I’m buried in edits after receiving some really awesome feedback from beta readers. For the first time in months, editing is actually refreshing. I guess I needed some new prospective to get the creative juices flowing again. I also read for some very talented writers. Let’s just say that the competition is tough, really tough. Overall, I rank my first ever beta experience a 10 out of 10. Absolutely no complaints here.
I found that the betas where able to see the whole picture, the complete story arc (what worked and what didn’t), which I feel in general is something that gets lost in critique sessions. Don’t get me wrong though, I love critique groups and will be looking for one again someday. But for me at least, in reading once a month or bi-monthly, occasionally, I lose sight of the bigger picture, the complete tale. Not to get into the story vs. writing battle, but as a reader, the big picture ranks number 1 in importance for me. Writing slides in at a close 2.
Some things I’ve learned from my betas: how to tighten my prose, to watch my stylistic ticks, and tips on strengthening the plot. Not to mention, I actually forgot to put in some critical information that sort of threw off the ending of the book. A d’oh moment for sure.
Questions of the day: Have beta readers read your current WIP (as a whole book, not in chunks)? What’s the best thing(s) you’ve learned from the experience of having beta readers?
15 comments:
I think having someone read the whole book is a lot better. For one, they can get into it and not have to keep stopping to wait for the next chapters. They can follow the natural progression of the book and ask important questions they might have missed if they had to wait.
When I beta, I always read the whole thing first before I tackle any of the other issues the writer has asked for. It allows me to really get the feel for what I'm supposed to do.
Thanks for the comment about my Genna. That was sweet of you to say.
Ann,
I like to read the whole book first without commenting and nitpicking. Afterwards I'll go back for a second read and insert my comments and suggestions.
Your character studies are brilliant. I really mean it when I say that your characters feel 'life-size'.
I'm not at the stage where I'm exchanging work with beta readers. When I am, though, I'm going to keep these comments in mind.
Best of luck with your edits!!
You have a very valid point Crimey. I'm in a crit group and we do go bit by bit, and it does tend to become micro focused, and I think there is value to that, but you also need someone to take a broader look at the big picture. Each method has its strengths.
I have Alphas who read almost as I'm writing.Betas who over view the whole thing. And I'm in two writers' circles where we look indepth at small section - I think they mostly help with voice. You get a good impression of how it sounds when you read sections aloud.
I'm really happy to hear you had a great first experience with betas! I so wish I could beta for you some time. I've always wanted to read one of your books!
Beta readers are invaluable for me for the reasons you say - they can see the whole picture in one go. Critique groups are useful for looking at passage in detail, but not for the overalls.
My beta readers gave absolutely wonderful critiques (thank you!), and their comments will keep me busy for quite a while. I think it's invaluable having someone read the entire story. My betas found opportunities for improvement (and plot holes!) that I wouldn't have found on my own. Your suggestion about Novikov was awesome, by the way!
Michelle,
Be careful, I make take you up on that offer when I'm ready to send my novel out to a second round of betas. :)
Susan,
I'm so happy to help! I love time traveling stories. And Novikov seemed to fit for the character. Best of luck with your editing.
Yes and I've learned to tighten my work as well. It's funny because I always agree with what they have to say. I think if I would only tune into my internal editor a little more I'd be able to help myself. ;)
I like to follow writer’s blogs as I feel I learn from each one. I have a book of Communion devotionals at the printers which I authored, although I don’t consider myself an accomplished writer. I am a follower on your blog and invite you to follow mine as well…and please leave a comment when and if you visit.
It's all about being read. With new betas, I start with the first third. Depending how that goes, then perhaps the whole novel.
My betas have pointed out some pacing flaws that I was more than happy to fix.
Betas are so important because I think as the author of a piece, we're so close to the story and understand why a character is doing something. Sometimes the writer's intentions don't always come clearly across. Kind of like this comment I'm making. :-)
Betas always help! They catch the big stuff -- when they're willing to tell you. It's encouraging to have someone who is wildly supportive, and it's crummy to get a beta who is endlessly critical, but neither of these people really help you improve the book/story.
Finding that just-right beta is priceless.
- Eric
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