FF writers: Have beta reader(s) or not?

[captainkodak1]

I agree with Miss P there. A couple of the beta's I use will make suggestions to clear up points or better wording. I appreciate that.

[Pim Peccable]

I've never had one.
I like to reread my own stuff. I often catch the missing words, wrong homonyms, etc myself.

I also use Word's spell and grammar checker. Sure some of the grammar suggestions are silly, but it catches the homonyms I miss.

[fazhou]

bigpenguin said:

Betareader? What's a betareader?

Someone who "beta tests" your story before you post it on the web. Basically, another name for a proofreader.

I have to qualify my last answer, that it's a good idea to shop around for your beta reader. Whoever it is should be at least as good as you in language skills and story writing. Otherwise, there's a risk that your beta could do you more damage than good.

[Aers (That Writer Chick)]

to be fair, I have heard of betareaders who give more input than just grammar and spelling... they help mold the story and encourage the author to get it in gear as well...

[allaine]

I've written enough college English papers in my life where I feel like I don't need people to proofread my work after I've finished. Write it, spellcheck it, post it.

However, there are stories which I will sometimes have people beta for special reasons. The most frequent reason is I want their opinion on whether someone is behaving in character, for example. Sometimes I'm working with an unfamiliar character, or someone whose head I can't seem to "get into", and I'll ask someone who knows that person a lot better.

Sincerely, Allaine

[Panther]

What's a betareader? A proofreader?

[surforst]

4cheese said:

What's a betareader? A proofreader?

Basically like an editor who reads over you fic. They'll edit for spelling/grammar errors and also suggest plot changes. Fix up holes and the various sorts. Their also someone to blame when an error does pop up. At least that's what I use my one beta for.