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message 1:
by
J.D.
(new)
Oct 04, 2015 11:03AM
Hello all. I was just wondering if anyone had a nice list of questions to ask their beta readers. I have the typical ones about character development, plot holes, etc. but was just wondering if anyone had some really good ones that would be super helpful.
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I ask them:
What did you like about it?
Dislike?
Who was your favorite character?
Any particular scenes/chapters that you didn't like?
But mostly, I wait until after they come back and start giving me feedback. I am careful to focus on keywords that they say, more importantly keywords that are critical. Criticism means it time to get back to work--rewrite, polish, edit, etc...
Every update I've ever done on my novel has been from negative criticism that was valid. I know that it is hard to be dispassionate about criticism, and sort out the valid ones. After all, this is your baby, right? I once had a critic that was very harsh, and even with the acid tongue, I had to throw out the ridiculous, and regard the criticisms that were valid. The valid criticisms has to be embraced and used as a "schoolmaster" and impetus for change.
What did you like about it?
Dislike?
Who was your favorite character?
Any particular scenes/chapters that you didn't like?
But mostly, I wait until after they come back and start giving me feedback. I am careful to focus on keywords that they say, more importantly keywords that are critical. Criticism means it time to get back to work--rewrite, polish, edit, etc...
Every update I've ever done on my novel has been from negative criticism that was valid. I know that it is hard to be dispassionate about criticism, and sort out the valid ones. After all, this is your baby, right? I once had a critic that was very harsh, and even with the acid tongue, I had to throw out the ridiculous, and regard the criticisms that were valid. The valid criticisms has to be embraced and used as a "schoolmaster" and impetus for change.
I compiled a pretty good list so far. Here it is, hope it helps other folks.Do I like the POV character(s)? (or do I find them interesting enough to read more about them)
Are their goals clear so there's narrative drive in the story?
Do the characters feel real?
Are there good stakes to keep me interested?
Is there too much back story, exposition or description?
Is the overall structure holding together?
Does the opening grab me?
Does the ending want me to read more? (either a scene or chapter)
Is the premise working for me?
Is the pacing good?
Does the plot make sense?
Are the plot, stakes and goals believable?
Have I ever seen this plot or these characters before? (are they fresh, or have they been done)
Was is predictable or did it surprise me?
Are all the pieces in the right places?
Did I spot any recurring themes?
Does it grab me, does it hold my attention, do I want to read on?
Does it read well?
Do the sentences flow seamlessly or do any stick out or are awkward
Are the dialog tags clear?
Are there any slow spots?
Does the world feel real and fleshed out?
Am I confused anywhere?
Are there any repetitions? Words, phrases, scenes, information, etc.
Do I see any passive issues, too many adverbs, overused adjectives?
Is there anything that jumps out at me that would stop me from reading or jar me out of the story?
