Get your book edited after beta reading - 1/3 off editing prices

[[deleted user]]

Yes, that's a good idea. And there's more than one place to do it :-) Please take a look at my website at Its-your-story.weebly.com as well...

[Harald]

Hmmm... a question for N.R.: I thought Beta readers were best used AFTER editing (substantive), when things are more polished. No?

I thought it was: rewrite/redraft > structural edit/review > revise > Beta reading > copyedit > revise > proofread > publish.

What's the best logical flow to maximize the different post-writing editorial steps?

Thanks.

[Barbara]

Harald, Beta-Readers (or first Readers) are FIRST Readers. They help with plot holes and pacing and fix your story. Editing is something else - and can go to basic proof-reading to structural/line editing etc... What if your beta-reader tells you you left a plot hole somewhere neither you or your editor caught? You better send the editor an almost final version of your manuscript, trust me! :)

[Harald]

Thanks for clarifying, N.R. Personally, I think a Beta would be best AFTER a high-level overview or "developmental write-up" (your term) by a pro who knows what to look for. And are you sure your rate for that is $0.0003 :).

@Barbara: In my view, Betas cannot be "first readers" by definition. "Beta" means second. Alpha readers would be the first readers, no?

P.S. Not trying to derail a thread that's basically a services offer but am truly wondering about the post-draft process as I get closer to it.

[Harald]

Well, you wrote .0003, so I'm sticking with that! ;-))))))

Seriously, I could be interested in a "Developmental Write-Up" once I've revised my draft(s), but BEFORE Beta reads and any other Substantive or Copy Editing. As a stand-alone "overview" almost exactly as you're describing it. But as a stand-alone service. I'm starting to interview editors (and may use more than one), so if this is a possibility, PM me. If not, no harm done.

[Harald]

Yeah, the math with .0003 was looking pretty attractive! :)

I'll PM or email you.

[Sheila]

The key is all of those opportunities for revisions mentioned above.

It pays to plan plenty of revision time into your editing schedule if you can.

Sheila

[Angela]

The people who seem to be left out of this discussion are critique partners - fellow writers with whom someone trades work and shares feedback. By definition, as Harold mentions, a beta reader would be a second reader after an alpha reader. In most cases, an alpha reader should be a critique partner or someone close to the author, such as a friend or family member (and only then if this person can provide constructive feedback).

I think that many people on this forum conflate the role of beta reader with that of a critique partner; with a critique partner, the relationship is typically a long-term one in which partners share and critique work over years, not just once for a specific work (which is what we tend to see on this forum with beta read offers).

Only then, after such alpha readers have given feedback and the author revises *before* sending to a professional editor for developmental edits, should a work go out to beta readers. Beta readers, though truly important, shouldn't have such significant influence on a work's structure and plot; that honor should go to true developmental editors who know story structure and the industry as a whole.

[Lin]

All the steps in preparing a novel for print, apart from the first step of actually writing it, can be done via paid services. Beta readers can replace some or all, but to differing abilities.

Alpha readers will work on a rough draft. They need to be able to see the wood for the trees, looking at the storyline, structure, POV, writing style and anything else they pick up on, and the job is often taken, as said, by a critique partner. I quite often see people asking for beta reads when actually their manuscript is more at alpha level. There are sites available, such as scribophile, where you can find other authors who will exchange critiques. The paid equivalent would be a developmental edit, which is the most expensive type.

Copy editors will make sure your document is consistent - that Freddy doesn't turn into Frankie, or Joanna's eyes don't change colour, or that tight skirt suit doesn't stop her running later, or someone runs upstairs in a bungalow, and will ensure that your writing style is consistent, grammatically correct and spelled right. This should enhance your writing without substantial changes, and is the edit I would strongly recommend paying for to get a proper job done. There is nothing like silly errors to really put a reader off your book early on!

A proofreader will pick up last-minute errors, preferably in the final manuscript as it will be printed/published. They will not change the content as an editor would, but will pick up pesky issues like speech marks facing the wrong way, or double spaces, or grammar/ spelling/ punctuation errors. They should be familiar with looking out for not just errors in the language but also in the layout of the document.

Beta readers will occasionally offer to do either of the last two jobs, but should mainly focus on reader reaction. How is the pace? Are the characters likeable/ believable? I would be very wary of using beta readers too far through the process, as any changes made could well impact on the copyediting/ proofreading stages. On the other hand, they need to have a reasonably clean manuscript in order to get a clear idea of the story and writing, although it doesn't have to be 100% polished.

I would also be very wary of using beta readers who promise to edit and proofread as they go through. Beta reading is reading for content, while editing/proofreading is reading at word/sentence level, and it is very hard (and timeconsuming) to do both at once and remain accurate.

My recommendation would be to get a professional to do at a minimum either a copy edit or a proofread, preferably the copy edit. You not only gain their professional skills, but their experience, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you've had someone look your book over.

You may also pay for someone to help you with the formatting of your book, for ebook, printed version or both. You should certainly be finding someone to help you with your cover design. When I proofread, I tend to apply the basic formatting as I go, leaving the reader with a clean manuscript.

I've written several articles on beta reading and the editing process on my blog, which is on my website at www.coinlea.co.uk if anyone wishes to take a look.

[Irene]

Hi there,

I am interested in your editing service. Could you please email me at sunnyiroth@gmail.com.

Thanks so much!
Irene Roth