Hi, friends! The oppressive heat and humidity here in Indy has finally broken. So, I’m spending this super pleasant morning…in the recliner watching with Maria on my lap. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss, right?
Anyway, I wanted to follow up last week’s discussion about critique partners with a few words about a similar, but different, group. Beta readers.
For those who may not be familiar with this term, what is a beat reader? In general, a beta reader is someone who reads your complete manuscript or story from the perspective of a typical reader.
A critique partner will look at the more craft-oriented aspects of your work in progress, maybe a few chapters at a time. A beta reader will read the completed project. They’re looking for big things. Does the story make sense? Were they engaged throughout or were there places where the story or post lags? Did they care about the characters?
I used to work with a beta reader named Amy. I usually handed her a manuscript after I’d finished my second round of revision. At that point, the story was basically complete, and I was focusing on fine tuning. I always told her not to worry about punctuation errors or misspellings. The thing that mattered to me was whether the story and characters worked. If not, I wanted to know why.
To me, a critique partner looks at the details while a beta reader looks at the big picture.
So, do you need a beta reader if you already have a critique partner? Only you can answer that. Do you need a critique partner if you’re going to work with a beta reader? Again, that’s up to you.
What I can tell you is that working with critique partners helped me learn and hone my craft as a writer. Working with a beta reader helped me with skill as a storyteller. I wouldn’t be where I am as an author; 19 novels, 1 short story, one non-fiction essay; without the amazing contributions from my critique partners and beta readers.
So, if you think your writing could use some help on the technical end, think about a critique partner. If you want some assistance with your project from a birds’ eye view, consider a beta reader.
And always remember, thinking about writing counts as writing. And don’t forget to nap. Until next time, bubbles up!
Like Nan said, it’s hard to see some things when we’re too close to the story. Both betas and CPs are something I’ve gotten away from, and I think I need to go back! Good post, J.C., and a great pic of Maria!
Excellent post! I love my betas—they are unfailingly honest and often see things I can’t because I’m too close to the story.