Lin’s Comments (group member since May 06, 2013)

Lin’s comments from the Beta Reader Group group.

I usually point out at the beginning that I don't read for errors but am happy to provide a quote for proof reading once the work is ready for it. Authors should understand that quality control is a big issue, and it is their responsibility to do whatever they can to produce their best work. Any trad published book will have been through an editor and proofreader (at the very least).

Self publishing means the author needs to be very careful not to rush to publish before their writing is ready to be seen. Publishing too early, before their writing is developed or before quality control, could not only damage their reputation but also tarnish the reputation of self published work generally.

If there are noticeable errors I will comment generally on whether the work needs an edit or proofread. I will point out individual errors only if it affects my understanding of the text, or if it is a constantly repeated error.

As to commenting on a character's accessories - do they fit with the character or do they sound totally wrong? Do they fit with the action? Would it be better for her to carry a larger purse/handbag to bash her attacker with? Would a smaller one be easier to hide? Those are valid comments.

On the other hand, small details matter. I read about a character looking for Night Nurse (a cold medicine) just because she thought it would help her sleep, and I instantly bonded with her over that, so I commented to that effect. If it's something that might make or break the bonding with a character it's worth mentioning.

Some people make a distinction between alpha readers and beta readers - an alpha read is very early on, and will pick up major issues. A beta read is later on, and is looking for smaller details. At both stages, the writer should be prepared to catty out further work, so focusing on spelling and punctuation, except in a general sense, is a waste of time, especially since it's hard to focus on both detail and plot level at the same time.

Different betas will each have their own way of reading, which is why using more than one is a good idea if you can.

Once you've done whatever you can to the story, that's when an editor and proofreader will help with the final polish.

Any reader should be aware of the writer's feelings, and comment on good as well as bad, but a writer needs to be able to accept constructive criticism, as well as remembering it's one reader's opinion.

I think the very, very least any beta reader would expect is some sort of feedback from the author, even if it's "thank you for your time and your feedback." I have had one or two - in the dim and distant past, I'll admit - who received their report and I never heard anything more.

I charge for betas but have no objection to anyone doing it for free. I can't, however, do a beta a night. My current read is one of my easiest and it will take around 8 hours altogether, at least an hour of which will be writing the report. I would usually take two or three times longer; the harder the read, the more comments I have to make and the harder it is to concentrate for long.

Beta reading is a reader's response, and so takes less skill than editing or proof reading (and shouldn't really include either of those tasks). Some readers offer a thorough report, others a briefer one. While you might get a thorough report from a free read, you shouldn't get a very brief report from a paid one, and a good beta reader can make all the difference in plot and writing style, to an extent that would be much more expensive if left to a paid editor.

If anyone wants to know how I beta read, there is an article about it on my blog (link to my website is higher in this thread). I complete any read I take on, or explain why I'm unable to read it and not expect payment (very rare, and never for fiction). I have several authors returning for book 2, or 3, or even 4.

I make a small charge for beta reads, which is sometimes then taken off any editing/ proof reading that I go onto for the same work. It serves as an introduction to the way I work and gives the writer feedback on the writing and advice on what else it needs.

Beta reading is very time-consuming, and the fee reflects the time spent writing the comments and report. I have a long waiting list for the service, and I fit the work in around other jobs - it doesn't pay anywhere enough for me to support myself totally, although I'm seriously considering raising my fees.

It's still a lot cheaper than some of the critique services available, and nowhere near the cost of a developmental edit, and I bring ten years of beta reading experience, the last two of which have been as part of working as a full time editor and proofreader (trained).

I have more on my website, including articles on beta reading and testimonials from happy clients. Www.coinlea.co.uk.

I often see posts from people enquiring about becoming a beta reader. Here's a post I've written on the subject:
http://www.coinlea.co.uk/i-want-to-be...
If you have any other questions please do ask!

Hi Courtney Jane, welcome to the beta reader world!

I've written articles on beta reading and editing on the blog part of my website at www.coinlea.co.uk, which you might find useful to read through in order to get an overview of the writing process and what's expected from a beta reader.

All the steps in preparing a novel for print, apart from the first step of actually writing it, can be done via paid services. Beta readers can replace some or all, but to differing abilities.

