What is beta reading? How do you become a beta reader? And how do you get the most out of the feedback you receive from beta readers? Three indie authors come together for a rousing discussion, including some wild stories.

RK Ashwick (she/her) is the cozy fantasy author of the Lutesong series (beginning with The Stray Spirit) and the Side Quest Row series (beginning with A Rival Most Vial). You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy romance, and its sequel, Patchwork. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com

Noah Hawthorne (he/they) is the author of the queer fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook. You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com

What is it about rivals-to-lovers that makes readers ravenous for it? Five indie authors form a roundtable to discuss a favorite trope.

RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the cozy fantasy A Rival Most Vial and its sequel A Captured Cauldron, as well as the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit. You can connect with her at her website: rkashwick.com

S.O. Callahan (she/her) is the author of the Fella Enchanted cozy fantasy duology and co-author of the Fae and Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms. You can connect with her on instagram @s.o.callahan

Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the epic fantasy Thoraius Saga beginning with Swords and Seers and the romantasy series Fated Fae beginning with Fae’s Mate. You can connect with her at her website: lunadaye.com

Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena beginning with Phantom and Rook. You can connect with him at their website: neshamapublishing.com

Sarah Wallace (they/them) is the author of the cozy fantasy series Meddle and Mend beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street and co-author of the Fae and Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms. You can connect with them on instagram @sarah.wallace.writer

Move over holiday cheer, it’s time for holiday queer! Tess Carletta (she/her) interviews Jay Leigh (she/her) about the upcoming multi-author novella collection, Home for the Holidays, including found family, writing from a place of authenticity, mental illness representation in romance novels, and the necessity of a touch of darkness to make the light shine all the brighter.

Jay Leigh (she/her) is the author of Whisper into the Night, Checking Out, and sundry other mm romances featuring action, suspense, and spice. You can connect with her on instagram @jayelle_m and enter the Home for the Holidays giveaway at her website: authorjayleigh.com

Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy romance, and its sequel, Patchwork. You can connect with her at her website: tesscarletta.com