subject: So You'd Like To Be A Beta Reader? [print this page] So You'd Like To Be A Beta Reader? So You'd Like To Be A Beta Reader?
Well first of all, you need to know what a beta reader is. A beta reader is someone who works with a writer and whose role is to offer advice and input on the draft copy of their work. There is no one particular area that a beta reader may be asked to focus on and you can find yourself concentrating on not only potential grammatical errors but also plot continuity and characterization. The latter is of more importance when dealing with fan fiction than original fiction as the characters have already been created by someone else and it isn't difficult for authors to go a bit overboard when attempting to inject their own spin.
One of the most important things to recognize is that a beta reader is not an editor. While it's true that, depending on the requirements of the writer, there may be some level of editing involved, beta reading is typically a voluntary process. What this means is that editors get paid. Beta readers generally do not. So why bother to become a beta reader at all?
Well it's certainly not a thankless job. Most writers are very grateful for the efforts of their beta readers so there's the fact that you get to be altruistic and help someone. It can also be a great way to get a first hand look at the work that many up and coming authors are putting out. Most of all it can help you to hone your own skills if you happen to be a writer yourself. It's easy to leave out important plot points, or not develop your characters fully, when you have a complete story in your head and can fill in the details. Your readers don't have that advantage and may be left mystified. Beta reading can be a good method of learning from other people's mistakes, or from what they did right.
Beta reading isn't just for amateur writers on a nondescript website. There are many published authors who still rely on a close cadre of beta readers for advice and pointers. You might be volunteering but that doesn't mean it isn't important, and no one is going to want to work with someone who is incapable of giving them constructive feedback. What does that mean? If you don't speak English (or the relevant language) very well then don't offer to fix anyone's grammatical errors. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and an effective beta reader knows all of theirs. If you've worked for the past ten years as an EMT, or been in the military, then highlight that. Writers will often work with more than one beta reader at a time and sometimes it's your expertise that's needed over your spelling abilities.
One thing that cannot be stressed enough is that a good beta reader needs to know their boundaries. If you think that you could have done better then you should have just written it yourself. It's not for you to attempt to rewrite an author's work or try to steer them in another direction, unless they're committing a major error in some form. Always be tactful and establish up front just what it is that the writer requires of you. That way you lessen the risk of offending anyone with unwanted, and unsolicited, advice.
Once you have determined your strongest skill, and the genre that you're willing to work within, it's time to find writers to work with. The advent of the internet has made this a fairly easy task. Search engines are your best friend. There's any number of groups online dedicated to beta reading, especially within Yahoo Groups, and they're always looking for new members. Many story archives will also have a section dedicated to beta readers, although your credentials may need to be screened by the webmaster before you're added. Remember, sell your strong points and it's just a matter of time before writers are clamouring to work with you, but be fair to them. Beta reading can be time consuming work so don't take on too much if you know you have other responsibilities.
