15 Betas? Holy cow. I can barely get 5, and then getting them to stay is always fun. I have resigned myself to getting who I get and being thankful to those who stick around. I have no idea how some people get so many enthusiastic betas. I asked for Betas on Goodreads and FB and have about 5 who seem like they'll make it all the way through my book. The others that I got have vanished into the internet never to be seen again. Basically, what I'm saying is: don't feel bad if you can't get as many Betas as people encourage you to have. Some are better than none at all! :)
Definitely true! I feel like there are "beta seasons" sometimes. Like the flock has migrated elsewhere (probably more like school/work is back in session). Betas can be finicky, though, so just keep at it! Like you said, some opinions are better than none.
JulianGreystoke some ideas...is there a teacher or two at the high school you went to that you trusted. If you're younger, a friend's parent? Local librarian or writing the local school to see if anyone they could ask if anyone is willing to red. Independent book stores around? Usually, owners and staff love reading. If you get crafty, you'd be surprised the list you can come up with. Write the local high school to ask if they could ask in a news letter if anyone wants to try.
I wish! I was actually home schooled, but in our small town the teachers aren't... *grimaces * that great anyway. My friends can sometimes be convinced to read and my family of course. Most other people/mentors don't have time and energy/desire. Nothing against them, of course. Life be busy. People have gotten used to me writing because I have done it my whole life, are unimpressed, and generally don't have too much desire to read to critique LOL That said, I will not give up, and eventually manage to scrape together enough Betas, but it is tougher than many on youtube make it seem.
I beta-read three full-length novels in three days. They were sent to me with no indication of whether they were first drafts or not, and with no areas of focus, which made my feedback difficult. But I did give feedback the same day they were sent to me, and got no response. Not a thank you, no follow-up questions, no comment whatsoever. That's time I could have spent working on my own novel, and now I know NOT to use them as betas for my own. It would have helped a lot if I'd at least known if they were first drafts - I'm pretty sure two of them were - so I could know where to focus my attention. And jimminy crickets, a thanks would have been nice!
That's horrible! I'm sorry that happened to you, but I'm glad you didn't try to use them as betas. It's so important writers treat betas like they would a professional editor. Communication is absolutely necessary. I hope you find some great betas for your novel!
It seems to me you are serious about it. What would you say if I offered a swap? I have my issues as well finding beta readers... Maybe we can help one another :P
It's so crazy how we miss things but our BETAS catch it all! I have had at least 12 BETAS so far and on my last SET! oh wow! last final steps before final revisions! Enjoyed hearing how it was for you!
Really enjoying your channel. I'm a bit older than you and have been writing short stories and articles for years but am right now about 60% through the draft of my first novel. It's been very helpful to listen to you talk about strategies and resources, all these things that I would soon need to explore, and where you have already done a lot of really astute and helpful research. Please keep it up!
"some people will shine through seven layers of muck. some won't shine no matter how much you polish them." ~ T Pratchett. and that was a throw-away line. We can dream.
I love your videos so much! I've always written short stories, but after watching your videos I started to write a novel! thank you so much for helping/inspiring me. without you, I wouldn't be writing a real novel. Between the tips, guides and whatnot your videos have been sooo helpful
+Lays Chips This seriously makes me so happy to hear! I love hearing stories like this, they absolutely make my day! Let me know if you ever have any specific questions about writing you want me to address in a future video :)
I understand that many writers are self funding their projects but I recommend hiring a few beta readers on fiverr or upwork if you want a very detailed and informative feedback report. Beta reading an unfinished manuscript isn't easy and takes time and if you can pay someone at least 40 or 50 to give you feedback, you will get it back in a more timely fashion and with lengthy feedback. If you just ask a friend and they read it when they have time and don't really take notes, you won't get as much out of it.
Great at very useful video. One question I have on best way to approach. In the story I am in the process of outlining, there is a twist that is revealed latter in the story. But there are clues though out. What's the best way to approach because I want feed back on if the clues are too obvious.
