What is a beta reader?

[birdfeeder]

Showing my newbie-ness here, but what is a beta reader?

[Death Wizard]

A beta reader is someone who reads your work with the aim of helping you to improve it (content, grammar, punctuation, what works/what doesn't) before your work is published. At least, that would be my definition.

[Thrillride]

To add to the definition - A critiquer/critique group (or critter) is most often used along the way to a finished piece, be it a novel or short-story or what-have-you.

You might have a critter look at a slightly rough draft of a chapter or page(s). In most of the writer circles I come a cross, a beta-reader is usually a term saved for the person(s) that looks at the whole draft of a novel or a completed story or poem.

Seems like it's easier to find critters as opposed to true beta-readers if only because often a beta is committing to reading and critting an entire piece of work that could very well be in a novel form. Big undertaking in some cases.

This is not to say that someone who crits for you can't do exactly the same thing or vice-versa (tomato/tomahto in truth). It just seems to me that once a critter is asked to read the entire manuscript to prepare it to go out into the cold world, the critter gets promoted to beta-reader.

Thrill

[Death Wizard]

To add to the definition - A critiquer/critique group (or critter) is most often used along the way to a finished piece, be it a novel or short-story or what-have-you.

You might have a critter look at a slightly rough draft of a chapter or page(s). In most of the writer circles I come a cross, a beta-reader is usually a term saved for the person(s) that looks at the whole draft of a novel or a completed story or poem.

Seems like it's easier to find critters as opposed to true beta-readers if only because often a beta is committing to reading and critting an entire piece of work that could very well be in a novel form. Big undertaking in some cases.

This is not to say that someone who crits for you can't do exactly the same thing or vice-versa (tomato/tomahto in truth). It just seems to me that once a critter is asked to read the entire manuscript to prepare it to go out into the cold world, the critter gets promoted to beta-reader.

Thrill

What she said. (ha!)

[Thrillride]

What she said. (ha!)


Deathwizard, I like you already. :D

[birdfeeder]

Thank you!

[ResearchGuy]

Showing my newbie-ness here, but what is a beta reader?
In software development, the term "beta tester" refers to a person who tries out a program to evaluate how well it works, identify bugs in actual use, and so on, before it is commercially released. That is a step beyond the "alpha tester," who is testing software at an earlier stage, not much past prototype.

I would read "beta reader" as analogous to "beta tester." That is, the beta reader is evaluating a piece of writing after a couple of stages of development--not a rough draft. Not ready for the public, but already edited and polished by the author and perhaps subjected to earlier, more conceptual comments that the author has addressed.

IMHO FWIW.

--Ken

[katiemac]

Although the main concept of a beta reader is the same, many people have different ideas about what they actually want in their beta readers. So, to eliminate confusion and stay on the same page, it's best for an author and a beta reader to discuss how the relationship is going to work.

[birdfeeder]

Thanks, Research Guy and KatieMac!

Research Guy--Your definition was along the lines I had thought, but I wanted to be sure. (Don't want to show my ignorance if I hear the term in an actual conversation!)

[dropsofjup2]

So where do we hook up to Collaborative Writing Groups? I'd like the scenarios played out and be a part of it. My experience of such teams are what keep me motivated to continue to do my best. ;) A beta reader is part of the team.

[jamiehall]

I just found out that Wikipedia has a really nice article about beta readers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_reader), including the new trend of authors thanking beta readers on the acknowledgments pages of their published novels.

[dropsofjup2]

Thanks, for the Wikipedia note, Jamihall. Monsters and mystical creatures have their place in small portions for me. :)

[JacobWorld]

I reckon I qualify for a beta reader , just stared my reading but I love it
Mostly I read about travel

[CCE]

I can't help it! I LIKE my own work.

[Greenwolf103]

So a critter is someone who reads part of a manuscript to offer feedback, and a beta reads the whole thing? Am I reading this right?

[PeekABooWriter]

Question: Could people come in and gain trust here and pose as Beta readers, but their purpose is to steal ideas? Don't be offended, it's just a question that came to mind and I thought it was worth asking!http://dingo.care2.com/c2c/emoticons/sigh.gif

[Gray Rose]

Question: Could people come in and gain trust here and pose as Beta readers, but their purpose is to steal ideas? Don't be offended, it's just a question that came to mind and I thought it was worth asking!http://dingo.care2.com/c2c/emoticons/sigh.gif


PeekabooWriter: this topic was recently beaten to death here:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112254

Ideas are a dime a dozen. There are very few original ideas out there.The idea of "betas stealing ideas" is kind of funny actually. Execution is everything. Your actual manuscript is copyrighted the moment you write it.