Alpha readers will work on a rough draft. They need to be able to see the wood for the trees, looking at the storyline, structure, POV, writing style and anything else they pick up on, and the job is often taken, as said, by a critique partner. I quite often see people asking for beta reads when actually their manuscript is more at alpha level. There are sites available, such as scribophile, where you can find other authors who will exchange critiques. The paid equivalent would be a developmental edit, which is the most expensive type.

Copy editors will make sure your document is consistent - that Freddy doesn't turn into Frankie, or Joanna's eyes don't change colour, or that tight skirt suit doesn't stop her running later, or someone runs upstairs in a bungalow, and will ensure that your writing style is consistent, grammatically correct and spelled right. This should enhance your writing without substantial changes, and is the edit I would strongly recommend paying for to get a proper job done. There is nothing like silly errors to really put a reader off your book early on!

A proofreader will pick up last-minute errors, preferably in the final manuscript as it will be printed/published. They will not change the content as an editor would, but will pick up pesky issues like speech marks facing the wrong way, or double spaces, or grammar/ spelling/ punctuation errors. They should be familiar with looking out for not just errors in the language but also in the layout of the document.

Beta readers will occasionally offer to do either of the last two jobs, but should mainly focus on reader reaction. How is the pace? Are the characters likeable/ believable? I would be very wary of using beta readers too far through the process, as any changes made could well impact on the copyediting/ proofreading stages. On the other hand, they need to have a reasonably clean manuscript in order to get a clear idea of the story and writing, although it doesn't have to be 100% polished.

I would also be very wary of using beta readers who promise to edit and proofread as they go through. Beta reading is reading for content, while editing/proofreading is reading at word/sentence level, and it is very hard (and timeconsuming) to do both at once and remain accurate.

My recommendation would be to get a professional to do at a minimum either a copy edit or a proofread, preferably the copy edit. You not only gain their professional skills, but their experience, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you've had someone look your book over.

You may also pay for someone to help you with the formatting of your book, for ebook, printed version or both. You should certainly be finding someone to help you with your cover design. When I proofread, I tend to apply the basic formatting as I go, leaving the reader with a clean manuscript.

I've written several articles on beta reading and the editing process on my blog, which is on my website at www.coinlea.co.uk if anyone wishes to take a look.

In the light of discussions around the difference between asking for a review and asking for a beta read, I've written a blog post on the different types of reading. I hope this clears up some confusion.
http://www.coinlea.co.uk/beta-reading...

That would be my understanding, yes.

It's not that it's not okay, as such, but that it can cause lots of issues - what if one feels the other is unfair and retaliates publicly? What if the reviewer feels the book is bad but feels obliged to give it a good review? Offering anything as "payment" for a review is to risk trouble.

I would also be careful about offering beta reads in exchange for reviews - there are very many traps in that area, even worse than the usual exchange of services.

I agree, beta reading is a private service for the author. Reviewing is a public service for the reader.

Word should work the same way.

If you post with details of the type of book and what sort of feedback you're looking for, people will usually ask for a specific format. Personally I prefer Word, but some prefer ebook format if you can provide it. You will email them the file, and they will email back their comments, often with an annotated copy of your file (which is why Word is easiest).
There are posts on my website about beta readers and what they offer: www.coinlea.co.uk.
Lin

Just a quick reminder that the purpose of this group is to join writers with beta readers. Reviews of published works is an entirely different matter.

If anyone is looking for a UK editor, you're very welcome to check out my website, www.coinlea.co.uk. I offer paid beta, with structural and style feedback, and editing/proof reading services.

I work with British English and also have experience with the way other languages interfere with English. My email is on my website if you want to send me a sample.

I'd be happy to take a look at a sample as well. My website is www.coinlea.co.uk. Is it content or technical issues your friend is worried about?
Just remember that no reviews doesn't necessarily mean anything bad. Many people just don't bother leaving reviews - unless they really love it or really hate it.

You can find both alpha and beta readers for free, but just for the record my fee is £50 for a manuscript of up to 100k words, which reflects the time spent making notes and writing a report rather than the time spent reading as well.

Good luck with your writing, and above all enjoy it.