Old-timer WP check-in - looking for a few memoir beta reader

Post Reply New Topic

Hi Everyone,

I haven't posted in a while. Some of you may remember me.

Over the last couple of months I wrote a memoir about growing up autistic and being diagnosed at age 50.

The book walks through childhood, work, marriage, therapy, and the long self-investigation phase.

I'm looking for a few WP folks (especially people who were active back in 2013-2015, when I was more actively posting) willing to read an electronic copy and give honest feedback—what rings true, what feels off, what drags, what's useful, what's not.

The manuscript is approximately 87,000 words and will be shared via Google Doc where you can add comments and suggestions. I'm hoping for feedback within 4-6 weeks.

If you've interacted with me in the past (or even if you haven't) and you'd be willing to take a look, please private message me.

Thanks,

Rocket

It’s a shame to see a worthwhile post sink into obscurity. I read Rocket’s draft, and for the first time in twenty years since diagnosis I felt a little bit less alone.

So, if you’re bent that way, let the man know and tell him what you think of his work.
If you’re not, keep the thread alive by posting what you think.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to circle back to this thread now that WP is online again.

First, I want to thank peterd publicly for reading the full draft and for the very generous comment he posted back in February. His note meant a lot to me. The book began partly as an attempt to make sense of the same questions I was working through here on WP back in 2013-2015, so hearing that it made someone feel a little less alone was deeply meaningful.

After the site went dark, I continued working on the manuscript, incorporating feedback from peterd and a few other readers.

I am looking for a few additional readers. I realize an entire memoir is a big ask, so I would be happy to share either:

1. a few selected chapters, or
2. the full manuscript, if someone is genuinely interested.

I am especially interested in feedback from late-diagnosed autistic adults, people who remember me from the 2013-2015 period, or anyone who relates to the process of trying to understand their life after diagnosis.

The feedback I am looking for is practical:

- What rings true?
- What feels off?
- What drags?
- What is useful?
- What is confusing?
- Where did you feel less alone, if anywhere?

I do not know whether anyone will ever buy this book. But I would like to make it as useful and honest as I can before I move into final publication preparation.

If you are interested in reading selected chapters or the full manuscript, please private message me.

Thanks,

Rocket