I've seen numerous writers here recommend them. Are these writer's groups or what? Thanks.
Cheryll
Cheryll
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What is a beta reader?
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Beta readers are someone(s) whose opinion you value, who will read your work and offer their honest assessement of it. Moms don't usually fit the bill.
SpookyWriter
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Me. On occasion, I'll read work from other writers to judge the quality of work and highlight a few additional pointers for them to consider. The depth of critique depends on what we agree upon before I start reading. I might read a whole book or a few chapters, it all depends.
Any help?
Jon
Any help?
Jon
The term is like "beta testers" in computer games. Someone who "tries out" the semi-finished product and finds the bugs in it before you give it to anyone who really matters (like an editor or agent). 
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I love an equal mix of writers and readers as my betas -- they offer different perspectives. I also ask people (whom I trust) who don't necessarily read my genre -- if they like it, I know I've nailed it.
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Among your beta readers, try to have a filthy-minded fourteen-year-old boy and a literal-minded twelve-year-old girl. They will find things in your book that you never expected.
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SpookyWriter
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I have discussed the value of good beta readers in the past. There are definite criteria one should employ in selecting beta readers.
· Get at least three to four beta readers lined up to read for you. Male and female. If you have adults and teens in your story get a teen to read those parts that pertain to them—some themes are not appropriate for youngsters. If your story has family situations then asking a childless couple to read for you won’t get you everything what you need.
· Chose readers who typically read the kind of thing you write. If you write fantasy don’t ask someone who reads Dorothy L Sayers and Agatha Christie to read your story.
· Select people who are not acquainted with one another.
· Select people whom you do not know personally but who know you through your work.
· Do not expect automatic grammar and spelling corrections unless that is something a beta reader expressly offers. You need a good editor for that. Do not be tempted to use the free services of beta readers in place of an editor.
As an author I do not beta read because I don’t have the time, however, I agreed to read a manuscript written by a non-Catholic about the pontificate of Pope Victor III. Victor was pope for only one year (1086-1087). My author made a few errors that would have gone noticed except by those familiar medieval Europe. In one chapter he described a cathedral where people were kneeling in pews. Medieval cathedrals didn’t have pews. He also made reference to the Vatican. The term Vatican as we understand it didn’t exist in 1086. There were others, but you get the gist of what a beta reader does. These seem small until some know it all slams a book in a review.
Do I use beta readers? Hell yes!!!!
If you want more detailed information about these wonderful people feel free to contact me.
Michael
Michael Halfhill author of
Bought and Paid For & Scimitar
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citymouse said:
Actually, I think it's a good idea to ask someone who does NOT read fantasy to read yours (granted, you also have beta readers who DO read your genre). I don't read much genre, but when I beta read, I could pick out things that the writers missed, or took for granted. Also, like I said in the past, when a beta who doesn't read mainstream says my book is good, then I know I have nailed it.
I completely agree with maestro! I love it when someone reads something of mine and says, "This is good... and normally I don't even like this kind of stuff!"
maestrowork said:
Maestro I see your point, however, if I were asked to beta read a fantasy/sci-fi/Buffy thing I could certainly read it, correct grammar if needed, and even comment on style but couldn't do it real justice. As I wrote before, I believe someone who is hooked on stories set in Britain between the wars (WWI & WWII) would not be a reliable reader for a fantasy. Since you have done beta reading, you know how much effort goes into the task. As had been noted here in this thread, if a writer wants praise get mom to read.
Also, who here thinks someone immersed in sci-fi/fantasy works would be a good beta reader for say, a novel set in upstate NY during the French and Indian Wars; and visa versa? I firmy believe that interest level, attention to detail and a working knowledge of the genre is the determining factor in a good read. Imagine Jerry Falwell beta reading lesbian erotica--now there's a thought!
Later--- Yikes! It just occured to me that some may think I am slamming JF or our lesbain cousins--not so. I'm just using an extreme to make my point.
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Okay now tell us who?
Now I seem to understand what a beta group is.
How do I find one? How do I know it is a good group and one that is honest?
Who has one they can recommend?
Anne
Now I seem to understand what a beta group is.
How do I find one? How do I know it is a good group and one that is honest?
Who has one they can recommend?
Anne
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citymouse said:
Like I said, you also need betas who do read your genre and know what you're writing about... what I am saying is, don't exclude those who don't. "Interest" level is not the key here -- the key is for those people to catch things (logic, details, etc.) that a genre reader might easily miss, or take for granted. Sometimes, interest level might be a bad thing, too -- that the readers are so into your story he or she forgets to look for inconsistencies, etc. But a non-genre reader who has to struggle through the "worlds" and "characters" and conventions might find things that aren't easily caught.
Also, beta readers don't just point out what is "bad" about the ms. They can also point out what is good and definitely working -- and in this case, like I said, if someone who loves Jane Austen tells you your epic Lord of the Rings-esque fantasy is so enthralling that she can't put it down, then you know you've got something. It's not about getting validation or praises (sorry, my mom won't praise me anyway). It's about finding that "universality" of the story that even non-genre readers can find enthralling.
Sorry about the thread necro, but felt that this was relevant, and it's in one of the FAQ's, so it might help someone.
If you've got thick skin, ask people who aren't too fond of you - you'll get the criticism you're after and then some.
GETTING them to critique your work might be a little difficult, but that depends on how much they don't like you... I asked someone who really hated me to critique something and he jumped on it for a chance to find new ways to throw insults in my direction. After sifting through the usual 'you suck' garbage, I found the most in-depth critique I've ever read.
If you've got thick skin, ask people who aren't too fond of you - you'll get the criticism you're after and then some.
GETTING them to critique your work might be a little difficult, but that depends on how much they don't like you... I asked someone who really hated me to critique something and he jumped on it for a chance to find new ways to throw insults in my direction. After sifting through the usual 'you suck' garbage, I found the most in-depth critique I've ever read.
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A beta reader is someone willing to read and critique your WIP sometimes requesting the same from you. It’s keeping a beta reader that’s the challenge. Somehow I’ve lost two beta readers and I don’t know why maybe they hated my WIP, or didn’t want to bother anymore. I give up on having a beta reader.
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That is, if you trust them to be unbiased. I wouldn't trust anyone who hates me anyway to give me unbiased and constructive criticism. If I want someone to tell me "this really suck" I can just send it to my arch-nemesis, Lord Vader.
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Rot. Teens can handle more in literature than you give them credit for. I read Dracula when I was seven.
I wonder if this means I should only write about single, child-free women who live on their own?
The whole "age appropriate" reading tripe gets my hackles up. It's nonsense.
My beta readers tend to be my friends, usually folk around here, sometimes not. My short stories do not have beta readers (although if I'm really proud of a piece, I'll happily send it to someone and say "read this! wow!") they just go to an editor.
My beta readers tend to be my friends, usually folk around here, sometimes not. My short stories do not have beta readers (although if I'm really proud of a piece, I'll happily send it to someone and say "read this! wow!") they just go to an editor.
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