Beta reader comments This is gold. Specific examples like this are what really make this book valuable. The way you explain other town's success stories is very effective. It reinforces your message !! rich in content, full of notable lines and big aha moments It does make me want to get up off my butt I feel called out, haha. How inspiring! Along with coaching people on how to get things done in their communities, one of the best things you're doing with this book is giving them confidence. So needed. 'efficiency is not our goal, community is our goal' was a big aha moment for me! Thank you Rob, Stephanie, Bob, Kim and Deb!

5 of you made me rewrite 1/3 of my book

ByBecky McCray

And you can help with this round.

The first round of beta readers—Rob, Stephanie, Bob, Kim and Deb—have just finished reading and commenting on my upcoming book on the Idea Friendly Method, and I couldn’t be happier with their feedback.

The book shows how people like you can transform your communities using the Idea Friendly Method: Gather Your Crowd, Build Connections, Take Small Steps. It’s full of real examples from small towns, quotes just enough research to be helpful without being overwhelming, and it helps you take action with “Write It Down” sections throughout.

One reader said it “does make me want to get up off my butt.” That’s exactly the response I was hoping to see: people motivated into taking immediate action.

A big aha moment for one reader was “efficiency is not our goal, community is our goal.”

And this comment really got me excited: “Along with coaching people on how to get things done in their communities, one of the best things you’re doing with this book is giving them confidence. So needed.”

Of course they had some constructive suggestions and requests for improvement, and they were right. 

The beta readers pointed out that while Chapters 5-12 were “rich in content, full of notable lines and big aha moments,” the first four chapters felt thinner by comparison. There were several comments about wanting more content and examples where I was explaining the basic parts of the Idea Friendly Method.

So I went back and completely rebuilt those early chapters. I added deeper stories, wove in a bit more research, and created (I hope!) that same meaty feel throughout. Now Chapter 1 follows Tracey’s complete journey from 45-minute commute anxiety to starting her Learning Block Studio. Chapter 4 shows how Tionesta, PA, broke through every barrier at once with their Market Village approach.

This is where you come in. Does it work better now?

Since the original beta readers have already been through it, I’m looking for a small group of final beta readers with fresh eyes. Would you be interested?

You’ll be one of the few to see this new refined version and help me make the book even better. Plus, you’ll help shape this resource for rural communities everywhere.

You’ll get the document by Aug 14, and you can read and comment up through Aug 31.

Interested? Just reply to any of my emails, and I’ll send you the details.