On establishing a good writer/beta relationship

[dear_tiger]

Hey!

I'm helping out our lovely mod paleogymnast with some of the What Happens Next posts, to guide people through Big Bang edits and posting woes toward the glorious end result. Some of you thought that a post about a good beta/writer relationship would be helpful.

Comments

[soserendipity]

Wow, what a list! Thank you for this compilation of what to do and what to avoid! It'll be most helpful, and not just for BB season. The book recommendations sound lovely, too. You rock :).

[dear_tiger]

*facepalm* It got way too long. But I hope it helps someone find a good beta match, in the end.

[soserendipity]

Oh, no no! I like that you included all the above, especially the lovely little tales about your own experiences. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one who has faced these kind of drafts in the past. And this gives really good advice on how to act next time I'm not sure whether someone's writing badfic on purpose or not. So really, no need to feel bad about the length. You still totally rock :).

[dear_tiger]

So you beta too! You know how it goes :D I have yet to meet a beta without a horror story. And I know plenty of writers with beta-related horror stories.

[xdarlingnickyx]

Oh, my gosh! I am in *totes* love with this post...so thanks a bajillion!

I kind of live and die by Number #3. I always tell anyone I Beta with, you don't have to listen to me, but you have to realize this fic goes public. This fic will go to different Comms and if you don't listen to me, or somebody, you will get called out for bad SPaG and you will most likely have to "defend" the choices you made inside of your fic. I don't require any writer I work with to use my word as Bible, because I do know my weaknesses and acknowledge them outright.

I will wholeheartedly AMEN! Number #6, because...well, my fellow Betas will understand because this is one of the most frustrating things about betawork. When you don't know how much control is wanted or what kind of leeway you've been given. Especially at a time like Big Bang when there is sometimes 3-4 Betas exchanging hands down the line.

And, Number #8 is just one of those common sense things and something I had to deal with as a Writer in my old fandom when my Beta actually tried to

[dear_tiger]

Hey, excellent points :D Thank you for making them! And I'm glad you liked the post.

[yonkyu]

I'm sorry that you have had this experience as a beta. I'm not a beta and I have struggled myself trying to find a beta that works best for me. It's best to be open and express what the writer is in need of and the beta express their strengths and weaknesses and how they can work together. I feel for all betas. You work so hard at helping a writer get their story clear and concise. You should be recognized for the help you get the writer. And it's rude of the writer to do that. Open communication is best. Thanks for sharing!!

[paleogymnast]

I've had more than my fair share of bad beta and writer stories. I atill screw up on overcommitting and undercommunicating. I just don't have the time I want spend. That being said, there are a few more tips and caveats I'd like to add

[yonkyu]

I agree with you. Writing is hard to begin with and beta'ing is no different. I hate sending my story to a beta, waiting to hear how horrible my story is. I am not a talented writer by any means and I wrote my first Big Bang last year. It came down to the wire and I was editing my story 4 days before posting date. It was one of my fears for signing up again this year. It was an overwhelming experience for my first time and to deal with editing 4 days before posting I wanted to scream and cry my eyes out. Plus I wrote the story through the beginning stages of my Master's Program to earn my MAster's Degree. And again I am doing the same thing. Though this time I feel confident in my alpha/beta readers and cheerleaders!!! Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts. Its very helpful.

[paleogymnast]

A few more thoughts, horor stories and food for thought

[paleogymnast]

Thank you for this! I love this post. Obviously if had tried to write it, it would have descended into venting. So *thank you*! *brava*

[dear_tiger]

\o/ My pleasure. Glad I could help.