You don't *have* to, but it's typically best to send the most polished piece of your work that you can. Most publishers would understand some typos because those are easy fixes, but not developmental issues. They expend a lot of time and money on each of their authors, so if your story needs work, then they might be more apt to overlook it.
I wholeheartedly believe that it should be a completely free service. To me, beta readers are the pre-professional edit stage. You're already going to pay for professional edits, so why pay for them twice? I feel quite strongly about this, but it actually annoys me when I see people charging for beta reading. It's kind of a pet peeve of mine. Plus, there's a lot of people that will volunteer to read your story absolutely for free!
I like that view. I think it creates a nice community and I would like to help fellow writers, especially if the favour would be returned to me some day. Keep up the good work by the way! Watching your videos always makes me feel motivated to write when I'm not writing. :)
This makes me so happy to hear! I love motivating my fellow writers :) And you're so right about the building community part. We all learn from each other!
@@VivienReis I'm curious why you believe that people should read your story and provide detailed feedback and answer questions for free? To me it's basically saying that their time or knowledge about the genre has no value to you. People charge to Beta Read because they are providing an important service. Just because you don't wish to spend the money, it doesn't mean that you aren't being quite rude by not compensating them for helping you complete your novel. To say how important getting a beta reader is and in the same breath say they shouldn't be paid is problematic.
J.R. Handley I've had good results with it, but definitely do whatever feels most comfortable. My writing buddy Kristen Martin and I got started on Skype and moved over to email from thereon! Don't be afraid to experiment with what works for you ☺
Omg! Your writing buddy is Kristen Martin?! I follow her too. I'm totally geeking out over this! Lol. Too bad you guys can't make a video together. That would be so awesome!
Yes, there's always a possibility but it rarely happens (I've not heard of it happening myself). But legally, it's your work from the minute you write it. There's a link in the description for more info on the legal side :)
Or, follow the simple way... Don't send them more than one chapter at a time. Ask for consistent feed-back (the way they answer, usually give you the right vibe). And remember, you are the one asking questions about your work, not them :P.
They can be difficult to find at times! Any beta reader is better than no beta readers, though :) And if you learned something from those few then it was worth all the looking!
"Parents, friends, anyone that gives you feedback" yes but they're like "it's good" like THANKS THATS USEFUL
15 Betas? Holy cow. I can barely get 5, and then getting them to stay is always fun. I have resigned myself to getting who I get and being thankful to those who stick around. I have no idea how some people get so many enthusiastic betas. I asked for Betas on Goodreads and FB and have about 5 who seem like they'll make it all the way through my book. The others that I got have vanished into the internet never to be seen again.
Basically, what I'm saying is: don't feel bad if you can't get as many Betas as people encourage you to have. Some are better than none at all! :)
Definitely true! I feel like there are "beta seasons" sometimes. Like the flock has migrated elsewhere (probably more like school/work is back in session). Betas can be finicky, though, so just keep at it! Like you said, some opinions are better than none.
JulianGreystoke some ideas...is there a teacher or two at the high school you went to that you trusted. If you're younger, a friend's parent? Local librarian or writing the local school to see if anyone they could ask if anyone is willing to red. Independent book stores around? Usually, owners and staff love reading. If you get crafty, you'd be surprised the list you can come up with. Write the local high school to ask if they could ask in a news letter if anyone wants to try.
I should have written for anyone reading. Not saying you're looking for more. Sorry!
I wish! I was actually home schooled, but in our small town the teachers aren't... *grimaces * that great anyway. My friends can sometimes be convinced to read and my family of course. Most other people/mentors don't have time and energy/desire. Nothing against them, of course. Life be busy. People have gotten used to me writing because I have done it my whole life, are unimpressed, and generally don't have too much desire to read to critique LOL
That said, I will not give up, and eventually manage to scrape together enough Betas, but it is tougher than many on youtube make it seem.
