Comments on: How I Write a Novel (5): Beta Readers https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/ Sat, 13 Mar 2021 10:37:42 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 By: Lynda Sappington https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24944 Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:28:00 +0000 #comment-24944 Asad is one of my betas, and he’s a gem. I’m not sure what he’s learned from his beta experience, but we’ve had a lot of fun working on my stories so far!

Good betas ARE worth their weight in gold, and I’m blessed to have an absolutely fabulous beta team (including Asad). I especially love having people who “get” my work with whom I can toss ideas around. Sometimes I just need to hear somebody say, “That’s not going to work” or “that’s not a bad idea” or “yeah, that’s a stronger opening.” I’d be very lonely without my betas!

Good article!

]]> By: Anonymous https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24943 Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:08:00 +0000 #comment-24943 Great advice Glenda! Being a beta reader myself, I can attest to the points you have posted.

The experience is equally beneficial to both the author and the beta if they understand eachother. There’s a lot to be learned from it for both of the involved parties.

]]> By: Sherri https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24942 Thu, 13 Jul 2006 09:26:00 +0000 #comment-24942 I just acquired a beta reader, another unpublished novelist like myself. He hasn’t started reading it yet (he’s on vacation), but I can’t wait! I was stuck for months, knowing the plot wasn’t fitting together quite right, but I can’t see where. It definitely needs an unbiased set of eyes.

As Lisa said, his offer to help me has assured him my help if he desires it.

Glenda, thanks for all your great advice!

]]> By: Glenda Larke https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24941 Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:25:00 +0000 #comment-24941 Hear, hear. To all comments.

]]> By: Anonymous https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24940 Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:30:00 +0000 #comment-24940 I might add that offering to be a beta reader is not only good manners but a good way of securing a beta reader in return. It’s also good for the soul.

Great picture!

Cheers, Lisa.

]]> By: Anonymous https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24939 Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:13:00 +0000 #comment-24939 The monitor is gorgeous!

Excellent advice there, Glenda. As one who has benefited hugely from your beta reading, I’ll endorse everything you say. I’ve also benefited from others who’ve given up their time to read and shred, and the debt is almost impossible to repay.

I will add this — if you’re very lucky you’ll get a beta reader who’ll really shred your work. If your goal is just to be told how wonderful you are, you’re in the wrong game. But if you really want to improve your work, whatever stage you’re at, encourage your betas to pull the writing apart without mercy. A good sharp edit can be the best gift you’re ever given.

]]> By: Bernita https://glendalarke.com/2006/07/how-i-write-novel-5-beta-readers/#comment-24938 Wed, 12 Jul 2006 05:52:00 +0000 #comment-24938 Finding them is very, very difficult.
But found, they are like gold.
Am still at the pyrites stage.

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