#Mistress procrastinates by writing editorial crap

[mistresspandorawritesthings]

An Author and Their Beta Reader

(Tips from a fic writer who's been at it for over 20 years)

A while ago, I posted this handy guide on offering constructive criticism to fic writers when you don't already have a critique/beta reading relationship. I recommend checking that out first, because that's the situation the average reader is most likely to find themselves in.

Read it? Cool, let's go.

So, let's say an author HAS approached you or put out a call for anyone willing to beta read. Here's just a few tips based on my own experience both as a beta reader and a writer, maybe they'll be helpful for someone else.

First! Take a page from the kink community and negotiate first to manage expectations:

Authors, be clear about what you want your beta reader to help you with. It might be: SPAG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) only; verb tense/POV (point of view) consistency; plot coherence/flow; word choice/tempo; characterization; or overall impressions

Beta readers, be honest if there's something your author asked for that you aren't confident enough to help with. Take characterization, for instance. I have specific friends I ask for help with certain characters (we all have our faves and characters we write with more finesse than others). Or maybe you're someone who can't remember how to punctuate dialogue; be upfront with your author about that.

Agree on logistics: Google Docs is a great app for this, because the author can share a file with the beta reader so that they can only comment and suggest changes (it's like using track changes in Word, which is amazing btw, 10/10 recommend this).

Keeping with the sex analogy (lol sorry, I'm procrastinating writing two separate smut scenes, it's on the brain), remember that consent can be withdrawn at any time! Either of you can stop at any point. Do yourselves a favor though and don't just ghost the other. Sometimes things come up and beta readers run out of time. Sometimes you trip over a squick and can't continue comfortably. That's okay! Just say so.

Speaking of which, authors, be upfront about the content and potential squicks and triggers in your piece. Beta readers, if there's something you don't want to read, say so. (Case in point, I won't beta read most mpreg and omegaverse is not my jam. I'll beta read non-con as long as I know it's there beforehand.) Word count too. Don't tell your beta it's 20k and then send them 65k. That's a major lift for a beta reader.

Take the time to make your relationship as productive and friendly as possible:

Beta readers, be kind. Now is not the time to insult the author's work, this is a vulnerable part of the writing process. It's also not enough to just say, "This doesn't work." Offer suggestions to make it work if you can, give an example, ask a question, something actionable (that's the constructive part).

Authors, be kind! Your beta reader is trying to help you, they're doing you a favor. If there is something you don't want your beta reader to even touch, tell them before you even share the document.

Similarly, authors, remember that YOU get the final say in everything. You are not required to accept all (or any!) of your beta reader's suggestions. Go with your gut, tell YOUR story.

Beta readers, remember that the author gets the final say in everything. They aren't required to accept all of your suggestions.

Trust me on this: if you both go into this with that in mind and agree this is about the words, not the people, it's easier not to take things personally.

When in doubt, ask.

Beta readers, be honest about your availability. I recently beta read for a good friend. I said it would take me a few days, but it took a few months. Real life was a particular bitch and my friend was super understanding, but I still felt crappy for it. If your availability changes, say so, especially if your author is on a deadline, like a bang or other scheduled event.

Always err on the side of over-communication.

Most importantly, have fun! There's something really special about a solid writer/beta relationship. I have a few friends I trust to help push me to grow as a writer, and that's where the magic happens.

Feel free to add your own thoughts. 🥰