While I heard some beginning writers express concern that beta readers might steal their work, I have never actually heard of that happening. I might be wrong.

To be sure, don't send your work to beta readers you don't trust. If a person has nothing in their profile and has not posted anything on these boards, I personally wouldn't send my stuff to her/him. If you read some posts by the people who offer to beta-read your work, you will, no doubt, be able to judge whether they are trustworthy.

Remember, it is also a huge leap of faith for a beta to take on your work. After all, they are committing their time and effort for free to read a work that might not be their cuppa / badly written, and thus are also risking conflict with the writer.

good luck!
Rose

[PeekABooWriter]

Not all ideas are a dime a dozen, but I do understand what you're saying for sure! Thanks for answering. I appreciate your viewpoint! :)

[Staceyp67]

I am so glad that someone asked what a beta reader was because I was dying to know. Thanks birdfeeder for asking and thanks to everyone else for providing an answer. Now I am "in the know!"

[Samantha's_Song]

I call myself a beta-reader:
I will only accept whole MS's; no bit parts and no odd chapters here and there. I couldn't settle myself into something that isn't a whole; it wouldn't get my undivided attention.
The author has to think that their work is ready for the querying stage for me to think it's worth my while taking it on.

I drive a hard bargain and am quite brutal at times, but most of the recipients seem happy with what they get back from me.

[pohaver]

I am writing my first book. The subject is youth soccer for new parents and coaches. I am basing the book on my experiences as a youth soccer coach, who started out as a dumb parent and navigated my way through the world of youth soccer, eventually coaching competitive teams and even being a referee. I did this for 18 years and have a lot of thoughts on the subject and good (I think) advice for new parents and coaches who enter into youth soccer.

I am about 60% done with the first draft. It is in MS Word. I have been looking ahead to POD publishers, editing services, etc. I will need a lot of help with editing, marketing, and everything that goes along with putting a book on the shelf. Don't want to spend a ton of money, though. Maybe $1500 or so to get the book done. Most of the basic packages at POD services (Dog Ear, Mill City Press, Iuniverse) are within that range.

I am doing this for self satisfaction, and have a lot to say about the subject. I am not in this for the money or recognition. I would like to eventually cover my costs.

I will have a few comments from "experts" that I know, but mostly it is my opinion based on my personal experiences.

I have seen here where there are "beta readers" who will review your MS and make suggestions. This might be very helpful for me. I expect the book to have about 200 pages, if I can trim it down that much. Like I said, I have a lot to say. I tend to be wordy to put it nice, so I am sure someone can cut it down after I am done.

Is anyone interested in being a beta reader for this project? Should I wait until the whole MS is done in first draft, or is it good to do it in sections as it progresses? As I understand, beta readers do this for free. Is that so? If not, maybe I could work something out with a qualified person who is interested.

Again, I know nothing about writing, publishing, but I do know a lot about my subject.

I appreciate any suggestions related to my writing or my book. Any takers on being a beta reader?

[diGriz]

Getting back to the topic at hand, Beta Readers are volunteers (most of the time), or who have the education but are looking to pick up experience as they launch into career paths such as copy editors, editors, associates, publishers, etc. ;)

At least that's what we qualified the term when I learned about beta readers back in the mid '80s. ;)

First rule: Be nice to your Beta Readers... they do it out of the love of reading. :) Doesn't hurt to throw a little compensation their way, either...

Remember a good editor (or freelance editor) these days can run you between $35 to $90 / hr for about 6 - 10 pages. So if you're looking to have a beta reader look over a 400 page novel, understand the cost can run into the $1000s.

Here's my question... ;) Be honest, ladies and gents. How many beta readers have you used on 1 given project?

[Lainey Bancroft]

I would read "beta reader" as analogous to "beta tester." That is, the beta reader is evaluating a piece of writing after a couple of stages of development--not a rough draft. Not ready for the public, but already edited and polished by the author and perhaps subjected to earlier, more conceptual comments that the author has addressed.

IMHO FWIW.

--Ken

Ditto, Ken. That is my understanding of 'beta' as well.

[PortableHal]

Ditto to both Ken and Lainey, as far as I'm concerned.

