It is clear from my website and social media posts that I provide authors with copyediting, line editing, and proofreading services for their manuscripts. But, did you know, I also provide beta reading and critique services? But, what does each involve, and how do they differ?
Beta Reading - Every author's heard the term, but do you know what it involves? Were you aware that many consider it an essential part of the publishing process?
As an author, what you get out of beta reading will depend on who does it, and how "qualified" they are. (Note - "qualified" is in quotation marks as there are NO formal qualifications in beta reading).
In simple terms, beta reading is allowing someone to read your masterpiece before it reaches the publication stage. This might be early on (so that you can incorporate the readers' suggestions into the finished text), or later, following numerous self-edits.
But who should you get to read the book? Many rely on friends or family. The advantage is, they're free. Not paying out for a service is good, right? Well, in terms of budget, it's great. But what are you getting from them? Are their opinions unbiased? Are they trying to please you by telling you what you want to hear? You'd hope not, but they have to live with you afterwards. What if they were honest? What if they told you they didn't like your story? Would it cause a rift in your relationship? It's certainly something worth considering.
Another option is to use one of the many FREE beta readers advertising on social media. The perfect compromise, right? Free and unbiased.
But who exactly is it that you've let read your book? Why should you believe their opinions? There are many good beta readers out there. Some do it for fun, as a hobby, or to help fellow authors. But others might be scammers. Who's to say they don't copy your ideas? Who knows whether their "opinion" is actually valid, based on years of experience of reading or writing? Or are they simply getting a free book to read, and you'll never hear from them again? (I hear many stories of authors waiting for feedback from beta readers, only for it never to materialise).
As with every service, the best solution is to employ a professional. Yes, it costs money (but a lot less than you might think). But the advantages outweigh the expenses. Many "paid" beta readers are also authors AND editors. They provide a professional service, looking at your text from the perspective of a reader, but also from the perspective of an editor. How many "amateur" readers would spot inconsistent formatting, chapter titles, etc? To an editor, this is second nature. Would the "free" reader provide a multi-page report (as a professional would), or would you get a couple of paragraphs saying if they liked the book or not? Would your work be safe from being copied/stolen with a free reader? Or, with a professional, would copyright be covered by their T&Cs? With a professional, their business relies on reputation. That, in itself, should give a degree of security. If they do a poor quality job, a bad review could ruin them.
But there's more.
Many a professional beta reader will offer extra services (especially if they are primarily editors). Yes, you'll receive a detailed, thorough report, but many will offer a FREE sample edit, whereby they'll copyedit a section of your text to show you how much work might be required should you choose to have it professionally edited. Of course, this is a means of up-selling services, but it's free, so why not get an opinion about the level of editing required too? You're not committed to using that particular editor, after all (although, many might choose to stay with someone they trust).
This is where a professional might offer a manuscript critique rather than a simple beta read. But how would they differ?
Whereas a beta read would mainly focus on the storyline, from a reader's perspective, the critique would include this, but would also go into much more detail, looking at the editor's POV, the language used, vocabulary, structure, pacing, and so on.
Some might say, "Well, that's developmental editing, isn't it?" Not quite. Think of a critique as a halfway house between beta reading and developmental editing. The critique will be more detailed than a simple beta read, but it will be a one-way conversation (you get the report of where the manuscript is currently at, in terms of plot, flow, editing, etc). The big difference with developmental editing is that it's a two-way conversation. The editor makes suggestions, the author adapts the text accordingly, and they bounce ideas back and forth to reach an outcome.
As to what is best for your particular piece of work, it will depend on what the author wants to achieve.
If budget is the priority, use family/friends or a free service (but consider the pitfalls associated with this option).
If a professional result is all important, consider shopping around for either "paid" beta reading or an editor's critique (depending on the depth of information you want to receive).
Notice I said to "shop around" for these services. As with editing, ask questions of anyone you're considering. Ask about experience. Ask about editing qualifications (if you choose to go along those lines). Form a dialogue with your prospective "employee" to see how you get along with them, and how easy they are to communicate with. All of this will help at a later stage should you then find yourself looking for an editor/proofreader prior to publishing.
For more detailed information regarding your editing options, visit the SERVICES page of my website.
For details of my beta reading services, contact me via my website or check out my gig on Fiverr.
For information of my copyediting, line editing, and proofreading services, go to https://www.proofwriteuk.com where all of your questions will be answered.
If you'd like to discuss your manuscript's requirements, or would like to obtain a FREE quote (or a FREE 1000 word sample edit), please contact me through my website's "contact" page or via Facebook or X (Twitter).
Email: AJHeasman.ProofWrite@aol.com
I also offer my services through Fiverr
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