Library Lady 📚 ’s Comments (group member since Feb 16, 2014)

Library Lady 📚 ’s comments from the Beta Reader Group group.

I haven't beta read, but when reading a novel, I HATE HATE HATE when a character looks in the mirror and describes herself. I probably stop reading at that point, it's so cliche. Also, I don't really care for it when the action stops to describe a character's appearance.
If you want to say she has red hair or a bad dye job, that's cool. If you want to say she has freckles and red hair that's the result of a bad dye job, that's fine. More than that...can wait. Tell me in the next chapter that he's staring into her green eyes. Describing a character's appearance all at once is an info-dump for me.

Lin wrote: "A beta reader can obviously comment on the writing and whether the story holds interest just from a section, but from experience it's much harder to get a sense of the overall story unless you can ..."

Agreed. I'm embarrassed to even tell ppl in writing a book until it's done BC I'm afraid they'll ask about it later and I'll have to admit I abandoned it or it's too awful to show anyone, lol. I try to at least make sure things are edited first.

P.D. wrote: "I have/have had some great betas. Each brings something different to the table. Some find typos or awkward wording. Some rave about the parts they liked. Others might suggest restructuring a timeli..."

completely agree. Some books I've read stick with me for a long time even though I hated the characters. That's a good book.

I'd say authors should accept feedback courteously and for heavens sake, don't argue about what's wrong or explain your book to your betas(as in, "I meant to write that passage jumbled, BC he's drunk"). If they can't tell that, it probably needs explanation/clarification in the book.

If you get advice from a beta, really consider it and don't be defensive (or keep it to yourself). Ultimately its your book and your call. If you don't want to change it, don't get mad at your beta. That's their honest opinion that they were kind enough to share.

Say thank you.

There are always circumstances that take precedence. I was upset when I sent my book off and never heard back. If you can't do it, just tell the author politely. I don't think that's asking for anything but courtesy.

I don't ask for or expect an editor. I usually ask for reader perspective. If the book is boring so you stopped reading and that's why I never heard back, that's something I want to know!

The best beta experience I've had, she had some things come up and took over 3 months to get the book back to me. But she let me know, so I wasn't left hanging. That's all I wanted.

Get back to me when it's finished and I'll beta or trade w you.

There are no established guidelines for betas, so it can be difficult to know what you're getting--for both parties. If I was a beta, I'd be wary of getting junk drafts (that's what I call the first few, anyway).

When I first did review trading, I got some published books that looked like my first drafts, littered w errors. And they were published! I'm sure betas see some ugly, ugly messes.

Authors also get disappointments. Even being very specific about what I'm looking for, I get different results from each beta. Some have even taken my book and never returned comments or responded to my follow-ups. Luckily I had one very positive experience, too!

Denise wrote: "I once got a note on a section: "I think this [particular] paragraph could have been better written." This is close to as verbatim as I can recall.

Other than a three out of five star rating, t..."

That is frustrating. However, sometimes I think authors expect too much. Though betas might be clear about what's wrong (this passage is badly worded and confusing) I do not think they should be expected to offer suggestions on how to fix things. At that point, you have accepted a collaborator.

A beta reader is not an author (or not the author of the book they are beta reading, anyway). Obviously, it is up to the author to follow his own best judgment. Maybe it is not what leads to great sales, but it's true to the story, so we stick to it. That's the way I look at it.

I am more than happy and grateful for any advice my betas have given me, but it's up to me to change it, just as it's up to me to change what my editor recommends. No one is going to write the book for me. A beta is one person whose opinion may differ from mine. That's why it's better to have 2 or more betas. If everyone has the same criticism, it's likely valid. But sometimes what one person loves is exactly what another will hate. My last beta was 100% amazing and helpful, and I followed most of her advice, but ultimately, it was my decision, and I didn't always reword a sentence as she suggested.

What I can't understand is authors who argue with betas. That's like arguing with reviewers--but worse! Betas give up their time to help us, and we should be nothing but grateful. If we don't like their advice, we aren't forced to heed it. But asking for a beta is asking for constructive criticism, and that's what we should expect. It's much more frustrating to get a MS back from a beta that just says, "It was great, I loved it." I like betas who aren't afraid to rip it apart!

Tianna wrote: "Just saying "I liked the story", while lovely to hear... doesn't really say whether I've achieved what I wanted. ..."

Agreed. I've had betas who sent it back and said "Great book," and that was it. That's always nice to hear, but constructive criticism is more helpful. We know the book isn't finished at this point, so we are expecting you to point out problem areas. We don't expect a five-star review. This is a draft, still a work in progress (although it should NOT be a first draft, imo, but closer to finished).

Hi! I am currently seeking a few beta readers for a gritty ya. Here's what I'm looking for:

Someone who can point out plot holes, inconsistencies, pacing problems, where it needs more or less exposition/explanation, general suggestions, reader perspective. I don't need a lot of line edits, as I have an editor, but of course if you see something, point it out.

Please let me know if you're interested and I'll send you a word doc or pdf, whichever you prefer.

Here is the synopsis.

For going on ten years now, Kirby Acuff has been dreaming of the day she’ll leave the trailer park behind. After a summer spent chasing boys and reconnecting with her mama, newly released from prison, Kirby enters high school. By now she’s figured out that, though Mama’s boyfriends come and go, the trailer house is a permanent fixture. So is her reputation as a slut.

Following her mama’s advice has gotten Kirby every guy she’s ever wanted, and though it hasn’t led to true love, it has led to gossip. As the rumors and harassment escalate, Kirby wonders how she’ll make it out of high school, never mind the trailer park. But while sophomore year doesn’t look to bring any major changes, like a real house or a transfer from the cafeteria’s designated freak table, it has a few lessons to teach the girl who has it all figured out. Lessons that may just put a new spin on all her notions about friendship and family, strength and sacrifice, and the true meaning of love.

(78,000 words)

One last thing, this book is written with a slight southern dialect, and it contains lots of profanity.

Thanks,
Lena

Messaging you now.