Beta reading or Editing? Which to choose?

[Sharon]

For an editor or beta reader to be the most productive, it's important for the writer to communicate exactly what the author feels is needed. Often, it's difficult for the writer to know. On my blog, you can take a look at the different kinds of editing and beta reading and approach the person you are working with about specific goals. This particular article describes a beta "brain" read.
https://thewritersreader.wordpress.co...

Thanks.
SU

[G.G.]

Do you mean writer or beta reader?

[Sharon]

I'm not sure I understand your question. My article is an attempt to bridge the gap between writer and beta reader, to give the writer the language to communicate to the beta reader (or editor) what the writer feels is lacking. Too often, the writer is staring at the sky, not knowing what is needed to polish the manuscript. If the writer can point to a dialogue problem, pacing or whatever, it helps the editor focus on issues.

The beta "brain" read that I describe is a tracking of my thoughts as I read a novel so the writer can read it from a totally new perspective. Make sense?