Beta blues

Ask ten people what they thought of Stephen King's new book Cell and you'll get the same response.

Take what you think are good ideas. Take what you see will improve the text. Take a look at what problems were cited. Are any the same? If they're the same, then you probably have a real problem there. If not, take a look at the complaints and see if they're right.

Do these people read the genre you write? Are they aware of various aspects of the genre?

Are your readers dependable when it comes to telling you the truth?

Then, take it all with a grain of salt. Cull from it what you need to do, but don't change everything they say. You can't make everyone happy, but from the numbers you offered, it looks like the majority had an acceptable experience.

That's funny! I'd say pick the ones whose critique ring true in areas where you hesitated; where you thought it might be weak. Also the ones who seem to have a hold on the details. I have a beta who gives general impressions and points out bigger points that aren't clear. Then I have one who tears it up line by line, without losing the overall tone.

What I've found is that there are some people who are very enthusiastic about reading a WIP, but will not be able to provide workable feedback. Some people feel they have to say something negative, whether it's comprehensible or not, just to feel legitimate - like they were paying attention.

My betas I'd bribe with gold and chocolates not to leave me, but I've literarily kissed some toads too. Nice toads, but you know...

I agree to go with what advice feels right to you. Sometimes people in my critique group will suggest changes that I really don't agree with, or they will find fault with things that I don't feel are weak.

Also, you want to know a little bit about your critiquers' reading tastes. I've been with the groups for years now and I know the tastes of just about everyone so I can judge when their comments might be colored by personal likes/dislikes.

And if you get a critique that you really disagree with, put it aside, let it ferment and then read it again. There was one man in my group who's critiques I would always disagree with, sometimes to the point where I'd get aggrivated with him. I would tell myself to pay extra close attention to his critique (after a suitable cooling off period) just to make sure I wasn't ignoring any valid comments just because I didn't like how he stated them or something.

In the end you're the one in control of the story. You have to go with the comments that will strengthen it.

Remember, it's all someone's opinion--that doesn't mean they're right or wrong for your story. Plus, there's some people who don't know how to give comments or understand the genre or story. With one of our early beta readers, one person told us that dialogue didn't tell a story, that only narrative did, and that we should delete ALL the dialogue. Needless to say, that particular comment we ignored.

The first thing is to set aside all the comments for a few days or a week. That gets you away from any emotional reactions you might have. When you read them again, you'll be able to view them a little more objectively.

Then, as you read them again, look for two specific types of comments. The first is ones where you agree with the comment. There will probably be some where you wondered, "Why didn't I think of that?" Those are easy ones to make revisions with since you already agree with them. The second one is to look for comments that jump out at you. Those are ones that need to be thought about more because there was something in them that got a reaction from you.

And for the ones you're not sure about, just leave them alone. After some revisions on the other comments, revisit them if you want to see if you have any new insight. For any ones you don't agree with, it may be helpful to ask why you don't agree. Sometimes ego can get in the way. Or sometimes the reaction itself.

On the analytical person, take his comments with a huge grain of salt. Sometimes they're the worst at critiques, and often, they don't read a lot of fiction (having grown up with an analytical thinker). They end up comparing to non-fiction, which is partially what happened with the guy who told us to get rid of all the dialogue. Your analytical thinker may very well have some good points, but he shouldn't be treated as if he said should be gospel merely because he is analytical.

Take all of the opinions to heart, then go over your story and see which ones you agree with, and make the changes. Besides, not everybody likes Rocky Road. Some like Vanilla. Some like Strawberry. Others prefer sherbert. Oh, and possibly the ones that loved your story may not be the type that are willing to say what they really want to say. I tend to lean toward the analytical critical types. A real writer is never satisfied...

Something I didn't read here was whether you had a list of things you wanted from you beta readers. I have learned from a similar experience that you must guide them in what you feel you need. If you sense your narrative needs help then ask for that focus. Personally I hate to write what I call travelogue; you know when characters fly,train,drive to the next scene. Ugh! My beta readers know this about me and I'll get comments like "I know you're in a hurrry but are you sure there's hydrofoil service from the Albanian coast to Italy?" Hmm, I had to check that one out. These kinds of things keep a writer honest--even if you are writing fiction.

Michael

I finished FINISHED my WIP on Sunday and have had two beta reads so far, and a third is currently reading. Both loved the story, one found a few small mechanical errors (this is a short children's book), one found a bigger problem that completely blew by me as well as other small mechanical errors.

I asked both of them specific questions about certain parts of the story: Regarding character X, did his dialog work, did you find him stereotyped; and other questions that I needed specfic answers to.

Definitely consider all of their opinions and comments, but also ask them direct questions about anything else you might consider important. It's best to get issues ironed out now than when you're getting ready to submit. You'll be amazed at the comments you'll get when you ask for them.

allen