Beta dependency?

[icarusancalion]

Over the years I've become more and more dependent on my betas.

Not only do betas look over my final draft, but these days we collaborate from the very beginning. I now ask beta readers to beta my outline, help solve story problems in chat, bounce around new directions, characterization, plot holes, you name it. In big projects like Out Of Bounds

Comments

[iibnf]

I miss having a beta reader - that's one of the reasons I don't do much writing anymore.

[icarusancalion]

Why don't you have betas any more? You are deprived.

[iibnf]

The last few times I've asked around if anyone would beta for me, I've had no response.

It's a lot of work - I don't beta for others anymore, either.

[icarusancalion]

Well, that's why I beta still.

Beta karma's like parking karma. You've gotta give that great parking spot till build up for Christmas parking.

[bonfoi]

Hello. I was directed here via the Severus Sighs Yahoo!Group. We've been having a discussion on wounds a beta can leave as well.

I don't often use a beta because those who I would trust with my words, to give me constructive criticism, are currently away from my fandom. I also had such a bad experience with a beta that acted as an editor and wanted to rewrite my story because, in her mind, my character wouldn't have any vulnerable moments in their lives. (Which is a crock, as anyone living knows.)

You are very self-aware and that could be a missing ingredient in many writer-beta experiences.

Good luck with NaNoWriMo.

[icarusancalion]

I've had bad beta experiences as well. My worst was my first beta for Primer to the Dark Arts. She didn't believe it was my first (long) story and insinuated that I must have plagiarized it (in a *hint-hint, wink-wink* "you can tell me" tone). I was horrified. Her casual attitude about plagiarism bothered me more than the implied accusation. When I posted a chapter unbeta'd, she left comments on the work, saying that it would have been great had I continued working with her

[bonfoi]

There are a lot of stories like ours in every fandom. I was told I had to confused and that English wasn't my first language because I use large words and spelling that has fallen out of everyday use.

Those two college degrees must be anomalies I guess. As for being a non-native speaker, I was born in Detroit, which for some folks might be another planet.

Good for you and your betas communicating with you. And for you "booting" that other one.

[librasmile]

I can't argue with this. I mean I only have a few betas and just one regular one and I still take years to finish something. But yes, the cheerleading and squee factors are critical to me. I've written professionally ( journalism ) and been editor professionally by some pros with YEARS of experience and I've had to push back with them to keep my vision intact and I have been overruled at times. But there's no squee factor. You have to really believe in your ability and in what you produce in order to go toe-to-toe with these guys and come out intact. But I don't have that problem with non fiction.

It's fiction where I need much more strokes, and rah rah and things of nature to keep going.

[tigersilver]

I absolutely agree with all you've laid out here concerning betas and their crucial involvement in the process. I'm spoilt now; I've had a Built-in Beta for years and now I also have a whole slew of people I trust and rely on. It's one of the best parts of writing, I feel, knowing that there's a like mind out there (or one who has a very different perspective) who is willing to provide constructive feedback and direction. I treasure my betas; they are without doubt hidden heros of fic writing. And I'd do most anything for them.
If I may, could I link back to this post on my LJ? You state it so well and I'd love to share it with my flist.
Let me know and thanks again for laying this out so nicely. Now I'll have to stalk your other work, as I'm impressed!
♥! Tiger

[icarusancalion]

Oh, please do. I've been working with pro writers and seeing how fortunate we are in fandom.

[luna_plath]

It was so interesting to read this because I have never really had that type of beta relationship--I don't even have a regular beta for my work. I always get one for fest pieces, and if I'm working on something that I'm concerned about for whatever reason (characterizations, continuity, plot decisions, etc.) then I'll look for someone online, but not usually until the end of the project. I would really love to establish a solid author-beta relationship though; it's just hard to find people who are willing to make such a big commitment.