Betas, And How to Show Appreciation to Authors.

Ranting & Raving
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Betas, And How to Show Gratitude to Authors.

 

Betas

 

What is a Beta?

 

A Beta in the fan fiction world is equal to an Editor in the outside world. All of us writers are insecure about what we'll be presenting to readers, and your Beta/Editor is your sympathetic ear. They are your motivational speaker. Your most ardent champion. Your unconditional supporter. (Most of the time.) They do their best to keep you sane when your story is driving you crazy.

 

Why have a Beta?

 

Some people just use a Beta for grammar. That's cool. I prefer to have one for content and motivation. I know I may seem all confident and bulletproof in these rants, but I am just as nervous before posting a chapter as anyone else. I freak and obsess. I pick at the chapters and slam my laptop in frustration too. Several times, when the words just aren't coming out like I want, I also consider the taking the whole damn story down and learning to knit. But a good Beta will pull you back, ask what's wrong, and talk through the frustration with you.

 

Like I said though, this is what a GOOD Beta will do for you. They will ask you questions and make you think about your own story. 'Why?' is always the most important question when writing. The 'who' doesn't matter. The 'where' isn't particularly important. 'When' is meh. 'What' is kind of a big one, because that's the plot. But 'why', is the POINT of the story. A good Beta will ask you 'why did he say this?' 'Why is she that angry?' 'Why did they react this way?' And you better have a good answer. They will ask you questions to guide you where you need to go, but don't TELL you where to go. Make sense?

 

A good Beta will argue points with you, a bad Beta will argue and try to tell you what to write. A good beta will keep you focused, a bad Beta will let you/suggest you meander into unnecessary plot forests. A good Beta is someone who is almost as passionate about your story as you are. They are wrapped up in your story and want to see it through to the end. That passion will motivate you. I can attest to this from personal experience.

 

 

How to find a Beta?

 

If you just want one for grammar, that's easy. There are shops all over this site for that. But if you want a content Beta, I suggest you check your comment section. Look for a person who frequently comments things of substance. They don't have to go line by line and pat you on the back, but at least be able to

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Baekhyunsoul #1
Chapter 20: I can only wish more people would use beta readers, especially if you are putting all this work into something that obviously means something to you. It only makes sense, if you’re in a rush to publish and don’t have the time time put it away to reread later when you’re not so close to it, then use the fresh and objective eyes of beta reader. Thank you for putting that out there
Baekhyunsoul #2
Chapter 20: I can only wish more people would use beta readers, especially if you are putting all this work into something that obviously means something to you. It only makes sense, if you’re in a rush to publish and don’t have the time time put it away to reread later when you’re not so close to it, then use the fresh and objective eyes of beta reader. Thank you for putting that out there
meowzwrites #3
Chapter 26: Omg yes @ mpreg just please stop
meowzwrites #4
Chapter 14: Lol @ 16. I do idol fics, and I used to give characters with very little training in one area really strong twins but now I just want to punch myself and everyone who does that in the face.
haaitje #5
Your rants and ravings are so very informative. I will revisit it when I have/find the motivation to write again. I agree with most of your opinions about the stories on AFF. I have to say I like reading your stories, I like your characters and how you "build" them. I could care less if they were black, white, purple or whatever color; race or ethnicity, I like them for who they are. How they develop. And of course their background is an important part of that but I don't think their color is key. I hope that you get what I mean, it's difficult to explain without seeing your reaction ^^. You asked about angsty stories and I just read a lot of angst stories by the same author. The stories were compelling and I couldn't stop reading them but I also thought that it was a bit too much. Too much pain and heartache never any form of relieve for the characters. I felt drained after reading their stories back-to-back, no matter how interesting I found the stories. I contemplated telling the author that, how I felt about the stories but I was to chicken to actually do it. After reading your R&R I decided to tell them anyway. It's upbuilding criticism and not a bashing. Thanks again for your insights and keep writing these interesting funny and heartwarming stories. Who doesn't want to be Luna, I sure wanted to be. ^^
PrinceOfAbstraction #6
Chapter 35: A good story will have one or more of the following - good plot/interesting characters/attractive writing style/inexplicable something that makes you relate to the story at once.
NeoCaratTypo #7
Chapter 32: I’m CHOKING I’m pretty sure that chpt 31 (Consistency) was my story ? I specifically remember thinking that it was so innovative. I hated that decision too after writing two chapters because It got so tiring to write. I do still like the concept of the story so I’m thinking of revisiting it. Hopefully I don’t make the same mistake ?
milkia #8
i've honestly read this through several times and i still can't get over how good this guide is. guide/rant, anyway. i love it, thanks for posting!
MinhosAegyo #9
Chapter 41: girl i've been off this site for years (was in like middle school when i created my account) and i come back out of curiosity (now graduated from high school) and you still spilling hot fiery teaaaa. love it. now let me go catch up on your stories cause i remember them being bOMB!
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