How do you go about finding a trustworthy beta reader?

Chasing the Horizon · Apr 18, 2009

I have two local beta readers, but would really like to find one more. But I've found that getting 'advice' from random people is simply not helpful. I need someone who has similar tastes to me and who shares the basic vision of what I'm trying to accomplish. Basically, I need someone who understands where I'm going, and can tell me if I'm getting there or not.

If you have a beta reader you work well with, how did you find them? I think I've pretty much exhausted my local network of people.

Bryan M Stephenson · Apr 18, 2009

There is a share your work section here. Since everyone here is an aspiring writer its a good resource. Second you can list by genre which means you are getting people who like that kind of work. As far as sharing your vision... I guess I would say that is not a Beta Reader kind of thing, thats more of a co-author/ brainstorming buddy. Other than that i have seen a couple of people who have added "looking for beta readers" in their signature line and it has caused me to beta read for two people so far.

Achromasia · Apr 18, 2009

Start your own thread in the Beta Reader forum detailing exactly what you're looking for. Include everything you put above, what you what from the beta, and relevant info. Also add something in your signature about it. If you're concerned about the quality of one beta, have a few so you can cross reference notes.

Chasing the Horizon · Apr 18, 2009

There is a share your work section here. Since everyone here is an aspiring writer its a good resource. Second you can list by genre which means you are getting people who like that kind of work. As far as sharing your vision... I guess I would say that is not a Beta Reader kind of thing, thats more of a co-author/ brainstorming buddy. Other than that i have seen a couple of people who have added "looking for beta readers" in their signature line and it has caused me to beta read for two people so far.

I know all about SYW. I've been a member here for a long time. I had an absolutely horrible experience in SYW, though, and until I figure out how to prevent such a thing from happening again, I'm not going to post there.

When I say 'share my vision', I mean that they won't try to change things to be the way THEY would write them. I've had problems with people trying to impose their ideas of what fantasy 'should' be on my world building before.

Chasing the Horizon · Apr 18, 2009

Achromasia said:
Start your own thread in the Beta Reader forum detailing exactly what you're looking for. Include everything you put above, what you what from the beta, and relevant info. Also add something in your signature about it. If you're concerned about the quality of one beta, have a few so you can cross reference notes.

Thanks. I'll try that.

miles · Apr 18, 2009

There's a difference between a critique and beta reading. Beta readers are people who love to read. They don't have to be writers, they need to be able to tell you if something doesn't make sense, if they like the characters, if there were points they wanted to sleep, etc. . .

Sounds like you were having your work critiqued, which is when writers will give many suggestions on changing things and do edits etc . . .

There are uses for both, but if you feel your novel is as good as you can make it, it's time for readers. For that, I prefer non-writers.

Carmy · Apr 18, 2009

Whatever you do, test the waters before you commit. Don't send a beta your complete novel until you know the type of feedback you'll get and how valuable it is to you. Three chapters gives a beta a good idea of your writing and whether you're both compatible. To explain that better--don't send science fiction to someone who reads only romances, and vice versa.

For a beta, the worst thing is to get a complete novel (when you asked for three chapters) and have to turn it down for various reasons. It may not be the genre but the writing itself. It doesn't do much for the author's confidence when that happens, but no beta is going to spend time correcting grammar and spelling errors in every sentence.

jenelcc · Apr 18, 2009

I am going to second what is on here, and just reinforce that beta readers should be people who REALLY like to read the kind of book you are writing. I've had great feedback, even when it was critical, on my first novel from people who like the kinds of novel that I am writing. On the flip side I've also had some frustrating moments with people who love me, and are great readers and/or writers, but don't love that kind of work and say, "Oh yeah, it's good" and leave it at that. Or even someone who said, "I don't get why people even like this stuff" and told me how easy it was to tear my work apart...OUCH!

And these were people who like me...talk about nerve wracking.

How do you go about finding a trustworthy beta reader?

Chasing the Horizon

Blowing in the Wind

Bryan M Stephenson

no officer its not my gun.

Achromasia

Chasing the Horizon

Blowing in the Wind

Chasing the Horizon

Blowing in the Wind

miles

agent at The Knight Agency

Carmy

jenelcc

A good kind of crazy