I want to read you book now lol. I'll probably be one of those readers that quit if it sucks though.
I beta-read three full-length novels in three days. They were sent to me with no indication of whether they were first drafts or not, and with no areas of focus, which made my feedback difficult. But I did give feedback the same day they were sent to me, and got no response. Not a thank you, no follow-up questions, no comment whatsoever. That's time I could have spent working on my own novel, and now I know NOT to use them as betas for my own. It would have helped a lot if I'd at least known if they were first drafts - I'm pretty sure two of them were - so I could know where to focus my attention. And jimminy crickets, a thanks would have been nice!
That's horrible! I'm sorry that happened to you, but I'm glad you didn't try to use them as betas. It's so important writers treat betas like they would a professional editor. Communication is absolutely necessary. I hope you find some great betas for your novel!
It seems to me you are serious about it. What would you say if I offered a swap? I have my issues as well finding beta readers... Maybe we can help one another :P
@@VivienReis Hi! I’ve been trying to get in contact with you! I just started watching your videos!
It's so crazy how we miss things but our BETAS catch it all! I have had at least 12 BETAS so far and on my last SET! oh wow! last final steps before final revisions! Enjoyed hearing how it was for you!
Really enjoying your channel. I'm a bit older than you and have been writing short stories and articles for years but am right now about 60% through the draft of my first novel. It's been very helpful to listen to you talk about strategies and resources, all these things that I would soon need to explore, and where you have already done a lot of really astute and helpful research. Please keep it up!
Awesome, thank you so much! Glad to have another fan :)
I can't wait to get to this phase!! Great video
+Tucker Kobylka Thanks! I actually really enjoy this phase...it might actually be my favorite!
I read your first chapter, it's great. I'm excited to read the book!
I will this video at our writers club meeting. Thank you!
"You can't polish a turd" = SUBSCRIBED lmao!
😄😄
I know it's 2 years late, but you have a phantom dog haunting the house behind your back :) It''s so gorgeous!
Super dooper helpful.
''Tis the power of love sword.
She said, "You can't polish a turd." HAHA! Super gross but definitely gets the point across.
The Myth-Busters actually did polish a turd in an episode!
"some people will shine through seven layers of muck. some won't shine no matter how much you polish them." ~ T Pratchett. and that was a throw-away line. We can dream.
I just sent a book to my betas... wish you made this video a week ago :) Great video, thank you.
I love your videos so much! I've always written short stories, but after watching your videos I started to write a novel! thank you so much for helping/inspiring me. without you, I wouldn't be writing a real novel. Between the tips, guides and whatnot your videos have been sooo helpful
+Lays Chips This seriously makes me so happy to hear! I love hearing stories like this, they absolutely make my day! Let me know if you ever have any specific questions about writing you want me to address in a future video :)
Couldn't focus on the video because your dog is way too adorable!
+Josiah T. They definitely try to steal the show! I want to make a compilation video of all the funny things they do in the background!
I understand that many writers are self funding their projects but I recommend hiring a few beta readers on fiverr or upwork if you want a very detailed and informative feedback report. Beta reading an unfinished manuscript isn't easy and takes time and if you can pay someone at least 40 or 50 to give you feedback, you will get it back in a more timely fashion and with lengthy feedback. If you just ask a friend and they read it when they have time and don't really take notes, you won't get as much out of it.
Another amazing video! Thank you for sharing your insight and advice, all of your videos are so helpful and inspiring! :)
+Anne &Baby39 Thank you so much! Let me know if you ever have any suggestions for video topics!
Thank you so much! You've answered all of the questions I had regarding beta readers. Thank you!
You're welcome!! Let me know if there's every something else you'd like me to cover, I love getting suggestions!
I KNEW you'd have a great video on finding Beta readers...I knew it! :) thanks!
:D :D You're welcome!
Thanks for responding .This is very helpful.
