Editorial Work

he concept of beta readers has been a staple in the fanfic world since as long as I’ve been there, though no doubt before as well. But more and more I’m hearing about authors using them, (or at the very least indie authors) and I’m starting to wonder is this the new thing?

Going through a professional publishing house, an author’s book goes through lots of professional editors, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it going through beta readers of maybe friends and the like, people who’s opinion you trust. In a way it makes perfect sense, because who better to tell you what’s missing from a story than actual readers, but conversely it also seems a little… strange. Maybe is the word I’m looking for. Writing has always seemed like such a private venture that the idea of making it into this giant group collaboration seems more foreign than perhaps it really is. And maybe it’s something I should consider with book 3. After I’ve done at least one round of edits on my own, maybe I’ll have someone I trust read it.

The big question is… should beta readers see it, before or after your editor?

Decisions. Decisions.