thoughts on beta readers?

I don't update enough to warrant bothering anyone with a request to beta my work, but if I did I'd ask for advice on storytelling technique and cohesion rather than simply spelling-and-grammar (God knows I do more than enough of that on my own).

 

Over my many years, I’ve found people to be... disappointing. That has left me a lot more jaded than probably realize and as a result, kept me from ever seeking a beta reader. When it comes to self-editing, I find that takinga week off, doing something else, and then returning with a fresh mind makes it a lot easier to notice any mistakes.
With that said, people who share your passions and interests are probably a lot more trusting. Asking someone who’s a fellow writer, (If you’re looking for someone, I’ll volunteer) would be a great and safe bet.
What kind of choice are you torn on right now??

Edit: Almost forgot to mention, if I were to get a beta reader (which I will once I finish my novel) it would be to check on the flow, believability character development, and get their opinion on pretty much everything that happens. It would probably reach the point of being annoying...

 

As writers, we must never fear the criticism of our readers. (Regardless of whether we feel they’re wrong and completelt missing the point.). But, if you’re looking to duel beta read each other’s works, sure I’ll take you up on that offer. (There is this fanfic lolling about in the back of my mind...).
Now, if you’re not sure how beta reading works, there’s a few things to it. One, you can always ask the author about what to look for. Two, practice is really easy. Just pick a random story, read it, and leave a detailed review discussing the story’s flow, the character dynamics, if there’s soemthing that could have been explained better, something that you really liked, and any predictions you come up with from the context.
Never be afraid to step forward!

 

I can see why people want beta readers, but I see no point in getting one myself. Based on many sources like reviews and such my English is very well-practiced so I have no need for one as I proof my own stuff since I know what I'm doing.

I do beta read for other people occasionally, though. My friend on Serebii likes to have her stuff proofed by me and some people on ff.net request me to proof and review stuff. Too bad they never improve despite my detailed reviews...

 

Would rather not associate myself with any type of beta readers. Yes a friend of mine does point out errors to me, but I don't consider that beta reading.

The reason why I have such a dislike for beta readers is because I feel that they could potentially want me to rob my series of a part of its soul. It's my work, so I can do whatever the hell I want with it.

 

I beta my own chapters, usually checking for spelling/grammatical errors and the like. If I were to pick up someone to beta me though; I'd be more like bouncing ideas rather than going over a chapter. And I do beta for someone on fanfiction.net.

As for having a beta, it's entirely up to the author. Having one is good since you get a second pair of eyes and if you have that "connection" between you and the beta, there's a lot that clicks and when they send criticism/points for improvement it comes off as something that's for the general benefit of the story. You'll be more likely to listen to them than someone who you barely know dishing out critical feedback.

I think it's a helpful tool yeah, but there's writers out there (myself included) who do just as good without one.

 

I don't post regularly enough to actually get one...but it seems that it would be useful...

 

Perhaps you should give yourself 24 hours after finishing a chapter to post it, so that you have enough time for you - or your beta - to go through the proper editing process. You can still have a consistent posting schedule; you'll just have to adjust it to accommodate for the editing process.

 

Say you usually finish a chapter on Monday night and upload that update Tuesday morning. What I'm saying is that you wait until Wednesday morning instead, so that you can check it for errors and whatnot. It's not procrastination if you're going over the story. Trust me - it's worth it.

 

Not to randomly jump in on the conversation, but if the problem is a fear of procrastination, then how about changing the way you’re looking at it. Instead of a punblishing deadline, make it a submit to beta reader deadline. Then, you’d be motivatd to get the story to your beta reader without keeping said person waiting.

 

I don't do beta readers. I do have a separate editor in real life to look over my work but that's because I have trouble with grammar, sentence structure and reading problems. I once considered it, but decided against it. the main reason I write is not for fame or for recognition, its because I have had these ideas swarming in my head since I was a child and I don't want to see them disappear into time. Sure I want to be a good writer, but I feel like a beta reader would want to make a story they want and not a story I want.

 

A "Beta Reader" seems like a smart idea to me because it lets you release work for proofreading/critical analysis without the public seeing it and you blowing your big reveal. I did vote no on the poll just cause I don't have use of one.