Exceptional Accepting Ice Cream from a Stranger A Vanilla-Flavored Favor by Jay Squires Artwork by VMarguarite at FanArtReview.com

*PLEASE READ THE NOTE AT THE BOTTOM* Some of you may remember a Trilogy I posted here about 5 years ago. It was called “The Trining”, and it was a kind of other-world, military fantasy, sans dinosaurs. It conjured up a lot of regular followers on FanStory and many urged me to pursue getting it published.  I only toyed with the thought until fairly recently when I approached a publishing house with a summary and two chapters—and shortly thereafter received an offer to publish. At this point, I don’t want to mention the publisher’s name or any of the details, except to say the product would be in a hold-in-your-hand book format, not an ebook. Now, here’s the deal. The publisher expects a print-ready MS, but they do not provide in-house editing. (They are a relatively new firm, and are running on a shoestring.) But hey! No problem, right! I already had the best group of editors money didn’t have to buy right here on FanStory five years ago. And most of you who’ve read my stuff will vouch for the fact that while Jay may lack genius, the kid has a pretty solid grasp of grammar and punctuation. So, I’ll have a fairly clean MS to hand over. The publisher suggests that I dig up two or three beta-readers just to read it through for continuity and interest. And that’s where you come in. I would like a couple—no more than three—beta readers to volunteer to do just that: read it for continuity and interest. Of course, if anything reaches out and slaps you across the face, I’d like to know that, as well. If I could pay you, I would. Honestly. But I can’t. So I won’t. (Folks, I’ve outlived my retirement benefits, and only Social Security keeps me at 180 pounds, and my temperature at 98.6.) But while money is out of the question, I’d like to make it worthwhile to you in the following way: If you choose to read my manuscript over the next 3 weeks, the moment my book is published, I will send you a free, autographed copy. If you really sweet-talk me, I’ll leave off the autograph. So, how about it? Can two or three of you help me out? If it appeals to you, please send me a private message with your email address attached. You guys are the best! (Here in California, guys is generic for all sexual orientations.)  Love ya all! Jay Hey, Y'all, I have been overwhelmed by your enthusiastic responses. I have chosen a few very competent beta readers—but I want to thank you for your ongoing well-wishes. I will certainly let you all know when my baby is in swaddling clothes so that any who are interested can visit .... Jay   Recognized Author Notes Heaps and dollops of thanks to VMarguarite on FanArtReview.com for her artwork, Creamy Swirl.

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