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

Lin’s comments from the Beta Reader Group group.

I use scrivener - here's a blog post I wrote about it, outlining some of the advantages. http://www.coinlea.co.uk/writing-tool...

Please don't use betas as editors! Or as proofreaders, for that matter. There are groups on here where you can make contact with editors. Beta readers are readers, who comment on flow of story, etc.
I'm an editor myself and I do an occasional beta read for a fee, but the two have different skillsets.

Oh, I agree, it's great fun. At one point I was writing fanfiction thrillers, posted chapter by chapter as written, complete with cliffhangers. It's a very immediate way of writing.

On the other hand, I'm sure my continuity and consistency were a little suspect, not to mention editing ;).

First drafts can be raw and tough, and I'd say it takes a strong working relationship for that sort of alpha reading to work well. Not to mention that there's still a need for a (different) beta reader at a later stage.

In my experience it's more a continuum than a clear distinction; I've certainly read some that are more raw than others.

The way you describe is at one extreme, and needs an ongoing relationship rather than the more casual stuff that tends to happen here.
A good source for alpha reading would be a place like scribophile, or finding someone willing to give ongoing feedback, but just bear in mind it's harder to get an overall feel when reading a piece at a time with maybe a long break between.

It varies - I would ask. Some prefer ebook formats, others word or PDF, and some will take any format.

You're very kind, and I'm looking forward to seeing the latest version ready to work on :)
Still ready to book in more work, from May onwards, so authors if you know you will be looking for readers around that time, and are likely to want editing/proofreading at a later stage, why not give me a try while prices are still low?

Hi folks

As an editor/proofreader, I charge a small fee for beta reading, which then qualifies you for a substantial discount on editing/proofreading services. It's proving a very popular service, so I thought I'd offer the chance to book a slot in advance - I'm currently booked until the end of April.

I charge £25 for up to 100k words, £35 for up to 150k, and I try to complete each reading within two weeks max, offering general feedback plus comments on the file itself.

Please do read the information on my website, http://www.coinlea.co.uk/indie-author..., where you can also find testimonials for my service. You can email me via the website, and I'd be pleased to discuss your work with you.

I'm happy to read a wide variety of genres, including creative non-fiction, although I do prefer to avoid erotica. Based in the UK, I can also provide advice on books set in the UK, to help you avoid inaccuracies if you're from elsewhere.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Lin

I'd be happy to help as mod. Working from home, I'm online most of the day.

And some editors offer beta reading :). There is a continuum between beta reading and developmental editing that starts with "I enjoyed it" and ends with several pages of notes and advice. One end is usually free; the other end can cost hundreds. Beta readers who charge should be at least partway along that continuum.

Sounds interesting but I'd like more information before signing up. For example, is it US only? What do readers/writers/editors get for signing? Do you offer any quality control or is it just a way of putting people in contact?

Most betas - especially those found via the web, as opposed to personal friends/writing group members - will work with electronic copies. Some prefer files they can use with an ereader, e.g. Kindle/ePub, others prefer files to use on a computer, e.g. PDF/Word/open office.

It's up to individual beta readers/authors what their arrangement is: some authors like to offer something, and some readers charge. In many other cases the service is free.
As a copyeditor/proofreader, I feel I offer enough of an in-depth report to justify a small charge (and beta reading can be time-consuming and hard work sometimes!). In return, I offer a discount on further services used, which usually more than covers the cost of the beta read. This way the author and I also have a chance to see each other at work before committing further.
I also have a lot of experience beta reading and a collection of testimonials to provide reassurance to authors.

Happy to help if needed.

Maybe there's a way to claim the group? I'd be happy to help out. Although we do all seem a very well behaved bunch (or is saying that asking for trouble?), some organising would be good, as you say.

The advantage for charging a small fee is: on the author's side they know they have a reader who will feed back and take it seriously (I have several testimonials on my site to reassure) and on the reader's side they know they have an author who is serious about investing in their work and about seeking honest feedback. Yes, both can happen without money, but it's a bit hit and miss, and being paid means I can justify taking my time over my comments a little more. Don't forget that some critique services charge several hundred pounds, and they're presumably getting the work in.

Self publishing doesn't mean cheap publishing. It means the author takes on the risks and costs themselves but has much more control than trad publishing.

It's sensible to arrange a deadline with beta readers (realistic: I always wince when I see something like "I need a beta reader who can read it within a couple of days because the publication date is next week"!) and to email them to ask politely how they're getting on if you don't hear from them (that doesn't mean every single day for a week; again, be realistic!).

Luke: Some betas will read a chapter or two, some prefer the whole thing at once - and you can get a much better idea of how the plot works that way. I'm sure there are betas on here who would read your work. I charge a fee for my beta reading and I'm still fairly busy with it, which means I'm having to be careful what I take on time-wise.

If anyone's looking for feedback on writing skill/style rather than on a specific story, don't forget sites like scribophile, where you can post your own writing for critique, read and critique other people's work - and also read writing/critiques by others.

Julie you make good points. Did you send a chase email? It's always worth sending a message a few days later to check the first got through - if both are ignored, then it's time to move on.

Precisely because of the sort of feedback a beta is expected to give, I feel it's not usually appropriate to also write a review, as they serve two different purposes: one is a private report to help the writer improve the work, the other a public report for readers to choose what to read.

If a writer asks for a beta read then they need to be prepared to receive negative feedback as well as positive feedback - after all, the usual purpose is to prepare for publication, and once it's published reviewers will point out issues publicly!

Surely part of the unwritten contract between author and beta reader is to be honest and specific with feedback?

I have never signed a contract for beta reading, but I would also assume that a beta would respect confidentiality, not pass a beta book on and I don't think they should be writing a public review either, certainly not on the beta version.

If an author has concerns on these points, however, they should by all means seek confirmation from the beta before proceeding.

I don't tend to delete beta files, as often an author will ask further questions, and storage is not an issue.

PM sent :)

Pauline - yes it is acceptable. In fact some beta readers charge for their services (I offer a paid beta service and have seen readers elsewhere who charge) and some authors offer an amazon voucher or similar to readers. Many beta readers offer their services free, but it can take a long time and a lot of effort to produce meaningful feedback, so it's worth looking out for one or two you know you can work well with and looking after them.
Don't forget that the job of a beta reader can also be done by a paid editor offering structural edits!