Does anyone do alpha reads? I'll explain

[Tokies]

this is purely my opinion

I think there is a different between Alpha Readers and Beta Readers for indie authors. Mainly an Alpha reader may even read chapter by chapter as you write it. or reads your free writes before you do your first edit
alpha readers tell you if they find your story interesting what parts felt a bit boring
your book sits at a flexible point where you could scrap the whole thing and start again or whole chapters.
(you want to know what they like about it or hate before you make your first edit)

Beta Readers
A beta reader starts reading after you have made your first major edit or multiple edits (i read my book through the first time edits) they don't really look for spelling mistakes, proof reading, they may tell you when things just dont make sense. it will be closer to complete before an beta reader see's it


ive written using both alpha readers, and beta readers both. i preferred tho having an alpha readers it was more fun writing and the story felt more alive for me like walking through a world. it also felt more fluid


most would say they are the same thing but in the world of google docs style writing where someone can read each chapter every night you write and leave you notes about it. it's not the same thing. it also keeps me on track because i find myself wanting to know the end on certain short stories that are just pure free write for me.

I was wondering if anyone else has tried this?

[Lin]

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.

[Tokies]

Lin wrote: "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 ..."

thanks .. i enjoy it better tho the writing.. is more fun.. it's like telling your friend a story. i write for fun ..

[Lin]

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.

[C.]

I do alpha/beta reading. It all depends on what the author is looking for from a reader. Sometimes I have done both for the same author at the same time. Whichever it is, is a lot of work. It isn't just a read and review. It takes time to try to understand just what the author is trying to convey, unravel how it develops, pay attention to details in the story line and details of grammar, basic sentence structure (or lack thereof in order to keep the authors voice), and spelling errors (my pet peeve). To be critical with kindness and encouragement is no easy task when dealing with an ego you don't know. But I love it!!

[Emily]

I actually prefer to use both, and yes I have found some betas that have read for me that are willing to alpha read my other works. I know with one of my stories I thought it was close to polishing up when I sent it out to several beta's who all came back with the same complaints about basically the plot, the characters weren't likable, down to the tense and POV. So I went back and rewrote the whole thing. I would have preferred to hear that from an alpha reader so I could fix them as I went instead of having to start from scratch all over again.
And I have made some strong working connections on this site, but they are few out of many. Most that alpha read for me I usually alpha read for them as well so it is a nice trade off and they understand it is a rough draft.

[Michelle]

I have done both as well. I have actually read a set of notes and gathered scenes and helped a writer figure out where to start the story, whether or not to use flashbacks, how to frame the telling, and how best to develop the plot...Now that was fun :)

Most often I've been asked to Beta read, though. I enjoy all kinds of reads...I just like the author to let me know what I'm getting into before I agree to help!

[Tokies]

Emily wrote: "I actually prefer to use both, and yes I have found some betas that have read for me that are willing to alpha read my other works. I know with one of my stories I thought it was close to polishing..."

cool.! i hope to find someone like that. i havent yet. i just have a few of my friends who read my short stories.. random novella's and lately novels. but.. i think they are worn out on me i try and do 1500 words per day. yeah i know.. but only when i have a working idea that i really really like and want to get the hell outta my head but my favorite is when i have a good story.. a really good one and everyone reads along when i write it live.. it's fun.. like i said before

[Tokies]

Michelle wrote: "I have done both as well. I have actually read a set of notes and gathered scenes and helped a writer figure out where to start the story, whether or not to use flashbacks, how to frame the telling..."

i hear where you're coming from. :)

[Emily]

Tokies wrote: "Emily wrote: "I actually prefer to use both, and yes I have found some betas that have read for me that are willing to alpha read my other works. I know with one of my stories I thought it was clos..."

Sounds like me I write about 2000 words a day when I have a story just begging to get out of my head and yes I love people reading along as I write. When I first started writing though I wouldn't let anyone see anything until I revised the rough draft but with as much practice as I've had now my rough drafts look better than a revision of mine did back then.

[Tokies]

Emily wrote: "Tokies wrote: "Emily wrote: "I actually prefer to use both, and yes I have found some betas that have read for me that are willing to alpha read my other works. I know with one of my stories I thou..."

i wish i could write 2000.. a day im working towards that right now.. i hover between. 500-3000 . but it's in flux right now.

my drafts look crappy still lol but it's fun to share.. at some point in my life.. im lucky it happen when i was young.. i just stop giving a fuck.. love me dont love me .. hate my art dont hate it.. i dont care.. i never minded sharing.. i lucked out there again..

do you find proof reading easier now.. write.. i dunno cleaning to begin with?

[Anthony]

Currently I am using a professor at my university as an Alpha reader (as you would define it). He has been an invaluable resource in steering my writing in the right direction and asking the right questions. I always think that solving issues of structure and plot are best left for early "Alpha" stages. If this is done in the "Beta" stage then it becomes cumbersome to correct and can derail entire pieces of the work.

[E.L.]

I would do an Alpha read - actually I think I would prefer it as the majority of Beta's I have read have been polished really really well and needed very little changing.

I think the only things that would bother me is if I receive and Alpha piece when I'm being told it's Beta, although this is forgiveable, especially for 1st timers. What is a lot worse is receiving a completely unedited, grammatical disaster!

[K.P.]

i use both alphas and betas. for alphas, i see what story is worth publishing next and test the waters. also sometimes, if i have new ideas, i start the story (usually the first 20 pages) and put it out there to see if it's worth continuing.
then afterwards, if i get a warm response, i go on and finish. then after the usual rounds of edits, i send it back up for review. usually it takes between 6 months to a year (as i have several projects going on at once).