Beta reader precautions?

[A.L.]

I've never used beta readers before. I would like to, but what should I know about keeping my manuscript safe from copyright infringement and that kind of thing?

Also, as a side question, what's realistic for turnaround time?

[Martin]

I use beta readers I know. I also give them proof copies to read. "Red Pen Proofs" I call them.

They literally mark them up with a red pen!

No worries about one of them stealing it.

[Dwayne, Head of Lettuce]

Like Martin, I use betas that I know. I also use betas that are already authors with published books. They have enough of their own books and ideas. I feel safe that they will not steal mine.

I tell my betas how soon I want to have them done up front and let them know that if they cannot finish in the time I'm asking, just say so and no hard feelings.

[Alexis]

A.L. wrote: "I've never used beta readers before. I would like to, but what should I know about keeping my manuscript safe from copyright infringement and that kind of thing?

Also, as a side question, what's r..."

Well, first I'd go with someone you know and trust. If you want to send it a stranger (for a different POV) then I would send it directly their Kindle email and not as a Microsoft, PDF or anything that can be easily copies. Trust but verify (or in this case be catious) :)

ETA: However, I guess if you'd like comments on every little thing, a word document is better so that they can add comments and such.

[Roughseasinthemed]

Tbh, no one has ever queried my integrity regarding copyright infringement. If you are seriously concerned, then maybe you should go down the paid road.

As a reader, I prefer a doc I can annotate, ie Pages or Word, and a minimum of a week for a short novel, ie 50K. And that's for a short report. Longer for longer novels, and for a paid-for report. Also, it depends on current commitments. I don't think you should give your betas a deadline, I find it discourteous, rather let them tell you when they *should* be able to get back to you. And plan on life. We all get sick, have other things come up.

If I were writing, I would allow a month.

[C.L.]

A.L. wrote: "I've never used beta readers before. I would like to, but what should I know about keeping my manuscript safe from copyright infringement and that kind of thing?

Also, as a side question, what's r..."I do the same thing. Print it out, hand it to them, get it back with edits and notes.

[Donna]

I wouldn't be too concerned about something like that and if you are then you should probably use some new people. Use only people you trust if you're going to send them a whole manuscript. Using a website like Critique Circle is also really good. I've gotten some really good insight posting my work there. And it's all password protected so no concerns about forfeiting first pub rights or anything.

As far as turnaround time, that's negotiable. I've had people come out and say I'll have it to you next week. I won't argue with that. But if they ask me I usually work far enough out that I can give 2 to 3 weeks for them to finish it.

[Anna]

I don't think copyright infringement is a problem. I sent my manuscript to 15 complete strangers on three different continents for beta reading and I didn't encounter any problems. In fact, most of these strangers gave excellent feedback and turned into friends. I was of course a little scared at first, thinking "what if someone steals my book", but I haven't seen any evidence of this kind of thing happening. The free beta readers I encountered were all doing it out of kindness and for the love of books and I have nothing but good things to say about them.

If you're uncertain, I would encourage you to do a beta swap with a fellow author who writes the same genre as you. That way you're both in the same situation. :)

[F.B.]

Hi.
Where do you find your betas.
I'm struggling to find many.

[A.L.]

F.B. wrote: "Hi.
Where do you find your betas.
I'm struggling to find many."

There are beta-reader groups on Goodreads. I haven't tried using them yet, but they seem to be useful for some.

[Claire]

I belonged to an online critique group for a number of years, which I found very helpful in developing my work before I was published. But I warn you to beware of beta readers who are also wannabe, unpublished writers. The feedback I began receiving once I was no longer "one of them" became unreasonable.

I had one, unpublished writer (who I also considered a friend) become so sour, she trashed my work, advising how "she would write it." I nearly abandoned the title. I'm glad I did not. The book went on, three months later, to win a major award after publication...

If you are unpublished, by all means seek out beta readers and critique groups. But if you've already established yourself as a published author, I recommend going straight to an editor--one who can recommend content as well as copy edits. They are professionals, and have no axe to grind.

Just some words from the trenches :)

[Roughseasinthemed]

Claire wrote: "I belonged to an online critique group for a number of years, which I found very helpful in developing my work before I was published. But I warn you to beware of beta readers who are also wannabe,..."

Claire, you make a very valid point. While I do free betas for shorts or a couple of chapters, I charge for a full novel, but include beta input when I'm actually editing. So, that includes, this doesn't work, not sure that character has enough exposure, there's something missing here, etc.

You are right. Editors have no axe to grind. We try and make someone's book the best we can within time, cost, and skill constraints. My personal view is that an editor *should* include beta sort of comments, but we all differ in how we approach people. Plus, some writers don't want that.

[Claire]

Roughseasinthemed wrote: "Claire wrote: "I belonged to an online critique group for a number of years, which I found very helpful in developing my work before I was published. But I warn you to beware of beta readers who ar..."

I so totally agree. I "test-drove" at least four editors before I found one who did enough, but not too much. Exactly the points you mentioned. It's so important, too, to find an editor who "gets" your voice and writing style. I highly recommend every author take the time and effort to find one who's the right fit.

Thanks for chiming in!

[Winifred]

For many years I've been in a critique group, the real life kind that meets every two weeks in someone's living room. I've also used beta readers I've met online. And once upon a time I had editors who worked for New York publishers giving me advice. I agree that some writers can be brutal when criticizing other writers' work, but I think you can get bad advice from the pro editors too.With one of my books Liar, an editor at Atheneum told me to lose the mother. An editor at Holiday House told me to develop the mother more but lose the last third of the book. An editor at Walker & Co. published it, with the more developed mother as well as the intact ending, and it went on to be an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant YA Readers. I think a writer needs to develop a very thick skin and also a clear idea of what she's trying to do. There are any number of different ways to write a book, so you have to evaluate any criticism or suggestions you receive.

On the other hand, you've got to have feedback. Whenever we read our own work, we see the movie we imagined when we wrote it. We do need to know how much of that movie is coming across to other readers.