Beta readers, a poll

[heyjude]

After the discussion on crits yesterday, I'm curious where we all stand on choosing beta readers.

I'll vote as soon as I get the poll up... Looking forward to what you all have to say!

ETA: I voted a mix. My first beta readers are my folks and dh. My folks read MTS and are good at different things--Mom will correct any grammar/sentence structure errors, while Dad highlights plot errors and has more of a knowledge of undercover ops than he really should. :D Hubby, when I can get him to read, is an unabashed cheerleader, but he will find the occasional issue.

Then it's time to move on to other writers who will look at things more critically. I prefer writers who also write character-driven thrillers, since they're well familiar with the tone and tempo the book needs to have. Occasionally I have my bf and her hubby read--she cheerleads, but he corrects any weapons-type errors. :)

I do love beta readers.

Your turn. What kinds of beta readers do you use?

[Namatu]

I also voted for a mix. Since most of what I write is paranormal, I've mostly got betas who read/write urban fantasy. I don't think I had any betas on my last work who specifically read/write MTS, although once I finish revisions I will seek out one or two. (Volunteers for a post-mini-apocalyptic speculative thriller, PM me. ;) )

I usually also let a few friends read, and I don't expect much from them. They're curious and like to read, and I appreciate their interest, but they ask me if they can read it. I don't ask them. I have gotten some excellent feedback from them at times.

[nitaworm]

I use writers from different genre since I write YA scifi with a mystery / thrill element. Besides, finding a good Beta is hard to do.

[MarkEsq]

A mix for me. I prefer to be heavy on the MTS writer side, just because they know what I am going for. But I like a pure reader's perspective, and a non-MTS writer's one, too. I very strongly believe that we need to pick and choose which comments (and people) we listen to, so the more input the better.

[Stanmiller]

I sort of fell into an arrangement with a voracious MTS reader. I bribe him with ammo when we go to the range.

[Exile87]

So far I've only had one beta reader, and she was more sci-fi, although mystery is a strong element of her stories. But I'd love to find another beta, too. *shameless plug*

[sheadakota]

A mix here as well- I love my M/S/T betas, but i have others that give me perspective on other aspects of the novel as well- and readers (non-writers) help just to see if the storyline has value- love my Betas!!!

[MrWrite]

I haven't got that far yet. I hope to soon though.

[TheIT]

Substitute "fantasy" for "M/T/S" for me, but the poll still stands. I voted a mix. My WIP is out to several readers right now. A couple are fantasy fans widely read in the genre, one is a tech writer who doesn't know fantasy but who's given me some great suggestions about improving the language, and a couple of others I chose mostly for reader perspective. I'm expecting different types of comments from each.

[Midnight Star]

...I'm not the only one who voted because the poll was shiny, am I?

Well, I'm here, so I might as well add my $0.02:

I've used betas that write and read M/T/S, I've used some that don't normally read or write M/T/S. It depends on who's willing.

[MrWrite]

No MS, I voted that too lol

[Midnight Star]

Good. :D

[CACTUSWENDY]

I will use anyone that gives me the time of day. Sigh. I voted shiny. ;)

[heyjude]

How come I can't see who voted for what?

[MrWrite]

At least the poll wasn't sparkly. I would never have voted for that.

[MrWrite]

I will use anyone that gives me the time of day. Sigh. I voted shiny. ;)

Can I have that in writing? :D

[heyjude]

::note to self--shiny okay, sparkly not::

Why do I have the feeling that MrWrite would have been a lot of fun in the Romance with your murder poll thread?

[MrWrite]

:D

[RJK]

I use retired detectives, Thriller readers, and a fellow writer as beta readers. The fellow writer is a former English teacher who helps me with my punctuation and grammar. She writes cozy mysteries, and I help her with the police procedures, and forensics.

[Stanmiller]

::note to self--shiny okay, sparkly not::

Why do I have the feeling that MrWrite would have been a lot of fun in the Romance with your murder poll thread?

Did you kill the Romance with Your Murder Thread???? Oh, the horror....

[Exile87]

I will use anyone that gives me the time of day

LOVE IT!!! HAHA!

[heyjude]

Did you kill the Romance with Your Murder Thread???? Oh, the horror....

No, I tried to revive but no one was biting... I guess we could only take so much high heels and guns. :e2file:

[HistorySleuth]

:Sun::Sun:Oh, look! A poll! Shiny! :e2dance:

[DocBrown]

Doesn't apply to me.

No vote.

My stuff is fantasy. Katie asked to beta read it and I have a few other friends I plan on sticking my WIP to, but no one else round here at the moment.

[HistorySleuth]

I'm not at that sage yet in MTS, hence my liking shiny right now. But I think I would want different betas. Readers and writers because both types will analyze it at different angles.

[Sassy3421]

Well, I picked "A mix". the reason for this is prior to recently, my beta readers were people in my daily life.

My husband demands to read every book I write. He wants to be the first to read them. He is good at reading every word meticously, so if there's a missing word, he's bound to find it. he's also got a terrific memory so if there's any plot holes...priceless quality. I also have 2 other faithful readers, who have read everything to date, and find wrong words or missing ones. The ideal about my 3 regular readers is the span they cover - one is a 37 yr old man, one is a 63 yr old woman and the other is a 24 yr woman.

Others offer to read my books, but I don't want everyone to read them lol - at least - not yet. I'd prefer they buy them from Chapters lol

I've only recently discovered the "writer" beta reader. As important as it is to have a reader's feedback, having that of a writer, who is in the craft alongside you, is an unbelievable asset.

[Ruv Draba]

I need readers to be broadly read, and to chew what they eat before swallowing. That's pretty much it. A beta who reads but doesn't write is way better than a beta who writes but barely reads.

[Takvah]

A mix. It's all about accessibility for me... how's the voice, the pace, the overall storytelling? Those are the questions that I want the answers to. I don't buy into the whole genre thing, so I find myself seeking a broader "consensus".