind myself that only I can write the words I write" - Sandra Peachey.Favourite Quote: “So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!”J M Barrie – Peter Pan Useful linksGuests: Sandra PeacheyWebsite: http://www.sandrapeachey.co.ukBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Peachey-Letters-Love-Life/dp/1908746718/Social media:  https://www.facebook.com/LifeWorkCC/https://twitter.com/SandiePeacheyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-peachey-33813810/ Podcast Freebie: The first five people to email Sandra at sandrapeachey.co.uk confirming they have heard the podcast, will receive a signed, free copy of the Peachey Letters paperback version Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 31. John David & Ana Gabriel Mann and Ladey Adey “The Go-Giver Marriage”

    46:22
    In this episode, Ladey Adey is joined by not just one guest but two, John David & Ana Gabriel Mann.John David Mann is the co-author of more than 30 books, including four New York Times bestsellers and five national bestsellers. His classic 2008 parable The Go-Giver (co-authored with Bob Burg) earned the 2017 Living Now Book Award’s “Evergreen Medal” for its “contribution to positive global change.”Ana Gabriel Mann, M.A., earned her degree in clinical psychology before going on to serve as an educator, therapist, corporate trainer, speaker, and coach. She currently coaches Go-Giver Marriage clients and leads the Go-Giver Marriage Coaches Training Program, training coaches from around the globe.John and Ana have been dreaming about writing “The Go-Giver Marriage” together for nearly two decades.Favourite Quote: “As you wish” (last line of The Princess Bride)Get busy Living or get busy Dying ShawshankDon’t call me Stupid A fish Called WandaUseful linksGuests: John David & Ana Gabriel MannWebsite: https://gogivermarriage.com/?Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Go-Giver-Marriage-Little-Secrets-Lasting-ebook/dp/B09934457K Social media:  linkedin.com/in/johndavidmannhttps://thegogiver.com/tgg-marriage/https://twitter.com/JohnDavidMannhttps://www.facebook.com/johndavidmannlinkedin.com/in/ana-gabriel-mann  Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 27. Downs Syndrome Advocate Eleanor Baggaley introduces her books Ava The Mermaid, Oscar the Dragon and Maya The Unicorn

    18:21
    In this episode, Ladey Adey is joined by author Eleanor Baggaley.Eleanor is a qualified transformational mindset coach, a busy mum to three children, a carer for my youngest who has Down syndrome, a wife, and a published author.Eleanor admits to hiding her books and the fear that sharing such a personal book could be judged. Eleanor goes on to share "The sense of achievement you feel after publishing a book is more than words can describe. Whether it’s your first, fifth, or fifteenth, it feels immense".Eleanor talks us through her journey from a maths teacher to an author with multiple books in different series. Each series is inspired by one of Eleanor's children, Maya, Oscar and Ava. Ava the MermaidAva the Mermaid goes to hospitalMaya the UnicornOscar the DragonOscar the Dragon cleans his teethBecoming the GOATAva the Mermaid series has found recognition from a National Charity for how it supports children and parents who find themselves on a journey with Downs Syndrome diagnosis. Eleanor was asked to write a health-related book during the first lockdown to help children understand the separation they were facing. Ava the Mermaid goes to the hospital was created and shares the experiences of Ava and her siblings during her heart surgery. With more books in the pipeline, we look forward to hearing about Becoming the GOAT which will be co-written with Eleanor's teenage daughter. Top Tip, "Write from the heart and if you feel overwhelmed, take a break to reconnect with yourself".Favourite Quote: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid"Useful linksGuest: Eleanor BaggaleyWebsite: https://eleanorbaggaley.com/  Book: https://eleanorbaggaley.com/shop  Social media:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorbaggaley/https://www.facebook.com/eleanorbaggaleyauthorhttps://twitter.com/ebaggaley  Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 26. Carol Harris talks about her books, NLP and writing tips

