Greetings, Ink Jars, Professor Lewis here. Today we shall be discussing the tips I can offer as far as "beta" reading. For those of you who don't know, Beta Readers are people who read your manuscript before it goes to a professional editor. They generally read your book, giving you tips according to how "Entertaining" your story is. There is another term for people who read for technical tips. Anyway, today I'll tell you how TO be a good one. Later I shall write a segment on how NOT to and then another on how to handle both types.
In my mind, and in my little experience, there are five main types of betas: the You're Awesome, I just like to Read, Never-Get-Back-With-You, Technical-Grammar/Detail Nazi, and my personal favorite, Story Lover.
Maybe I can do a quiz or something to help you figure out which you are. They are all important and involved in the process of critiquing your manuscript.
So Here are My Tips:
1.) Find A Balance
This is perhaps the biggest one I can suggest. You need to find a balance between pointing out EVERY SINGLE MISSPELLED WORD and mentioning nothing at all. How can you do this? Go every-other with hard comments and nice comments.
EXAMPLE:
1.) On pg. 19, the first paragraph is simply wonderful. You painted a lovely picture of the meadows and trees! I could really sense that you could see it in your mind
2.) About half way down page 21, when Mark and Angelina are talking in the car and then get out of the car and are walking down the street, I got kinda confused.
And that leads me to the next point...
2.) PHRASING YOUR COMMENTS!
I have two main betas at the moment. They are very different from each other. They not only look for separate parts of my writing (which is very helpful), but their comments on it are very different. As a beta reader, you need know the difference between these two words: Suggestion and Command. Let me explain with this example of critiques.
a.) You might want to switch this word, it doesn't seem to fit *comforting emoji*
b.) Change this word.
Which, as an author, would you rather hear? These two sentences mean the same thing, but they are said in ways that change the reaction of the reader. When I read comments like the first one, I nod and quickly respond: "Oh, thanks, how about...*word*." When I see the second one, my jaw clamps down and I become irritable, reluctant to do as this beta has said! The first is a "suggestion" and the second is a "command." Remember, you're not the author. While, yes, it will build the writer's work to make the change, you are suggesting, they don't HAVE to. Present it in a way that makes them WANT to. You're handling their precious baby--act like it.
3.) PAY ATTENTION
Actually make comments. Actually say: "I liked this part, and here's why... I didn't like this part--and here's why." And there's another thing, explain Why you're suggesting (there's that word again) something. Show that you're invested in the story.
4.) Make it easy for the Writer to Understand What you're Referencing
Make sure you site the scene you're discussing. Page number might not be helpful because it may be different for you than it is for the author, but definitely explain where and what was happening briefly.
5.) Tell them What you Like
I touched on this a little earlier, but it's very important to encourage the author. You may be giving them hard feedback and they're probably stressed/scared about other people reading their book. Here are helpful comments:
a.) Loved this description! Makes me feel like I'm there!
b.) XD This line!
c.) Love her!
d.) I actually cried here
Get into fangirl mode. Guys, you too, I know there's a a FanGirl in you, just waiting to get out! Indulge yourselves in the plot, the story, the ships! Make predictions! Allow yourself to be affected.
6.) Know what Your Author is Looking For
Ask the author of the manuscript you're reading if they have any specific questions or themes or inconsistencies they really want you to focus on and work with them on those things. I can be SO overwhelming as an author to find all the times that "Jimmy" (who is now actually named Harbor) is mentioned with his old name!
So there are my main tips! Don't do the opposite of them!
Your Faithful Writer, Professor Lewis
YOU ARE READING
Lewis' Book of Reviews and Writing Advice
AcakEver looking for a good story on wattpad? Or looking for an HONEST review of your book? You've come to the "write place." Join me, Lewis, for an interactive, new book review and advice center. Maybe you don't need me to review your book, but I might...
