I have just recently been leaning more toward the paid trusted beta reader model with a deadline especially if your book is a long full length novel. I have had nothing but constant problems with free beta readers finishing my work in a reasonable time, and since their offering you help for free you don't even really have any right to demand anything from them. So the free models just been a lose lose situation for me mostly
Just got out of a bad experience with a beta reader who did not provide any amount of helpful feedback on my first 3 chapters except for grammar corrections... that's not what a writer is looking for when they search for beta readers! We hire editors for that and it's mostly by the end of the process when you're ready to query. I was so upset by this because I provided a very concise report on the guy's story even though his genre was not something I usually read but at least I took the time to give him detailed feedback. He didn't. For anyone who's looking to work with beta readers in the future, please be specific about what you want from them because you might end up in the same boat as me, waiting for days for the document to be sent, expecting it to be marked with helpful feedback but all you have to work with at the end are grammar corrections :/
I couldn't agree more, I had a similar response. If you would like to trade a few chapters with me , I would love to work with you. Please let me know,thanks
@@David-fv7zg ey thanks for the offer! Unfortunately right now I'm not writing as much as I want to (life and stuff), so I don't have anything new but I'd be happy to take a look at what you have written! Send me your email and we can continue the conversation there :)
I have only recently discovered the videos on TH-cam to help first-time authors, and have watched dozens recently. Yours is the most clear and articulate.
Great video! Thank you so much! I am going to start looking for beta readers in the next couple of months. I will definitely follow your recommendations.
Thanks for the info. I never even heard of a Beta Reader until I watched this. I will look into this more. Separately: I'd like to see some additional graphics or text on the screen to make it less bland. You've done it well in your prior videos. I believe in the Scrivener and Ulysses tips videos.
I was desperately searching for info on how to do this beta reader thing. When I saw you had a video on it, I skipped all the other resources I'd dogeared and went straight to your video. As usual, it didn't disappoint. Thank you for having the clearest, most helpful content for authors out there!
Thanks for the video! It brings a lot of clarity about the whole process. I have one extra question: how does one protect themselves from the possibility of a beta reader stealing your ready work and publishing as their own? Now, this sounds like quite the stretch, but if the worst happens and you see that book released on Amazon by the person you've sent it to, what do you do?
You can’t, frankly. But you can certainly write Amazon with proof that the person stole your book and they’ll probably remove it. They would also be violating the Amazon terms.
I haven't used betas, as this is actually new to me. But I do draw up contracts for everyone I use for nearly every aspect of my business. If they don't want to sign, then we can't do business.👍
I've never heard of this happening, it seems to be something that people worry about more than it actually happens. Ironically it's way more common with screenplays, since screenplays get changed so much in production and it's more a matter of who you know, it can be way harder to prove these things. But you usually end up with so much evidence over the course of writing a novel that it's super easy to prove that you wrote it first.
>> Awesome video. Have you made a video on story illustrations (for novels)? Many decades ago, many novelist had woodcut or lino print illustrations for each chapter. I'm sure to make it more financially feasible today, the modern versions would be computer aided. I'd like to investigate this.
Great Video! Just the information I need at this time! And apropos: Who would be wonderful enough to beta read a mediaval adult Fantasy novel circling around women's rights and freedom? There's both female as male main characters. But it leans heavily towards Syrah, a witch fleeing inquisition. She's quite a piece of work in top of it. Sorry kind of grey character. The male counterpart and opponent is a loyal, steady veteran just to have someone aimable. Does that make sense? I hope so. And I hope somone wants to beta read it. Please? I'm willing to return the favour for another fantasy author. Thanks for listening. Brigitte
Great information. Very engaging and concise. And a very likeable fellow. Also check out "5 Tips for Good Beta Reader Feedback" by Hannah Lee Kidder - Writer. And "The Ultimate Beta Reader Process (pt 1 and 2)" by Writing with Jenna Moreci.
Beta Readers can be a double edged sword. I've been finding this out the hard way. Just like with any other service or profession, it's up to the customer to weed out the good from the bad. There are some really talented Betas who will offer HONEST and constructive feedback/criticism. However there are so many more that are simply trash in my opinion. I'm in the process of writing my first novel and out of every ten Beta Readers, I'd say there are maybe three that are really great. That's just been my experience so far.
Never heard of an alpha reader till now. Thanks. Your videos are such quality content. Stay safe with your family.
I have just recently been leaning more toward the paid trusted beta reader model with a deadline especially if your book is a long full length novel. I have had nothing but constant problems with free beta readers finishing my work in a reasonable time, and since their offering you help for free you don't even really have any right to demand anything from them. So the free models just been a lose lose situation for me mostly
Just got out of a bad experience with a beta reader who did not provide any amount of helpful feedback on my first 3 chapters except for grammar corrections... that's not what a writer is looking for when they search for beta readers! We hire editors for that and it's mostly by the end of the process when you're ready to query. I was so upset by this because I provided a very concise report on the guy's story even though his genre was not something I usually read but at least I took the time to give him detailed feedback. He didn't.
