Hi ,

As I write this the weather has definitely been getting colder, which is a wonderful excuse to curl up somewhere warm and read! And we've got an Odd One Out Giveaway this month if you need a new book.

Thanks to everyone who answered last month's Quick Question on themes for my upcoming book. It's clear all the themes I'm considering resonate with you, particularly an older heroine, and second chance romance - I'm glad to confirm that those two are definitely in there!

And thank you for all the name suggestions for the puppy in my new book. There were some great names, and she's going to be called Echo. Particular thanks to the person who suggested that - you know who you are, and you should have received a separate email from me.

This month's Quick Question is about where you buy ebooks. My books are available from a wide range of retailers, so whichever you use, you should be able to buy them.

If you're getting this newsletter for the first time, thank you for joining me. I send a newsletter around the middle of each month and in this issue you'll find:

• Behind the Scenes - Early Readers
  
• Quick Question - Which ebook retailer?
  
• Free Books - Odd One Out Giveaway
  
• October's Win an eReader competition
• Your Subscriber Freebies - and if you've read Strand of Faith, drop me a line and let me know what you thought.

One of the things that authors require when writing a book are early readers. There are several sorts:

Alpha readers  -  these read the book almost as it's being written. They take little notice of typos, but point out plot holes, or where characters are behaving inconsistently, or where there are continuity issues. They tell the author what they really like about the book - and what they don't. They may express views on what direction the book should take.

Beta readers  -  these read the finished book but probably before it goes to the editor. Again, they point out plot holes, character inconsistency, and continuity issues. They point out where the book doesn't work, and where it does.

ARC readers  -  this stands for Advance Reader Copy. These get to read the book after it's been edited and they have two functions. Firstly, to pick up any last minute typos, and secondly to write reviews and post them on the key retailer websites on the day of release.

Finally, there's the Street team. This is a group of readers who eagerly pre order the new book, or buy it on the day of release, who post reviews, and who tell all their friends about it.

I'll be looking for all these types of readers in a few months for my new book, so if that's something you'd be interested in, watch out for future newsletters!

Here's your chance to win a Kindle Fire Tablet, or a $60 voucher for the ebook retailer of your choice. The October competition is open, so enter now!

I'll be back next month - look out for a newsletter around the middle of the month.  In the meantime, take care, and happy reading.

If you're ready to move on to the rest of the Choices and Consequences series, grab them here.