Betas give you that extra punch you need. That extra idea, that extra force you need to make your story THE BEST FRICKIN' STORY EVER! They give us the critical eye we need. My betas read my story like a book. From cover to cover. Then they go back and show me areas where they were confused, places that need more or less. Things I'm showing instead of telling. (Yes, I said what you think I said. There are places like that in your book.)
Let's face it, we all need 'em. They make us better writers. Not only from critiquing our stories, but when we BECOME betas, we learn a lot from critiquing their words. It's a give, get thing people. We give? We get back.
How did you come to know your betas? I got to know mine through the blogging world. And they ROCK!
We all need each other. I have become a better writer, because of them. I love writing and reading awesome novels.
Do you have beta readers?
How did you meet them?
I don't have any beta readers, but I want some. Since my mentorship with Angela at The Bookshelf Muse I've come to see how MUCH I need them.
ReplyDeleteNo beta readers for me...yet. I few more revisions down the road though, and I might just dare...
ReplyDeleteHmmm, a post about beta readers. I wonder where Robin got the inspiration! Ha!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I did one over on my blog too! Hmmm, maybe that's where somebody - ha - got the inspiration. Ya think?
Do I have beta readers? The best beta readers - ev-uh!
Two of mine I met through blogging. One I met at a conference, and the other is a friend. Yes, I know, writer's shouldn't let friends beta. Because this person is an avid reader, I always let him read the project I'm working on and just ask for his overall feel for the book, did it work, did anything pull him out of the story, was the flow good . . . but I don't ask for a harsh critique from him. My other betas, always get the tough questions from me.
Oh, and next weekend, Dolphins vs. Titans!! Bring! It! On!, my friend!!
S
Not Betas, but I do have crit partners. I like the idea of having Betas though, because it's a lot less work for a beta to read a manuscript than a critique partner, right? Don't Betas just sort of read like a reader would and comment on the overall flow and their engagement in the story and stuff? Or am I wrong? I always get them confused!
ReplyDeleteI met some of my beta readers online and some I met in person. Very important people :-)
ReplyDeleteI have crit partners that I'll sometimes have do a beta read for me. Sometimes I really need it, and other times I'm okay with the individual crits I get. Depends on whether I'm having trouble seeing the big picture of the story or not. But they are very nice to have when you need it. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a been a little all over the place with the beta readers. Starting with a writing workshop, that turned into a writing group, that dismantled and now I'm on the hunt for some critique partners, which I've been lucky to find a few through blogging so it's brand new and I'm looking forward to getting back in the beta-reading give/get machine. Woohoo!
ReplyDeleteI love being a beta reader for my friends here in bloggyworld. I haven't really done anything of a substantial length yet to share with anyone. I think it's a great idea. Terrific post topic Robyn. Hope you and your family are doing well :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't write without my BETA! She can always spot any little details I might have overlooked!
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love your blogs new look!!!
My blog posts aren't even long enough to require a BETA, but I can see why the rest of you guys think that they are useful and I enjoyed your post once again Robyn.
ReplyDeleteI have critique partners but have never used beta readers before. I can definitely see how they could help your writing, and finding readers that enjoy your genre can really tell you a lot about how your work will impact other readers you might reach someday.
ReplyDeleteI use to have a couple of betas but haven't used any in awhile until recently. I met Dianne through the Sourcebooks Teen Fire writing competition.
ReplyDeleteI don't have betas, but I have an awesome CP and a few "once in a while" CP's. I'd be lost without Valerie, who I met blogging - of course. :-)
ReplyDeleteNo Beta readers yet, but someday I will need them!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings and happy weekend!
Karen :)
I have some and they're awesome. Met them online.
ReplyDeleteNo beta readers or crtique partners. I would like a critique partner, thou.
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever needed a beta. Hopefully, I will soon!
ReplyDeleteJust dropping by to say Im playing blog tag and I tagged you!!! Play if you like and link back to me!
ReplyDeletehttp://beyondtheboob.blogspot.com/2010/11/oooooo-my-first-tag-game.html
Right now, I have two betas readers. Met both online. Now I need to "get writing" again. Yep.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear blue sky gorgeous here today. Cold for us, in the 40's today, and colder tonight. Guess what, no heat in our building. Heat pump went out. Yep, it's true. :) We will survive.
Every writer needs betas....we all need help...it is true, we need each other, period. How fun is that?!!
Blessings, prayers, and good thoughts coming your way!
love, magnolia
p.s.: second daughter, Vicky, arrive by Amtrak train at 2:24 p.m. this very day.
I'm a bit hit or miss when using a beta but the two lovely ladies who have helped me out in the past were online buddies. I also have trusted long-time friends who are very good with their critiques.
ReplyDeleteI would not be getting out my two books in 2011 without my ALPHA dogs Cammie and Sara.
ReplyDeleteThey know my stories better than I do. It cracks me up when they say, "Kai wouldn't do that!""""""
Great post, Robyn.