So I just recently finished writing the first draft of a story I'm writing. It's the first book of a five book series and while I want to already start outlining the other books, I want to get someone's opinion for my first book to see if the plot is captivating and if I'm heading in the right direction.
My sister is currently proofreading my story (I usually stick with family), but who do you ask to proofread your stories?
My mom is a fantastic editor, so whenever I show her stuff she's bound to shred it to pieces (in the best way possible). I share it with friends who also write or love to read, and eventually I'm hoping to have beta readers. And of course, my sisters.
i'm very anxious about showing my work to other people, but i do try to get my best friend to read my stuff every so often (and i'm always open to beta reading and editing other people's stuff!). when i finally decide to type up all my novels and edit them first myself, then i'll probably shove them on all my friends lol.
Even though I'm now in high school, I still have my middle school English teacher proofread my stories! She has always been helpful, supportive, and not at all judgmental, which are some of the most important qualities of an editor. I also share my stories with my other friends who write.
I do the usual friends-family-and-other-people, but I also ask my friendly neighborhood librarian!
I have a copyeditor and Saturday Evening Post employee as a father, so I just check it with him for most editing.