How do you get beta readers?

have you tried the Beta Readers forum (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30

Three quick tips before you post in the Beta Readers forum:

Make sure to give the wordcount, subgenre and synopsis so that people know what they're getting into.

People like to read an excerpt of the work before they commit to reading it, so you might like to link to the first chapter in SYW.

Offering to exchange beta reads is a great way of getting your work read.

Go!

Don't worry about it. That's highly unusual.

Check out the profile before responding to anyone. Make sure you're dealing with someone who has been here for a while and has a record of posting.

Check out some of their posts, too. That will give you a fair idea what they write like and if they have critted other folks and seem like someone you want to use.

Julie Reilly said:

Thank you - I'm currently reading a scary thread in there about people who steal your work and sell it . . .

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Julie Reilly said:

Thank you - I'm currently reading a scary thread in there about people who steal your work and sell it . . .

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From what I hear, that's really not common, but if you're worried, try to establish something of a relationship first. SYW is a great way to do that. Critique other people's work and post your own work for critique. If you think you work well with one of the other posters, send a PM asking for a beta read. This has worked really well for me in the past.

Also, you can send a couple of chapters at a time, and not the entire book all at once. This way, you can see if you and the beta reader are on the same page.

Ferret said:

From what I hear, that's really not common, but if you're worried, try to establish something of a relationship first. SYW is a great way to do that. Critique other people's work and post your own work for critique. If you think you work well with one of the other posters, send a PM asking for a beta read. This has worked really well for me in the past.

Also, you can send a couple of chapters at a time, and not the entire book all at once. This way, you can see if you and the beta reader are on the same page.

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I just want to echo everything Ferret says. The more you've established yourself as a helpful critiquer by hanging out in the SYW threads, the more response you're likely to get. Build up the relationships first.

One other recommendation: Join SCBWI if you haven't already. Local branches usually organize all kinds of helpful things, from keeping a list of people looking for critique groups to holding conferences/workshops at which you can get feedback from industry professionals (authors, agents, editors). Plus you can meet other writers, and you might find someone who will become a beta reader for you.

Try to find a writers group or maybe start one yourself. As MsJudy said, Joining SCBWI is a great way to make those connections.

Six of my SCBWI writers group members are beta reading for me. In exchange, I'll beta read for them when they're ready.

No one is going to steal your work and sell it. It just doesn't happen, though half the new writers out here swear it happened to them.

But I don't get beta readers, and never have. I've seen ten writers harmed by beta readers for every one I've seen helped. The sad thing is that those writers harmed the most are usually the ones who think they've been helped.

Editors are the only beta readers who matter, who can tell you what you're doing right or wrong.

Julie, I agree about posting in the Beta forum and also SYW is a good place to start, as well as posting your work to be critiqued, critique other pieces too. It's a great way to hone your writing skills and for others to get a feel for your work.

James, not having beta readers may work for you, assuming you've published recently. But what works for you doesn't necessarily work for others, yannow? I've seen more writers, including myself, benefit greatly from having the input of beta readers. I probably wouldn't be published if it wasn't for their input and support.

But, hey, whatever floats your boat.

Jamesaritchie said:

But I don't get beta readers, and never have. I've seen ten writers harmed by beta readers for every one I've seen helped.
In what way?


Editors are the only beta readers who matter, who can tell you what you're doing right or wrong.

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That may be true. And yet...most people will never get their work in front of an editor unless they improve their skills first. And getting feedback from other writers is one way to do that.

I know someone posted on here that not having a beta reader worked for them. That's great for them, but I would HIGHLY recommend getting one...possibly even more. I've had two look over mine, and I think I would like at least two more.

Also, use the SYW (Share your work) fourm on here. Post excerpts from your story in your chosen genre and get feedback. The people on here have some WONDERFUL advice. I have learned so much from this place, and if I ever do get published *crosses fingers* then AW will be a HUGE reason why.

Firedrake is a big one that's helped. Also, in case you are sensative, like myself, know that people aren't criticizing you personally. That got me into a couple of scraps over the years. 3 Just remember people are here to help. I don't think anyone logs on thinking "whose dreams can I crush today"

Jamesaritchie said:

No one is going to steal your work and sell it. It just doesn't happen, though half the new writers out here swear it happened to them.

But I don't get beta readers, and never have. I've seen ten writers harmed by beta readers for every one I've seen helped. The sad thing is that those writers harmed the most are usually the ones who think they've been helped.

Editors are the only beta readers who matter, who can tell you what you're doing right or wrong.

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I've been wondering about this myself. A. where do I get beta readers (that's already been answered) and B. how do I know they know what they're on about? How do I know that the revisions they suggest are actually good ones? Any way to tell?

Kado said:

B. how do I know they know what they're on about? How do I know that the revisions they suggest are actually good ones? Any way to tell?

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That is an excellent question. One way is to hang out in SYW for a while first. If you find yourself agreeing with someone's recommendations and feeling like they're really helpful, then you're more likely to trust their critique of your work.

Another way is to attend conferences. When the person giving you feedback is a professional agent, editor or author, you can probably assume they know what they are talking about. Though even that can be difficult--I've been to conferences where writers got very different, even conflicting from the pros.

The thing to keep in mind--it's all subjective. I'm sure you can think of some famous bestselling book that you personally can't stand. And often a critiquer can point out a flaw, but their suggestion for how to fix it may not fit with your vision of the story. So take all advice with a grain of salt. Think about it, take it in with an open mind, but ultimately you're the artist. You get to decide what works and what doesn't.

One last thing: Having people read your work is not the only way to learn. Sometimes it's the hardest. You're so close to your own writing, you've put so much heart and soul into it, making changes may feel just too painful.

Instead, spend as much time in SYW as you possibly can. Read everyone's critiques and offer some of your own. Especially helpful are the people who post revisions. You can really see how small changes can make a big difference. It's a great way to study the craft without feeling quite so...vulnerable...while you do it.

i think msjudy gave you some great advice,and i also second what Belle said: if possible, get more than one beta reader. I'm part of a critique group and i've had several professional critiques done, and i have to say, it made me realise many of the members of my group have a good eye in spotting potential improvements. But i also found that different crit partners, managed to find different points so bringing their opinions together helped double However, there's an even more important reason why you should get more than one beta reader. During all my critiques, i had one detailed and valid critique, but honestly, it totally crushed me (don't ask me why; it was with a story i was really proud of and basically what she asked me to fix, was something that i just wasn't capable of) -- it took me quite some re-reads of other positive crits i had had of it, for me to regain my spirits -- you need to have hope in order to even contemplate reworking your story

janischa said:

i think msjudy gave you some great advice,and i also second what Belle said: if possible, get more than one beta reader. I'm part of a critique group and i've had several professional critiques done, and i have to say, it made me realise many of the members of my group have a good eye in spotting potential improvements. But i also found that different crit partners, managed to find different points so bringing their opinions together helped double However, there's an even more important reason why you should get more than one beta reader. During all my critiques, i had one detailed and valid critique, but honestly, it totally crushed me (don't ask me why; it was with a story i was really proud of and basically what she asked me to fix, was something that i just wasn't capable of) -- it took me quite some re-reads of other positive crits i had had of it, for me to regain my spirits -- you need to have hope in order to even contemplate reworking your story

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All excellent points.