[Sulriel]

It seems that the question of beta readers has been coming up more frequently than not and while I don't claim to be any kind of expert, I certainly will claim to have been kicked in the teeth by the best and I do know something about beta and critters and critting and wound care and that sort of thing.

I know it's hard to come into those relationships and so I thought it would be worthwhile to start a thread here to include some thoughts and resources for people who are new and looking for a beta reader or even for authors who need 'fresh eyes' on something that's been reworked, or is looking for a new or different reader for any reason.

I think the first thing you have to do is to figure out what you really are looking for. Someone to basically line edit? (fix commas and spelling errors) Or do you want someone who will bounce concept, canon and theme back and forth in the idea stage. ...someone who will help you with characterization.?

I know when I'm considering entering a critter relationship with an author -- I can't help them if they don't know what they want!

The guidelines here have basic requirements in regards to spelling and grammar and having your story worked over by a beta reader is *strongly recommended*. (my paraphrase from the guidelines)


Although I much prefer a forum or other group setting, when I do private beta I typically will only exchange about 1000 words (yes, exchange, it's a *relationship*, like a back-scrubbing doe-see-doe in the community hot tub). I've found that's usually enough for the authors to get a 'feel' for each other's works (on one hand) and critting style and strengths (on the other). MOST people are not necessarily going to be able to work together, so expect to go on more than a couple of 'first dates' before you find someone.

[Sulriel]

First, post a 'new topic' in this forum and ask for help. There are a lot of talented and generous authors here and you will usually find someone who will step forward to help you out. Remember to give a little information about yourself, the story you need help with, and specifically what kind of help you want/need. (please be sure your work is at least spellchecked and formatted. it helps let the potential beta reader know that you are willing to step up to the plate to produce quality work)

I have found that, personally, I prefer a forum or other type of group setting because you get more and varied feedback from the various strengths and talents of the group. I feel that my growth as a writer really got stepped up a level when I started attending a local hobbyist lit group and again when I joined a larger local lit workshop and a SpecFic (SFF) group that had monthly f2f meetings. Most of these groups are not going to accept fanfic, but most of the problems new authors have are learning basic plotting and characterization skills and IMO those tend to be close enough to the same that they transition well. Google for writers groups in your area, check with the local library and newspaper. Also check the 'meet-up' groups. (meetup.com) I just did a search and found 374 people within 50 miles of me who are interested in writing fanfiction.

also along those lines try critters.org
They specifically do not take fanfic, but I know many of us are working on original works as well and critters is a fabulous resource. If you run a story or chapter through their system, you typically get 20-40 critiques back each time.


there are a multitude of fanfiction archives both similar and different to this one. Most if not all of them have forums or an associated chat group. Find a group who reads and writes stories similar to yours (first age, elves, men, romance, action/adventure) and post in their groups to see if anyone is willing to step forward.

[Sulriel]

... will collect and add links and resources as I can.

Anyone who knows of good forums or resources, please post them here.

[Alassante]

One thing I would recommend is before you accept a beta offer - read the person's work. If their fictions are full of mistakes or not the type of writing style you like, then its highly possible that you two are not a good match. I've seen people offer to beta who are very new to the fandom, don't really know their canon, and their grammar is spotty. Yes, they need to learn and practice is a great way to learn. But do you want them to practice on your writing?

I have been known to have 2 betas or more on one chapters. One for grammar/punctuation. The others for - does this work? canon issues, characterization, etc.

[Sulriel]

One of the places I hang out is The Garden of Ithilien

While it is a close-knit community in many ways, it's first and foremost a Writers WORKshop. One unique element about this forum is that members are required to be active participants in the forums as well as meeting requirements in regards to posting works in progress and returning critique.

It is a workshop only and at this time doesn't have an associated archive for members.

It is het only and primarily Tolkien fanfic, but allows most fandoms and original work, within the guidelines (posted in the 'membership' thread at the forum).

It is strictly moderated to stay drama-free and wank-free.

Anyone is welcome to apply, but members are screened. A recommendation from a current member helps but isn't required. We take every level of writer from just beginning to established, so if you are interested, don't worry that you might not be 'good enough'. What's important is that you have a sincere desire to improve yourself as an author and are willing to work with the group to help yourself and others along that path.

[Sulriel]

Another good active forum/workshop is The Lizard Council

It's a very easy-going and informal group where all types of fiction are allowed (gen, slash, het, AU, etc.). Mostly Silmarillion and LotR, but other fandoms have been posted, along with original fiction. Help is offered in everything from grammar to writing style to Elvish languages. Many members know their canon inside and out, but we never take it too seriously.

Membership is open.

Maturity with a sense of humour is required.


note: I'm not active at this forum, but know many of the members and know it's a great group with a lot of offer.

[Sulriel]

[Sulriel]

Probably the largest workshop is HASA


They have an enormous store of resources available, including information and instructions on how to beta read and even sample stories that have been posted at various points of critique to serve as examples. HERE

You do not have to be a member to access and read the articles in the above link.

They have active forums where, if you join the archive, in-progress works are posted to be commented on and also a specific WORKSHOP area [explained in the third article "How to find a Beta Reader".]

[Sulriel]

*
*
*Step Two

Ok. So you have done all that.

You posted your story and got ...
* resounding silence
-or-
* concrit you didn't know what to do with, or concrit that sounded good, but you aren't sure how to implement it. -or- concrit that you thought you used well but it seemed to make no difference to your readers.
-and/or-
* flamed and/or mocked

...so then - you come here and think you have found help or hopefully found some answers.

- you might post here or elsewhere around the web asking for help and get the same handful of responses I listed above.

- - - at this point you have a couple of options.

1) You can decide that you really didn't want to write this stuff anyway and we're all a cliquish bunch of snobs with our noses up each other's butts and you can flip your pony-tail and stride off to bigger and better things.

2) You can delete all your stuff in a fit of pique and cry yourself to sleep and hope it's better in the morning.

3) You can choose to take matters in your own hands. You can pursue your own education and take steps on your own to bring your writing up to par(*).

(*)"up to par" being an extremely subjective bar but "knowing your market" is a whole 'nuther thread. Just be very aware that this is a niche market and the best written work in the world isn't going to be popular in the wrong archive or fandom.

[Sulriel]

[Viv]

This is so much good information, Sulriel. Wish I'd known all this when I started writing. Thank you for compiling it.

I signed up for Holly Lisle's free plot clinic, and I've been reading her updates. As soon as real-life allows, I'm gonna shove a story through that grinder and see what happens. hee.

[Sulriel]

[Sulriel]

First of all. I want to re-recommend Critters.org

No, they don't take fanfic and if you send any through, you will likely get flamed, but if you can stand to write anything else, even change the names and details enough to make it original ... it's worth doing.

it's not a free ride, there isn't a $$ cost, but you have to do crit before you can get crit back. But when I was active there, I was getting an average of 20-40 crits back per story. If you work through that kind of crit for a few months, I can't imagine anyone not coming out better for it.

[Sulriel]

Even if you aren't interested in joining and working through the process there, they have two especially good resources.

The Diplomatic Critiquer