For anyone who's looking to work with beta readers in the future, please be specific about what you want from them because you might end up in the same boat as me, waiting for days for the document to be sent, expecting it to be marked with helpful feedback but all you have to work with at the end are grammar corrections :/
Thanks, good advice
I couldn't agree more, I had a similar response. If you would like to trade a few chapters with me , I would love to work with you. Please let me know,thanks
@@David-fv7zg ey thanks for the offer! Unfortunately right now I'm not writing as much as I want to (life and stuff), so I don't have anything new but I'd be happy to take a look at what you have written! Send me your email and we can continue the conversation there :)
This is awesome. The internet has really lifted the veil for new authors! Thank you so much for your time and expertise. You need a donate button 🤔
Glad you enjoy it!
You are a fantastic find for new writers such as myself. Thank you for your guidance through a very cumbersome process.
You're very welcome!
I have only recently discovered the videos on TH-cam to help first-time authors, and have watched dozens recently. Yours is the most clear and articulate.
I always thought it was editor first and then beta readers! Also I haven't heard of alpha readers before. Thanks!
Great video! Thank you so much! I am going to start looking for beta readers in the next couple of months. I will definitely follow your recommendations.
You are a gold mine of information. Thank you for this.
Thanks for the info. I never even heard of a Beta Reader until I watched this. I will look into this more.
Separately: I'd like to see some additional graphics or text on the screen to make it less bland. You've done it well in your prior videos. I believe in the Scrivener and Ulysses tips videos.
I needed this video big time! Thanks!
Thanks for the great advice Michael, it's very timely for me.
Really Excellent advice. Another great show!
Fantastic video- thank you so much!
I was desperately searching for info on how to do this beta reader thing. When I saw you had a video on it, I skipped all the other resources I'd dogeared and went straight to your video. As usual, it didn't disappoint. Thank you for having the clearest, most helpful content for authors out there!
Ugh yes I really needed this!!
Another great video, Michael. Great advice. Thank you.
This might be my fav video you’ve done. Ty kindly
This is very helpful, thank you!
I am so glad I came across your videos! This information is invaluable to me and I am really excited about putting it into action. Thank you so much!
Thank you, Michael, for your insightful and practical information.
Thanks for the video! It brings a lot of clarity about the whole process. I have one extra question: how does one protect themselves from the possibility of a beta reader stealing your ready work and publishing as their own? Now, this sounds like quite the stretch, but if the worst happens and you see that book released on Amazon by the person you've sent it to, what do you do?
You can’t, frankly. But you can certainly write Amazon with proof that the person stole your book and they’ll probably remove it. They would also be violating the Amazon terms.
I haven't used betas, as this is actually new to me. But I do draw up contracts for everyone I use for nearly every aspect of my business. If they don't want to sign, then we can't do business.👍
I've never heard of this happening, it seems to be something that people worry about more than it actually happens. Ironically it's way more common with screenplays, since screenplays get changed so much in production and it's more a matter of who you know, it can be way harder to prove these things. But you usually end up with so much evidence over the course of writing a novel that it's super easy to prove that you wrote it first.
>> Awesome video. Have you made a video on story illustrations (for novels)? Many decades ago, many novelist had woodcut or lino print illustrations for each chapter. I'm sure to make it more financially feasible today, the modern versions would be computer aided. I'd like to investigate this.
I don’t have enough expertise on the topic so it’s not something I’ll cover any time soon. But good luck!
Great Video! Just the information I need at this time! And apropos:
Who would be wonderful enough to beta read a mediaval adult Fantasy novel circling around women's rights and freedom? There's both female as male main characters. But it leans heavily towards Syrah, a witch fleeing inquisition. She's quite a piece of work in top of it. Sorry kind of grey character. The male counterpart and opponent is a loyal, steady veteran just to have someone aimable. Does that make sense? I hope so. And I hope somone wants to beta read it. Please?
I'm willing to return the favour for another fantasy author. Thanks for listening.
Brigitte
Great information. Very engaging and concise. And a very likeable fellow. Also check out "5 Tips for Good Beta Reader Feedback" by Hannah Lee Kidder - Writer.
And "The Ultimate Beta Reader Process (pt 1 and 2)" by Writing with Jenna Moreci.
Who do you use for an editor
Several different ones. You can find them on the copyright page of each of my books.
What if my manuscript is between 150,000 and 200,000 words? How much time should I give my beta readers then (with and without buffer time)?
If your book is that long, maybe ask them how long they think it might take. If that fails, maybe give them 6-8 weeks.
@@AuthorLevelUp Thanks for the feedback.
Fantastic ❤❤❤❤❤
i wanted to know how to be a good beta reader
Beta Readers can be a double edged sword. I've been finding this out the hard way. Just like with any other service or profession, it's up to the customer to weed out the good from the bad. There are some really talented Betas who will offer HONEST and constructive feedback/criticism. However there are so many more that are simply trash in my opinion. I'm in the process of writing my first novel and out of every ten Beta Readers, I'd say there are maybe three that are really great. That's just been my experience so far.
I will be needing a beta reader for a zombie comedy soon. Contact me interested. And please try to contain contain your excitement.