    18:35
    In this episode, Ladey Adey is joined by author Carol Harris.Carol lives in mid-Wales with her husband, she has been writing since she was a young child, has published and edited several magazines, house journals, and had books published for over 25 years.Carol has been self-employed since 1986 and runs various businesses, with her main business helping people generate a second income, part-time, from home, with a global health company. Carol coaches and mentors them in personal and business skills with much work based on NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). NLP has been woven through Carol's life for some time, she used to Chair the Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming and edit their magazine Rapport. Carol also does voluntary work in educational establishments and runs a monthly NLP group for retired people.We hear about a few of Carol's books including Words Speak for Themselves – about writing and language. Lessons from the Speechless (about business), Chats with Comestibles (about personal effectiveness).All books are humorous and are pure dialogue; as Carol says, they are "discussions between me and inanimate objects – and the ‘Chat’s book is all about food and has ‘recipes’"Tips: Reading – do as much as you can and, if you don’t have much time, do what I do, which is keep books in the loo and read each time you’re there – it adds up!Writing – only do it if you enjoy it – otherwise, get someone else to do it for you.Fabourite Quote: "If you always do what you’ve always done, you always get what you’ve always got" - Credited to Henry Ford and Anthony RobbinsUseful linksGuest: Carol HarrisWebsite: https://www.carolharris.ukBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Words-Speak-Themselves-improve-inanimate/dp/095205406X Social media: Twitter: linkedin.com/in/carolharrisuk Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 25. Dr Amy Jeffs joins the Book Academy chatting with Ladey Adey about Storyland A New Mythology of Britain and WILD: Tales form Early Medieval Britain

    46:43
    In this episode, Ladey Adey and the members of The Book Academy are joined by Dr Amy Jeffs.Dr Amy Jeffs is an art historian and artist, with a PhD in Art History from the University of Cambridge. She has researched at the British Museum and worked in the British Library in the department of Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern manuscripts. Amy talks through her thoughts and feelings behind her book "Storyland A New Mythology of Britain and WILD: Tales form Early Medieval Britain" - It's not straight history but magical realism. It was important to Amy to include places that people could visit and explore.Amy now based in Somerset, UK. Often her writing is accompanied by her own linocut and wood-engraved prints.Amy's Writing Tip: Find a subject matter which makes your heart leap with mischief. It’s fruitless writing about something you don’t find inspiring. Favourite Quote: ‘Life is very sweet, brother; who would wish to die? There's the wind on the heath, brother; if I could only feel that, I would gladly live for ever.’ George Borrow, LavengroUseful linksGuest: Amy JeffsWebsite: Amyjeffshistoria.com Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Storyland-Mythology-Britain-Amy-Jeffs/dp/1529408008 Social media: Twitter: @amy_historia  Instagram: @historia_prints  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hA7Xf3_JfI Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk
  • 24. Sarah McGeough author of The Flamingo Family Series - Eddy Finds A Family - covering adoption

    18:15
    In this episode, Ladey Adey talks with Sarah McGeough author of Eddy Finds a Family and Eddy feels at Home.Sarah lives on the South Coast with her husband and adoptive son. She is a successful self-published author, a qualified personal performance coach and loves to help new writers ‘release their inner author' through her book coaching. Sarah wants to make a difference. Her tenacity, drive, and passion ensure that she is a driving force that helps children and parents understand the sensitive subject of adoption.The Flamingo Family was created with a vision to be engaging, with vibrant characters that help support adoptive families, so that fostering, and adoption can be discussed more openly with young children.Eddy Finds a Family and Eddy Feels at Home are the first two books in The Flamingo Family book series, which bring to life the important and emotional journey of adoption in a colourful, uplifting, and honest way.Sarah was delighted to get reviews on both books from Adoption UK and an endorsement for her second. Dr Sue Armstrong-Brown, CEO of Adoption UK, wrote these reviews for each book.Eddy Finds a Family "This heart-warming story gently explores the path to adoption for both parents and children. Told through a colourful set of characters, this simple narrative will help a child identify and express their thoughts and feelings about their own adoption journey"Eddy Feels at Home “So many people will recognise the huge mix of emotions Eddy Emu feels as he moves in with his new family. The latest story about Eddy’s journey helps to understand and explain the ups and downs in the early stages of adoption”.Sarah also offers free short stories via her websitewww.theflamingofamily.co.uk which follows Eddy Emu on new and exciting adventures as he continues his adoption journey with Flossy and Frank Flamingo.So next time you see a Flamingo - think Adoption and of Sarah!Sarah's favourite quote: “All our dreams can come true if we have the courageto pursue them” – Walt DisneySarah's Top tip: Find someone to be accountable too who will help you write and also plan in time to write.Useful linksGuest: Sarah McGeoughWebsite: http://www.theflamingofamily.co.uk/Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eddy-Finds-Family-Sarah-McGeough/dp/1838276742/ Social media: https://twitter.com/flamingo_familyhttps://www.facebook.com/theflamingofamilybook/ Ladey Adey: https://www.ladeyadey.com/ Book Academy: https://www.ladeyadey.com/the-book-academy/ Vicky Galbraith - Podcast VA: www.podcastva.co.uk

Comments