Beta reading system?

[Jesslyn]

I've just started really getting into the paid beta reading world, and every time I talk to an author and tell them that I like to give feedback on every individual chapter, they always seem surprised! I've found it to be the easiest way to properly point out things as I go along, so that nothing falls between the cracks.
But the reactions from those authors got me wondering--what do people usually do?
I suppose what I'm asking is this: How do you give feedback when you're beta reading?

[Keith]

I prefer to comment in the document as I read, so ask for Word or equivalent (I do my reading on Linux). Then I generally also return additional thoughts in the email when I return their commented document.

I don't ask for compensation, though.

[Dakota]

I comment as I go as well, citing specific paragraphs or phrases as well as the reasoning for the critique. If there are overall comments regarding the flow, pacing, or arc in relation to a chapter or scene, I usually comment as soon as it occurs to me rather than waiting til the end of the chapter to give an overall feedback, but that's just because I think it is helpful to identify a turning point or specific instance where the (for example) the flow starts to feel off or the arc takes a confusing turn, etc.

Quality of beta readers varies greatly though in skill and critical eye. I'm more detailed because I'm a grant writer and social worker so attention to detail (said and unsaid) is a must and something that I've had to practice in order to hone that ability while still attempting to see the whole concept of a novel, project or idea.

[Jesslyn]

Dakota wrote: "I comment as I go as well, citing specific paragraphs or phrases as well as the reasoning for the critique. If there are overall comments regarding the flow, pacing, or arc in relation to a chapter..."

That makes sense. I comment as I go, but I keep them in a draft of the chapter review. That way I can piece it all together when I go back in, to make a coherent explanation and review, drawing from the work to provide examples and using quotes to--as you said--pinpoint turning points. I'll have to try asking for Word next time, though!

Thank you :)

[Jesslyn]

Keith wrote: "I prefer to comment in the document as I read, so ask for Word or equivalent (I do my reading on Linux). Then I generally also return additional thoughts in the email when I return their commented ..."

Fantastic! I was wondering if that was the case... Thank you :)

[Ime]

I comment directly in the document, mostly so the author gets an idea of what I'm thinking when I get to certain parts. I'll point out plot holes, inconsistencies, and scenes that don't quite work for me as well. If there are overarching issues, I try to save those for the end of the document or in an email. It makes sense as a beta reader that the author receives your critique of what your experience as a reader was. Of course, more technical comments are also necessary.

[Jessica]

As everyone else said, I make comments as I go in the track changes feature on Word. My first read-through is just a reader's perspective. Then I'll type up my thoughts at the end from an editor's perspective and suggest specific ways to improve. It's a bit labor intensive for free work, but I want the authors to have every tool they can to succeed! If I charged for it, I'd probably read through it twice to make sure I didn't miss anything (but only if I didn't have a bunch of clients waiting because I'm a slow/thorough reader)

[Sharon]

Like Jessica, I edit and beta read using Word or Pages track changes feature.

My most popular service is my beta "brain" read which allows writers to "see" into my mind as I read, allows them to follow my train of thought. Writers tell me they can see their manuscript with a fresh set of eyes after reading my comments.

Depending on the book, I often edit as well. If I see a problem, for instance tense shifts, POV shifts or head hopping, I will identify the problem and explain how to fix the error so he or she doesn't continue to make the same mistake.

Along with a written critique, I offer a FaceTime meeting. For more information about my services, please visit my site, TheWritersReader, https://thewritersreader.wordpress.com and contact me at sharonumbaugh@gmail.com. Thanks.

Sharon