Call Out for Beta Readers

(If you are an avid reader and aspiring writer, don’t miss my ‘sweetening the pot’ offer below.)

I’m a writer on a mission today — to attract Beta Readers. I’m searching for 2-4 people who enjoy reading speculative fiction (fantasy and science fiction, etc.). Read on to see if we might create a win-win collaboration.

You see, over the past twenty-five plus years  I’ve always been a prolific writer, but I’ve not always been as prolific a publisher, in large part because as I learned recently I’m more wired up to be a writer than an author. You can read more about this  distinction made by Dean Wesley Smith on his blog, but briefly here’s my take on it:

Writers write. Authors are writers who have written, and who often spend much more of their time trying to get what they’ve written published by trying to find the perfect agent who will then help them find the perfect publisher, etc.  Writers on the other hand prefer using their writing as their primary marketing tool.  We write, polish, edit, publish and then get on with the next story and/or book, then rinse and repeat.

So, as a primary ‘writer’ who this past year decided the best way for me to publish is as an indie publisher, I now have several works, some that I’ve written years ago and others that I’ve started recently, that I want to polish, revise, have edited and then indie publish.

Today I’m interested in attracting beta readers who would enjoy reading my latest work of visionary fiction – Babble. (Read a synopsis of Babble Here.)

Future Beta Reader?

A key step to this process is to have some other people who can read and comment on the various writing projects.  That’s where another important set of distinctions come in — the difference between an Alpha Reader, Beta Reader, and Gamma Reader. This set comes from my all time favorite writing podcast, Writing Excuses.  To learn more about the differences of these three kinds of readers, listen to Writing Excuses fifteen minute podcast on the subject, but basically here’s the difference as I see it:

Alpha Readers can see the Big Picture of the story or book even while it’s in its formative stage. They can help a writer to birth the idea without taking it off course.  My wife, Ann, is really good at this and is my primary Alpha Reader along with my writing buddy, Cynthia.

A Beta Readers is able to read for the ‘Big Picture’ as well once it’s further along. A Beta Reader helps the writer to  focus on such important elements as:

 

Character Development
Plot
Description
Dialogue
Conflict

A Beta Reader is also able to not get mired down by such details as punctuation, spelling, typos, grammar, etc.  Those are the types of important details that a Gamma Reader and/or editor will pick up and clean up.

So, one of the reasons for writing this post is to attract additional Beta Readers to my visionary writer team. If you’re reading this post, you may either be one of my future Beta Readers or know others who would enjoy being a part of such an endeavor.

So, what makes for a good Beta Reader?

Qualities & Attributes of an ideal Beta Reader

Here are some of the qualities and attributes I feel are most important for a Beta Reader:

A Beta Reader is able to provide constructive comments on books and stories from a Big Picture perspective. They can make useful, valuable, and constructive comments that results in a stronger and more engaging story.
They are able to share what works about the story from their perspective in a possible and specific way focusing on such areas as those listed above.
They are then able to also make specific comments on what could make the story even better. This includes pointing out places in the story where they may have become confused, or where they lost interest, or where the story seemed to ramble.
They are able to communicate their insights in a positive and constructive way.
While being avid readers of many different genres, Beta Readers this team will particularly enjoy reading speculative and visionary fiction and non fiction.
They are also able to read and comment on a book within a week or two of their agreeing to read the book. The exception to this is in the case they are reading chapters as they are being written, which might happen from time to time.
If something unexpected comes up that prevents them from reading the book in a timely manner, they communicate immediately so other arrangements can be made.

I’ve also found that for such an arrangement to work well it must work for all concerned.  In other words, there needs to be some kind of an “equal energy exchange.”

The Give & Receive of an Equal Energy Exchange

Let’s start by listing what you as an Beta Reader should be willing to give. A Beta Reader agrees:

 To read and comment on at least 1-2 books per year. You are also free to read more than 2 books per year if you like.
To read any book you volunteer for in a timely manner — usually within 1-2 weeks depending on the length of the book. The exception to this time frame would be if you’re reading and commenting on the chapters as they’re being written which will naturally take longer.
To be mindful to make positive and constructive comments that will not only make the books and stories better but will also leave the writer empowered to continue writing.
To make your comments as specific as possible that include highlighting what you like about the book and that you feel works well, as well as specific suggestions that could improve the book and/or story.
To not become overly attached to your comments and insights, knowing that the final say is left to the writer, and that the writer deciding not to make certain recommended changes does not mean the writer does not appreciate and value the comments and suggestions.

Now, here’s what you can expect to receive in return:

The satisfaction of knowing your making a significant contribution to help create books that are engaging, entertaining, inspiring, encouraging and enlightening.
Improving your enjoyment of reading as well as learning more about what could make you a more effective writer as well,
You presence on this web site as part of the writing team that will include your photo and bio along with a link to your own web site if you so choose.
A signed copy of any of the books that you are a Beta Reader for once the book has been published.
Sweetening the Pot: I really want and need some quality Beta Readers, and I find that avid readers and aspiring writers often make the best Beta Readers. So, anyone who is accepted to the team as a Beta Reader will receive a full scholarship/access to the From Spark to Flame Online Writer’s Course (this online course sells for $249). Check it out. I think you’ll find this a very ‘sweet’ offer.
The eternal appreciation of the writer that includes appearing in the acknowledgment section of the book.

 Ready to Become a Beta Reader?

It’s simple to do.  Just send me a message here. Tell me a little about yourself, what kind of stories you most enjoy reading, why you want to join the team and anything else you feel is important for me to know about you. Also include any questions you may have.  I’ll get back in touch with you shortly…usually within the week. If you want to read some of the opening scenes of Babble, Go Here.