Beta readers, a poll

heyjude · Aug 5, 2010

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.

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 · Aug 5, 2010

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 · Aug 5, 2010

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 · Aug 5, 2010

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 · Aug 5, 2010

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

Exile87 · Aug 5, 2010

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 · Aug 5, 2010

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!!!

Diana W. · Aug 5, 2010

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

TheIT · Aug 5, 2010

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.

ToddWBush · Aug 5, 2010

A mix. Most post here in M/T/S, but others don't know these boards exist.

Midnight Star · Aug 6, 2010

...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.

Diana W. · Aug 6, 2010

No MS, I voted that too lol

Midnight Star · Aug 6, 2010

Good.

CACTUSWENDY · Aug 6, 2010

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

heyjude · Aug 6, 2010

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

Diana W. · Aug 6, 2010

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

Diana W. · Aug 6, 2010

CACTUSWENDY said:
I will use anyone that gives me the time of day. Sigh. I voted shiny.

Can I have that in writing?

heyjude · Aug 6, 2010

::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?

Diana W. · Aug 6, 2010

RJK · Aug 6, 2010

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 · Aug 6, 2010

heyjude said:
::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 · Aug 6, 2010

CACTUSWENDY said:
I will use anyone that gives me the time of day

LOVE IT!!! HAHA!

heyjude · Aug 6, 2010

Stanmiller said:
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 · Aug 6, 2010

Oh, look! A poll! Shiny!

DocBrown · Aug 6, 2010

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.

Beta readers, a poll

What kinds of beta readers do you use?

Writers of MTS

Writers of other than MTS

Readers (who don't write) of MTS

Readers (who don't write) of other than MTS

A mix (explain in comments)

Oh, look! A poll! Shiny!

I don't use beta readers.

Making my own sunshine

Lost in mental space.

AW Addict

Clever title pending.

New kid, be gentle!

part of the human equation

I'm evolving

Infuriatingly Theoretical

We are once in a lifetime.

I'm evolving

We are once in a lifetime.

An old, sappy, and happy one.

Making my own sunshine

I'm evolving

I'm evolving

Making my own sunshine

I'm evolving

Sheriff Bullwinkle the Poet says:

New kid, be gentle!

Making my own sunshine

Researching History's Mysteries

Hopes to one day write for food.