My awesome beta

[darkemeralds]

If I could define the perfect beta reader for my own work (and, incidentally, define myself as a beta), it would be like this:

• Mixes suggestions and criticisms with praise--not because my ego needs that (though my ego likes that!), but because it's just as valuable to know what worked as what didn't
• Is patient enough to be specific about what doesn't work, and clear thinking enough to be brief and clear about why
• Has an ear for the style I'm writing in (in this case, a historical one) and can tell when I'm breaching my own style boundaries
• Is willing to work in Google Docs (well, who ISN'T? But still...)
• Understands that I already write pretty well but doesn't mind telling me when I don't!--or, put another way, doesn't take a single glance, decide it's all pretty good, and say, "That was good!"
• Is willing to question or call me out on possible factual errors (without feeling that she must do my homework for me)
• Does a little SPAG as needed
• Points out a fault once or twice then expects me to correct remaining instances of it
• Turns a beta around fast (a function of all of the above: betaing isn't that hard when there's a good match between beta reader and writer)

kispexi2 has been beta reading Restraint for me, and she's amazing. Whether or not I'm lucky enough to get her to read all 150,000 words, her comments and perspective on the Prologue and Chapter 1 have helped me see faults (and strengths) throughout the story.

Thanks, Kis!

Comments

[kis]

*grins like an idiot*

[darkemeralds]

I'm tellin' ya: my perspective on beta reading has been completely altered by this experience. And yes, for the better!

[kis]

Mine too.