A side note: Lainey was a fantastic beta reader for a project of mine. She was knowledgeable, tremendously helpful, absolutely wonderful.

I am a Lainey Bancroft fan.

[katiemac]

We've gone far enough into derail territory. Let's return to the discussion. I'll probably end up removing these posts from this thread, anyway, as I like to keep the stickies informative.

[icerose]

To answer the original question.

A beta reader is a person who reads a book before it starts being shopped around.

What a beta reader does ranges depending on the beta and it also depends on the stage your story is. The rougher or more off mark it is, the broader the comments are going to be in my experience.

Some read and simply give a basic reply, my own recently told me to basically stay the hell out of children's writing and stick to genres where I could torture puppies. It was a strong remark and got the point across, my book isn't appropriate for the age group I was trying to gear it toward, that is my fault and I don't know if it's something I can fix or if I'll end up gearing it toward an older audience where it's okay to go deeper and darker.

There is the beta that will talk about your voice, structure, characters and so forth. The big elements. The elements that if you don't have nailed down your whole story won't work. And those need to be fixed first before you focus on anything little.

If your work is just about there and you need tweaks, then that's the comments you'll recieve. You'll recieve the nits and missed word and grammar fixes if that's the beta's specialty. You'll get the minor changes and adjustments, shifts in POV's those kinds of things.

So what a beta does partially rests on the beta who volunteers but mostly rests on you as a writer and where you've taken your story.

Hope that helps.

WHat a beta isn't.

A beta isn't your personal editor or slave. They are not someone whom you should degrade or talk back to in any way. They are volunteering their time. Ask them questions? Absolutely. Combat them? No. If you don't agree with what they're saying at least attempt to look into the whys. Why are they saying they don't like your main character. You might not have agreed with their suggested fix, but you might be able to see the reason they're saying it and how to fix it to your own satisfaction. They aren't ghost writers, it is not their job to rewrite your work.

Betas are fantastic, but they have lives of their own.

[semiferger]

what is a beta reader?
A beta reader is someone an author uses to critique and provide feedback on their writing after it has been completed in the rough draft but prior to the final editing and submission stages.

[narcolepticgi]

I found this thread quite useful, thanks to all who participate. I'll be seeking beta readers very soon for RISING FROM THE ASHES.This is a Fantasy-Fiction with embedded graphics.
It is in the final stages of editing. I've always had trouble correcting my own work, but I'm learning to focus...somewhat.
I was published June 2008 by :-( Pub...PPublis...OMG :-( I'm so embarassed...Publish America) there I said those awful words, please don't tar and feather me!!

Rising from the Ashes is my way of moving on and I've had a wonderful time writing the story. Makes me warm and fuzzy inside :-)

[Newguy1428]

A beta reader is what I expect from anyone who critiques my work. They read it and offer all types of advice. They behave more like somebody you can go out to coffee with.

Everybody else, get ready to rumble. No holds barred.

[Stacia Kane]

Everybody else, get ready to rumble. No holds barred.


What the heck does that mean? "Everybody else" who? Who is reading your work that you didn't give permission to/solicit an opinion from, since as far as I can tell you aren't published anywhere? Are you saying if someone dislikes your work you fight with them about it?

Part of being a professional writer is learning to accept criticism, critique, and reviews, and learning and accepting that everyone has their own opinion and a review/crit/beta read is just that: one person's opinion. Anyone who reads your work is entitled to express their own opinions on it, just FYI. Especially when you do get published, and people you don't know personally are reading your work, they WILL express those opinions. And if you don't like what they have to say, that's pretty much too bad, because the fastest and best way to make yourself look like a total ass is to attack a reviewer or reader whose opinions you don't agree with.

Of course, that's assuming one cares about being seen as an ass...

[Bufty]

What utter ignorant nonsense you post.

You wouldn't know a beta reader if one jumped up and bit you.


A beta reader is what I expect from anyone who critiques my work. They read it and offer all types of advice. They behave more like somebody you can go out to coffee with.

Everybody else, get ready to rumble. No holds barred.

[Maryn]

Oh, great, another thing I have to worry about, beta readers who bite. Maybe I'd better rethink this...

Maryn, who's beta-read several novels for AW people, most finding print publication soon after

[MsJudy]

I ain't bit noone yet. But Newguy, you sure make me wish I had Cujo's fangs.

[Maryn]

What about his rabies?

Maryn, thinking ahead

[MsJudy]

Ah, now I get it. I wondered why he was always foaming at the mouth...

