Writing Stack Exchange
Writing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [beta-readers]

A kind of unpaid editor.

A "beta reader" is someone who agrees to read over your work and suggest corrections. This person is generally not a professional editor and usually does not get paid for the work.

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I'm afraid of quashing the hopes of a new writer

I recently agreed to read a new writer's novel and provide feedback. During casual discussion, I learned her mindset is currently in a state of "this novel is basically finished". I've never met anyone as hopeful as getting published as she is. I'm…
Gwendolyn
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Are there any websites where you can find skilled beta readers?

Beta readers are important to perfecting a novel/novella/short story. They give you a fresh set of eyes, offer opinions, and can be a great moral boost. But where can you find good beta readers? Are there any sites that writers can use to find beta…
Ralph Gallagher
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How can someone become a beta reader?

We have several questions on beta readers, including this one on how writers can find beta readers. How does it work from the other side? How can a non-beta reader make the "jump" and start beta reading? There is a question here on how someone who…
Robert Columbia
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Are "non-readers" useful beta readers?

In my opinion, the best beta readers are fellow writers, partly because they may have insight others don't, but partly also because you can agree to trade beta-reading responsibilities. (This is far from a rare opinion; in fact, this special case…
J.G.
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Helping my beta readers help me

My beta readers are family and friends - people who read a lot, but do not write. They are people whose opinion I trust, and who are genuinely trying to be helpful. (And I haven't found a writing group.) Here's the problem: sometimes the critique I…
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Does every chapter have to "blow the reader away" so to speak?

I amended some of my chapters so that they're more intriguing and engaging for my readers. But there's one particular chapter in which one of my beta-readers stated, "It's intriguing, but it doesn't blow me away like the first two chapters did,"
Dawn Kelli
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How harsh is too harsh when beta reviewing?

I was recently sent a document to beta review, so I transferred it to Google Docs and started making suggestions. Once I'm through the four pages, there's about thirty miscellaneous spelling/minor plot errors, plus a page of feedback on the bottom…
Ceramicmrno0b
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Sci-fi change: Too much or Not enough

I am in the process of editing a short story. It is science fiction of the "if this goes on" kind: I take a social trend I see, and paint its event horizon - a troubling future. 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 are classical examples. I have received two…
Galastel supports GoFundMonica
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How to stick to your vision when you’re highly suggestible?

As a person, I'm a bit of a people-pleaser. I tend to bend over backward to avoid conflict and make people happy. I've reached the point in my writing process where I've started to send out drafts of my work to beta readers to get feedback. However,…
user2352714
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Paid beta seems to have skipped large portions of my manuscript

I feel terrible for having to lay this out there, but I'm a little frustrated following use of a beta reader service. I received a beta report on time this past weekend, but didn't receive my full manuscript with inline notes until today. The…
user60178
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Incorporating new people into a critique group

I belong to a terrific critique group (writing group) that has dealt with a lot of attrition. We started with 6 people and currently have 4, one who joined after the first month or two. We also had another new person that didn't work out. Some…
Cyn
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Do I need to 'formalize' someone as a beta reader?

I've been writing fan fiction for several years. It's been a great platform to build my writing skills, and I feel ready to publish soon. The website I've been posting my fan fiction on is in fact a fan-site dedicated to a story-rich board game (so…
Thomas Reinstate Monica Myron
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What's a good resource to find Beta Readers for short stories?

I'm currently in the market for beta readers, particularly for short stories. I've finished an early draft for a contest, and I'm hoping to hear some feedback. I'm open to reading the work of others as well. Thank you.
user2325
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What things should one highlight as good in beta reading feedback?

When I read people's manuscripts to provide feedback, I can easily identify areas worth improving. However, feedback isn't all that helpful if it makes the writer give up, so good news needs to be presented too. I try my best to include that too,…
J.G.
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How do I know if I'm a bad writer?

I was recently writing a story and went to correct it and someone else also corrected it for me. I came across continuity errors, unnatural dialogue and other things. I wrote the story quickly because the deadline was short, but after that I felt…
stories of the world
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