innerslytherin (innerslytherin) wrote in lupin_snape, @ 2007-11-20 13:55:00 |
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Current music: | Secret Garden - Searching for the Past |
Entry tags: | beta-reading, november 2007: meta month |
Meta month: Beta-reading
Specific feedback is more helpful than saying something is "good" or that "I like it." - Peggy Tabor Miller
The editorial bit
I like to beta. I don't beta for a lot of people because of time commitments, but let's be honest: it's fun to be the first person to read a fic! I always get a little thrill when I see a new fic in my inbox. But if I forget that there's more to beta-reading than just reading it before anyone else, I'm doing both the author and all other readers a huge disservice.
To me, agreeing to beta a fic is a commitment. As a beta-reader, I commit to making this fic the best it can be. The writer, in turn, commits to take my comments thoughtfully, not personally. We both commit to remember that this is not my fic, it's the author's, and anything I say can be used or ignored at the author's discretion.
Beta-reading is fun, but it's hard work! It's me saying I will be honest with the writer about what works and doesn't work. I won't be a yes-man, mindlessly squeeing over things (but if something makes me squee, I'll definitely mention that!). If there are plot-holes or moments of poor characterization, I'll point them out. If there are moments where the tension could be ratcheted up another notch, I note it. If there's a subplot that doesn't get tied up in the end, I remark on it. I look for spelling and grammar errors (though there are lots of people out there better than I am at this--and my beta readers will tell you that as a writer, I commit bloody murder on commas!) I provide commentary on my reactions to moments within the fic--things like, OMG that first kiss was HOT! and Yes, this is so in-character for him! go in there along with, Do you think he would really do something that nice at this point in their relationship?
Now I would never claim I'm a perfect beta-reader. For one thing, there are people I've betaed for who have probably cursed at me for how slow I can be. And I know of at least one person this year whose email sat in my inbox for a week, just plain overlooked. *blush* But the point of my post, really, is to examine the process of beta-reading, offer ideas, and hopefully get ideas back.
My ideal beta-reading process