[Maryn]

I don't recall running into NewGuy elsewhere. So he foams at the mouth? Maybe he's rehearsing for the home-made version of that one scene in Close Encounters, with the toothpaste?

Maryn, always willing to give people an out

[leeblewb]

Thank you for the information. I was also wondering about what exactly a beta-reader does. I am thrilled to have found this site and that people seem to be so supportive of each other, for the most part.

[grandpa norm]

fromgrandpa norm thanks for all the info on beta's i have written 14 children's adventure books i think a beta that is more interested in this venue would be of more help as they would enjoy rreading it more than a say history buff ?? let me know what you think . never ask directions from a blind man never ask a beggar how to make money never ask a unknown beta to rread your book??? get what you ask for ??? thanks norm

[Maryn]

Norm, I only ask people who are well-read in my work's genre to beta read for me. Most of my beta readers also write in that genre, but not all.

Someone who does not read, for example, paranormal romance (which isn't what I write, just a better example), won't know what's a cliche, what's been done many times and better, how far they can go with the sexual scenes, and more.

My experience has been that each beta brings different skill sets into play. I found something useful in every single one. Some offered a lot, some a little, and at least two forced me to rethink major elements (and in the end, to make substantive changes).

Maryn, serious beta fan

[Kim Fierce]

Never had a beta reader but I have been curious about it. My book is still in the works, but I write short stories as well, and was wondering about having a beta reader for those before I attempt publication too.

[Flexi]

Still a bit confused how the beta reader thing works here at AW.
If you want work beta read where do you post your request? And how does this work? Do you exchange emails and send each other your manuscripts? Does it have to be between two people and exchanging similar genres to critique?

[EnitaMeadows]

I'm so grateful for this thread! I knew that I wanted a beta reader to help crit me with my finished MS, but I didn't know the vocab of it. Thanks to all who contributed. :D

[booker c]

I kept seeing articles about beta readers and didn't have a clue as to what they were until I saw this tread. Does the beta reader make recommendations for change in grammar, content, tense, etc.? What's the difference between them and an editor? Maybe these have been asked but I'm just a newbie looking for answers. Thanks in advance for any help.
:poke::Shrug::flag:

[warofthesparks]

I have a question about beta readers. Should someone attempt to get their work beta-read before the work is polished? Or after? In other words, does the manuscript have to be completely ready, or can it be close to the final stages and just have someone go over and critique the overall plot and stuff?

[Cat Laurelle]

In software development, the term "beta tester" refers to a person who tries out a program to evaluate how well it works, identify bugs in actual use, and so on, before it is commercially released. That is a step beyond the "alpha tester," who is testing software at an earlier stage, not much past prototype.

I would read "beta reader" as analogous to "beta tester." That is, the beta reader is evaluating a piece of writing after a couple of stages of development--not a rough draft. Not ready for the public, but already edited and polished by the author and perhaps subjected to earlier, more conceptual comments that the author has addressed.

IMHO FWIW.

--Ken

So the "alpha" person who has contact with material is the writer and we are just speaking in greek acronyms LOL.

[Maryn]

I have a question about beta readers. Should someone attempt to get their work beta-read before the work is polished? Or after? In other words, does the manuscript have to be completely ready, or can it be close to the final stages and just have someone go over and critique the overall plot and stuff?Whatever works for the parties concerned is fine, of course, but I strongly prefer to see or let be seen only polished work as free of errors as the author can make it.

That's undoubtedly because I'm a can't-see-the-forest-for-the-trees reader; mistakes in writing mechanics or format render me unable to step back and see big picture issues like overall plot and character development. Other people can and do.

Maryn, who knows her limitations

[warofthesparks]

Thank you, Maryn. :)

[skylark]

I've beta-read things which the writer didn't consider polished in order to help with plot issues...but only for writers whose unpolished work is still basically correctly written technically.

If someone's definition of "unpolished" meant "full of typos and grammatical errors" then I wouldn't do it - like Maryn said, I also can't see the wood for the trees if I'm having to read past technical errors. If it meant "I may have reused words and not have tightened everything up yet" I'd be happy to.

[Cat Laurelle]

I have decided to use my mother for the basic technical stuff just in case and as a sort of beta reader. She is a retired secretary, and spend all of her time fixing typos for a 1/2 a dozen engineers in the 70's-mid 90's. Then she's the inspiration for my choosing to write, she's completely addicted to romance novels. So she may be one of my most experienced toughest critics in proximity to me generally speaking.

