I have offered to become a beta reader because I am a very avid reader and can pinpoint errors even in already-published novels. I learned having beta readers on top of having an editor is key to giving your novel the attention it needs before allowing the whole world to read it and possibly criticize you for honest mistakes. You're close to your own work and WILL miss things. It's inevitable.
So far, I enjoy being a beta reader and helping others. I like sharing my knowledge with them and seeing things that their eyes have missed.
A trick I learned with beta reading is before you send your work to another person, who you know nothing about, place a watermark on it. This can be accomplished through Microsoft Word. Change something with every copy you willingly send out that won't be in the final published copy. Convert your document into a PDF file using CUTEPDFDOWNLOAD. You can find this download by doing a yahoo or Google search. There are instructions on how to convert your document and it's pretty easy. I am not saying you shouldn't trust your beta reader by any means, but have seen firsthand piracy with indie authors and traditional published authors. Sometimes, there is no way around this and those who are not your beta readers find ways to pirate your novel. However, if you are skeptical about someone you send your work to, converting your document and changing something in it can help you pinpoint who you can and can't trust. It can also ease your mind a little bit until you are confident the person you've chosen wants nothing more than to help you.
I am not saying that anyone on this site is not deserving of your trust. I believe this is a great site and feel so welcomed. I simply wanted to share some things I learned if you are skeptical about getting your work critiqued by anyone.
On to my question. What process do you take to beta read? Since this is my first time beta reading, I wanted to hear how others go about it. Do you highlight EVERY mistake the writer has made, even though they could be repeated mistakes? Would it be suitable to highlight that mistake and highlight it a couple more times throughout, but then leave it up to the writer to change the repeat mistakes without you having to highlight? I want to be of as much help as I can to these writers.
Thank you for your time.