+Вика Красуцкая You're welcome! Thank you for the awesome video suggestion :)
Lol! What was the super important topic you forgot about that you commented on at the end?? Ohhh, the suspense!
Lol, it ended up being in the video, I just pushed that little clip to the end :)
Great at very useful video. One question I have on best way to approach. In the story I am in the process of outlining, there is a twist that is revealed latter in the story. But there are clues though out. What's the best way to approach because I want feed back on if the clues are too obvious.
Do you have to send your work to an editor if you are going to send it to a publisher? This was realy helpfull!x
You don't *have* to, but it's typically best to send the most polished piece of your work that you can. Most publishers would understand some typos because those are easy fixes, but not developmental issues. They expend a lot of time and money on each of their authors, so if your story needs work, then they might be more apt to overlook it.
Threatening to sue someone reading your work as a favor isn’t the best either.....must tread lightly there
Looking for a beta reader for my poetry
Hi Vivien, I was wondering if it's normal to pay your Beta Readers, or do they do it for free?
I wholeheartedly believe that it should be a completely free service. To me, beta readers are the pre-professional edit stage. You're already going to pay for professional edits, so why pay for them twice? I feel quite strongly about this, but it actually annoys me when I see people charging for beta reading. It's kind of a pet peeve of mine. Plus, there's a lot of people that will volunteer to read your story absolutely for free!
I like that view. I think it creates a nice community and I would like to help fellow writers, especially if the favour would be returned to me some day.
Keep up the good work by the way! Watching your videos always makes me feel motivated to write when I'm not writing. :)
This makes me so happy to hear! I love motivating my fellow writers :)
And you're so right about the building community part. We all learn from each other!
@@VivienReis I'm curious why you believe that people should read your story and provide detailed feedback and answer questions for free? To me it's basically saying that their time or knowledge about the genre has no value to you. People charge to Beta Read because they are providing an important service. Just because you don't wish to spend the money, it doesn't mean that you aren't being quite rude by not compensating them for helping you complete your novel.
To say how important getting a beta reader is and in the same breath say they shouldn't be paid is problematic.
I'm a novice writer and I just recently finished my YA novel. Would you like to be my beta reader, Vivien? 🤣😂😘💋
Anytime I click on your video, I know you are going to scare the bejesus out of me
Do you need a beta reader for just fan fiction that will never get published it’s just for fun about a soap opera
How do you communicate with your Beta Readers?
+J.R. Handley I mostly use e-mail, but I've used FB chat and Skype before.
Do you think email is enough? I worry it might seem too impersonal!
J.R. Handley I've had good results with it, but definitely do whatever feels most comfortable. My writing buddy Kristen Martin and I got started on Skype and moved over to email from thereon! Don't be afraid to experiment with what works for you ☺
Thanks!! :)
Omg! Your writing buddy is Kristen Martin?! I follow her too. I'm totally geeking out over this! Lol. Too bad you guys can't make a video together. That would be so awesome!
What do you mean by "typical turnaround"
How can I be a beta reader?
would you like to be a beta reader for my book? Im on the hunt for beta's
Can I ask for beta readers here for my space opera?
I'll trade you a beta read on your space opera for a read on mine... synopsis and word count, please.
Are you suppose to pay beta readers?
What are the negatives of Beta Readers? Can they steal your work?
Yes, there's always a possibility but it rarely happens (I've not heard of it happening myself). But legally, it's your work from the minute you write it. There's a link in the description for more info on the legal side :)
Vivien Reis Thank you. I will check out the link.
Or, follow the simple way... Don't send them more than one chapter at a time. Ask for consistent feed-back (the way they answer, usually give you the right vibe). And remember, you are the one asking questions about your work, not them :P.
Very useful information. Extremely difficult to watch with a the splicing.
Thank you. More recent videos don't have as many jump cuts!
I've hada few very useful beta readers.
They can be difficult to find at times! Any beta reader is better than no beta readers, though :) And if you learned something from those few then it was worth all the looking!