[Cat Laurelle]

Well, I'll need a second beta reader, and maybe I can exchange this service with someone with regards to writing very straight erotica designed strictly for a male audience.

[Hirvan]

Another question:

Do most beta readers want the author to pay them to beta read their work or do they do it for free?

[FranOnTheEdge]

Hi,
Nice to see the various definitions of the term used here of "Beta Reader" - I was beginning to think that the AW site didn't have such things as it's very well hidden.
Initially I got lost in The Library, which is full of already published works - not what I was looking for at all.

I was looking for "Critters" "Critiquers" or "Workshops", as I had not heard the term "Beta Reader" before.

I am looking for Beta-readers/Critiquers because I have 2 novels I need feedback on.
One novel is completed, and is I hope 'polished' to the extent of having been run through a spellchecker, (one which picks up on grammar too).
It is however not as polished as would make it ready for sending out.

The other novel feels dangerously close to stalling at about 1/3 of the way through.

I have done critiquing many, many times before, I have run critique groups, and do pretty in-depth critiques myself.

I like to comment on what works and what doesn't including why (if I can figure that out) and sometimes offer suggestions - if I can think of any.

But can't seem to do this job on my own work the way I can on other people's work.

I too prefer not to have to spellcheck or highlight gramatical errors - as others have said in this thread - because for me that makes it hard to see the story, if I'm continually bogged down in minutiae.

My biggest problem has been finding people writing in the same genre as myself.

My novels are Whoodunnits set in the UK, they are not violent, or degrading, or very dark, 'Cosy' would probably fit best although they are Police Procedurals, not amateur detective based. There are deaths, sometimes quite a few, I'd say think Caroline Graham's 'Midsomer Murders', although I hope not too close, rather than Ian Rankin's work.
I have set both whodunnits in my home town, using a combination of real locations and added locations.

I have the same protagonist and sidekicks in both, and book 2 pretty much runs on from book 1.

I would like to know the procedure for both getting and being a beta reader.

[fivepennies]

I am writing my first book. The subject is youth soccer for new parents and coaches. I am basing the book on my experiences as a youth soccer coach, who started out as a dumb parent and navigated my way through the world of youth soccer, eventually coaching competitive teams and even being a referee. I did this for 18 years and have a lot of thoughts on the subject and good (I think) advice for new parents and coaches who enter into youth soccer.

I am about 60% done with the first draft. It is in MS Word. I have been looking ahead to POD publishers, editing services, etc. I will need a lot of help with editing, marketing, and everything that goes along with putting a book on the shelf. Don't want to spend a ton of money, though. Maybe $1500 or so to get the book done. Most of the basic packages at POD services (Dog Ear, Mill City Press, Iuniverse) are within that range.

I am doing this for self satisfaction, and have a lot to say about the subject. I am not in this for the money or recognition. I would like to eventually cover my costs.

I will have a few comments from "experts" that I know, but mostly it is my opinion based on my personal experiences.

I have seen here where there are "beta readers" who will review your MS and make suggestions. This might be very helpful for me. I expect the book to have about 200 pages, if I can trim it down that much. Like I said, I have a lot to say. I tend to be wordy to put it nice, so I am sure someone can cut it down after I am done.

Is anyone interested in being a beta reader for this project? Should I wait until the whole MS is done in first draft, or is it good to do it in sections as it progresses? As I understand, beta readers do this for free. Is that so? If not, maybe I could work something out with a qualified person who is interested.

Again, I know nothing about writing, publishing, but I do know a lot about my subject.

I appreciate any suggestions related to my writing or my book. Any takers on being a beta reader?

So what is the difference between a beta reader and a proofreader? I'm normally just a freelance writer, but I was recently asked to take on my first book project editing and proofreading an book on infidelity. I didn't realize I had such a knack for proofreading until I took on the project and my client told me how much she loved me--she even postponed her publishing date by a week so she could take my editorial suggestions. Now, she wants me to work on her next book project! I just landed a new client last night wanting me to proofread his book about intelligence and technology as it relates to physical science and DNA. After my first book project, I offered to do it for a fair price and to post at least three book reviews across the Web as an added bonus.

Now I'm not sure if beta readers are typically paid or not, but if a beta reader and proofreader are essentially the same thing, then I'd be more than happy to discuss the project further to see if there's a good fit. Send me PM if you want to talk!