Why beta-read???

[Silver]

What is the need for us to beta-read each other? I feel my own writing has improved a lot since I started beta-reading others. After reading so many people, I started seeing the flaws in my own novel.
So a very big thank you to all the writers who trusted me enough to send me their books. I hope I did them justice. :)
And also to everyone who beta-read my crude chapters. Today because of all those people, my novel is actually looking like a novel. And thank you to all those who pumped back courage in me whenever I felt like giving up. :)

[Barbara]

unfortunately we love our babies and don't see their flaws - that's what betas are for! ;)

[HKelleyB]

May I add that some editors are beta readers, too. So, writers get an editors perspective (for free). I am an editor who beta reads, occasionally. It helps me keep my skills sharpened and focused. And, it exposes me to genres I may not have been fully exposed to as often as I'd like.

Thank you, authors!

[Silver]

Barbara wrote: "unfortunately we love our babies and don't see their flows - that's what betas are for! ;)"

Special cuddles for you !!! You really lifted me up that day when I was all set to give up ... :)

[Silver]

Helen wrote: "May I add that some editors are beta readers, too. So, writers get an editors perspective (for free). I am an editor who beta reads, occasionally. It helps me keep my skills sharpened and focused. ..."

lol ... dont tell me you are a beta-reader !!! :P I will just catch you and make you read my story :D

[Barbara]

Silver wrote: "Barbara wrote: "unfortunately we love our babies and don't see their flows - that's what betas are for! ;)"

Special cuddles for you !!! You really lifted me up that day when I was all set to give ..."

like they say in Galaxy Quest: "Never give up, never surrender!"
You might give up trying to publish, but never give up writing! ;)

[Lin]

Another editor who beta reads here. I agree, the process helps both writer and reader. And in my case several beta reads have turned into editing/proof reading or other work.

[Lin]

You're welcome to, but I make a small charge for my reads and I'm booked a month or two ahead, so best to book your slot early. I usually add names to my list and then call for the file when I get to that point.

[Silver]

Lin wrote: "You're welcome to, but I make a small charge for my reads and I'm booked a month or two ahead, so best to book your slot early. I usually add names to my list and then call for the file when I get ..."

I am just finishing the first draft ... long way before I feel it's worth being professionally edited ... :(

[Lin]

Have you looked into the difference between alpha readers and beta readers? Alphas are involved at a much earlier stage and provide developmental feedback, while betas help with fine tuning. Some people are willing to alpha read, others prefer beta. Personally I enjoy both, but alpha takes longer to do.

[Silver]

Lin wrote: "Have you looked into the difference between alpha readers and beta readers? Alphas are involved at a much earlier stage and provide developmental feedback, while betas help with fine tuning. Some p..."

Lin, to be honest Alpha readers are enough for me just now ... I can't pay for professional advice just now :(... writing is the pleasure ... publishing comes or not comes ... I don't care

[Lin]

You can find both alpha and beta readers for free, but just for the record my fee is £50 for a manuscript of up to 100k words, which reflects the time spent making notes and writing a report rather than the time spent reading as well.

Good luck with your writing, and above all enjoy it.

[Barbara]

It also depends what you want from the readers - just the readers' impressions on plot, pacing, etc or a more thorough think like Lin says...

[Zach]

What you need is the most important thing to remember. I would never pay for a beta, no offense but I wouldn't. Now if my beta was proofreading/editing then that's completely different, but I wouldn't have a beta work at that level until I've had at least one basic beta read.

I think, in my opinion, betas are that crucial step between your first personally edited copy and your editing/proofreading.

[J.A.]

Beta reading should not be raw chapters...it can be....but it should not. Honestly if you need raw chapter comments try a writer's group...Critique Circle is where I started...and it is a great resource for the new writer! And it is FREE!

Beta reading is basically the substantive edit portion of your review if you have a publisher. They point out issues with the story, and ask you to correct them.

But this is where I think a publisher is a huge help...because when some random person online says I don't like this....you tend to shrug it off. When that person is involved in the process and is trying to sell your book...it makes a real mental difference.

So if you really want to make the best of a beta reader:
Choose carefully, make sure they are a good audience, and a good knowledgable reader in your genre.

Consider every suggestion and prepare a real argument as if you were trying to convince a concerned party why you don't want to change something.

Read that argument and decide if you had a good point without considering your bias...maybe have a trusted friend, family member, or partner do it.

Some will be easy....but really think about all of them.

Only when you do that will beta reading be valuable!