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Beta reader got in touch...now I don't know what to do.
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Kat
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Jan 04, 2016 05:59AM
Let me get this straight: so you don't want other beta readers, because you're scared your book isn't that good and their critical reaction will hurt your... feelings?
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If I understood right, concern is for other beta's being too protective and wont give youan honest opinion?What is the genre of your novel?
I just finished several authors and am writing reviews. If it is just a matter of 3 chapters I will give you my honest opinion. But be aware, it might not be as expected, if I dont like - I tell. However, opinions are prone to differ from person to person. Dont be sad for a bad review - some other will like what somebody didnt. I received a tons of criticism on my writing, just to soak that wisdom and turn it into improvement.
Writing is a constant learning.
Sarah, as much as it may pain you, having a beta reader who has no personal connection is far more valuable than having a best friend beta read, because they are willing to hit straight. If there are issues, I would trust an unkown beta reader over a best friend. After all, most of your readers won't be your best friend. (We hope you sell more than one copy anyhow.) And better to get any nasty comments straight to your e-mail than to a review where it could kill your writing career.
Frederick wrote: "If I understood right, concern is for other beta's being too protective and wont give youan honest opinion?"Oh, I got it totally wrong. So, yeah. Usually beta readers - at least those who know what they're doing - give you more honest opinions than your best friends do. Because why would an unknown person be lying to you just to protect your feelings? So there's nothing to worry about. Just pick someone who's competent.
:)Just send it to ivan.kec1@gmail.com
I'll look into it asap
I understand your plight, Sarah. Are there writing groups or organizations in your area? Maybe you can you partner with local authors to form, or become part of, a critique group? There may even be online crit groups open to new authors.EDIT: Some are listed here: http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-...
Well said FF. Totally agree, a bad review is a good review, only way to find out the quality of your work. Hey Sarah, I'm happy to look at it too if you wish. Nevencarr@gmail.com
I've sent so many books to friends/family for beta reading and never hear anything back at all, so at least she got back to you. I'd be happy to read it and give you some opinions, Sarah, as long as you can wait for me to finish the book I'm currently reading.
You can send it over to authorbenmariner@gmail.com if you'd like me to read it.
This just melts my "macho" heart... indies helping each other! I so enjoy this comunity!Thank you all for being supportive and sharing experience and advice!
Mod
Thank you all for being supportive and sharing experience and advice!"
It's a big part of the reason it started. Indies are some of your best resources!
Glad to see you're getting it figured out, Sarah.
Lol.... english is not my native and Im typing from a small keyboard on the phone while travelling :) surry fer misspeleed woards :) :)
Sounds like you have faith in yourself. Just pass your story on to the Beta Reader. I/ve got several things in the hands of editors and they give me a hard critique and faith. Go for it.Mother's Nature
If you have beta readers that are afraid to tell you when there is an issue, kindly thank them for all their help and don't bother them again.
I also recommend that you find a good writers group that has a focus on your chosen genre.That has helped me very much.
Not sure a best mate is your ultimate beta reader. I wouldn't think of a best friend in these terms. And what's the advantage in whether or not she knows the book?If you have those other opinions available, even if you don't trust them, it's worthwhile to have them anyway and to decide what makes sense and what doesn't, since in the end; opinion is just an opinion... Even if they are too upbeat, it's never a waste to hear them. To get someone else to read is not a bad advice -:).
And why only 3 chapters? You can procure paid or free beta readers on GR for the entire thing
I think it would be difficult to have a best friend beta read your book. I suspect she doesn’t want to jeopardize a wonderful friendship, and will support your writing in other ways. I’m no expert, but I’ll be happy to look at what you’ve written.-Kolleen
aroseforsergei@gmail.com
I absolutely recommend scribophile.com. It's other writers looking for the same thing. It's free, you just have to provide feedback to other people before posting your work, but I think it's worth it.
The first and only time I attempted to read some chapters to my wife from my memoir she said (and I never forgot this) 'That doesn't really sound like a book. It just sounds like you talking' hmmmmm.Anyway...point being...to get an objective opinion it needs to be someone who doesn't know you.
I would take a look if you would like?
JD
Tyler wrote: "I absolutely recommend scribophile.com. It's other writers looking for the same thing. It's free, you just have to provide feedback to other people before posting your work, but I think it's worth it."Enthusiastic Second!
They have groups that break it down by genre, and my experience has been that even writers outside my genre have valuable input. In fact, even critiques I've received where it was pretty obvious the critic was on some sort of mind altering substance when offering their input, maybe even burnt their brains beyond hope of normal function in human society, even those critiques have at least one valuable observation or bit of advice to offer.
scribophile.com
I think it's always good to have more than ONE betareader. One person can see an issue that another one missed. Ultimately, you'll want your book to appeal to a wide group of people so it might be a good idea to get a good sample/representation of that reader population
I read once that your beta readers should not be...
Someone you've "known" in the biblical sense if you know what i mean, or a relative. They often can't tell you if your stuff needs serious work.
Someone you've "known" in the biblical sense if you know what i mean, or a relative. They often can't tell you if your stuff needs serious work.
