On Being a Beta

[mercurychkita]

I just found an interesting post through metafandom about The Different Types of Critiquers. Since I've beta'd for a number of people on my f-list, and will probably continue to do so for some of you, I thought it might be helpful to ask what type of critiquer you've found me to be in the past, was it helpful, and/or what type of feedback you'd

Comments

[hawkbehere]

Hmmm. Well, I do think that would depend on your writer. The first duty of a beta/editor is always the line by line thing. You're there to make sure the copy is correct. But some of these things (like the fact I started this sentence with but) are stylistic choices. You know my writing well enough to let me have a little leeway but not to let me go nuts.

In my story, you tend not to be the sort who rushes back to find out if I'd given Serena a last name in Chapter Two. I don't really care about that because I'm the sort of writer who does check for myself (and I haven't--given her a last name, I mean). But I'm quite sure you'd give me the heads up if Cassidy were suddenly years older than Caroline.

You have ENORMOUS patience with writers and a willingness to work on the stylistic elements of a story. More than that I won't say, as we've discussed this privately.

I, personally, quite enjoy reading the reactions that you place in my work and always laugh when you slap me down in your gentle way.

You've given thoughtful feedback on even the things I've written that you didn't particularly like (my original work). I found that helpful, as well.

The editors I've always enjoyed most were proficient, intelligent and had a sense of humor. I have hated stylistic choices some have suggested, but if they were right, they were right and I grumbled but I did it. They read to keep me from making boneheaded errors and to help me with my clarity and concision. And I always remember that good editing is to my benefit and, much more importantly, anyone who happens to read what I write.

You're a great beta and tremendously helpful. You may imagine I say this because you're also a friend, but no. I have many real life friends I would never ask to edit me.

In fact, I can't think of one thing I could say that would improve your beta work except to say that you do have an irrational exuberance when bashing my em-dash usage. I sigh and out they go.

Oh--and any errors in the message above are to keep you on your toes, naturally.

[mercurychkita]

Aw, thanks so much for this thoughtful analysis. I really appreciate it.

And, as we've discussed, I've begun to develop a sort of fondness for the em-dash because of you. You're rubbing off on me, woman! (Mind out of the gutter!)

Oh yeah, and who said I didn't like your original work, hm? Stop spreading lies and get back to writing! LOL

[hawkbehere]

Mercury! Goodness gracious. You know my mind is always, always gutter-free. Especially around you (blinking innocently).

I can't seem to help my em-dash usage, but now I feel a bit like I've been bitten by a pernicious bug when I use them. As you well know, I keep Calamine lotion by my computer for all real and grammatical bugs.

I'll get back to writing, Merc, but only because you'll have to read it. See how that works? It's completely delicious. (Mind out of the gutter!)

Hawk-be-em-dash