Eeek! Yahoo! I can't believe I've met my deadline and I have more freedom to revisit friends' blogs, and generally live a more normal life. That can all start tomorrow, as it's getting late and said deadline was JUST met. Whew.
So, having just given my third novel to several readers before giving it to my editor, those readers are on my mind. I'm so grateful for them! I have two types of reader: my critique partners, and my beta readers.
What's the difference? I'll give you my version, and then maybe some of you will have more wisdom to add, or a different perspective.
Critique partners are other novelists. They read like writers. Often, they read the book in chunks, giving me corrective advice as they go so I don't go off in a bad direction. Critique partners have an obligation to be constructive. Does that mean we always beat around the bush? No--we can be very frank. But MOST importantly, we try to avoid subjective opinions in favor of craft, we try to consider the other writer's intentions, and if we make a criticism, we should always suggest a way to fix the weakness we are noting in one another's work. That's a rule of constructive criticism in general: you don't just go in and say "I don't like this." You say: "This character trait or behavior isn't working for me. Maybe if you did this instead, it might make it work." When critique partners go in with blanket criticisms and no suggestions to help, things get messy, and some talks may need to happen between partners! Now, your crit partner may not always agree with the proffered suggestions, but that's OK. What matters is that you offered your brainstorming power, so your crit partner sees you are trying to help--or so you hope. :-)
Beta readers are NOT other novelists. They are novel-readers only. I have wonderful beta readers: two of them are well-read in my genre, while one of them is more a literary fiction type who loves a good historical novel. They're very smart and very analytical. But in my beta readers, I don't necessarily expect a writer-type opinion. What's really valuable from a beta reader is the subjective reaction. I *want* to know if a beta reader likes the heroine and hero for completely subjective reasons. I don't need to hear suggestions from a beta reader about how to fix things, though of course suggestions are always welcome! But they're not under the same unspoken agreement of professionalism as a critique partner.
One of my beta readers combines the qualities of both a beta reader and a crit partner. She gives me a subjective reaction, but she also often suggests a corrective measure. (And her subjective reaction is pretty objective to begin with!) Overall, though, I call her a beta reader because she's not a novelist, but an excellent nonfiction writer. Her viewpoint is invaluable as someone who has read a *ton* of good novels but doesn't write them.
What do you think about the difference between crit partners and beta readers? Do you have both types of reader, or just one? What's most valuable to you about their feedback?
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16 comments:
I do have both types.
I also have one that is both. He writes, but not novels. His historical input and insight is very helpful to my hubby and myself. It's so great to have that.
Great post and congrats making it to your deadline. Enjoy yourself.
Happy New Year!
Thought provoking Rosslyn. I've been wondering about this. I have a great Crit Partner who gives very balanced critiques. But I don't have a Beta reader. I have plenty of friends at church who want to read my novel, but I've asking a friend to become a beta reader might be confusing to the others I've told--no, you have to wait until its in print someday.
You talked about what a Beta reader is, maybe you can share a little about how you chose one.
I'm pretty new to all of this. So far I have one of both. A good friend read my novel and now I have another critiquing. I hope to find more of both (along with an agent).
Congrats on finishing up your deadline! I can't wait to experience that!!!
Happy New Year!
That sounds about right to me. I have two critique partners. And three beta readers. They are friends who love reading.
Which leads to an interesting question....should beta readers be friends?
You've opened my eyes to something this morning. I started with what I called "cold readers" for my first novel and was w/out critique partners at that point.
Then I found several critique partners but didn't revisit the idea of having beta readers review my novels.
I think I'd like to tap into both resources again for reasons you mention here.
Happy New Year, lady! :D
~ Wendy
Congrats on meeting your deadline! Whew!
Critique is such a hard part of writing, and I can see the benefit in having both types of partners.
Now the hard work begins of deciding what to do with their opinions . . .
Keep up the good writing!
You know, I've never understood the difference between these terms. You think I'd have figured this out by now! I suppose I mainly have CPs.
This is a great summary, Rosslyn. I have a couple formal critique partners and a few informal beta readers. My family is full of avid readers, so they always provide helpful insights!
Very informative. Thanks for breaking the two down further for us newbies. And I must say, I'm jealous of whoever (whomever?) is getting an early viewing of your third novel. I can hardly wait for the second one in your series to release (just one week after my b-day so, woo hoo; I know what I'm getting for a belated present to myself :D). Anyhow, I'm hoping to have my novel polished enough for beta and crit partners to read by early summer, and now I have a better idea of what to look for.
Just curious, how many of each would you recommend? I understand, like a doctor's second opinion, it'd be wise to have at least more than one, but I'd imagine the more the better? Or not? I'm also curious about your answer to Katie's question: should beta readers be friends?
Hi Rosslyn- I didn't really have a crit partner on my last book (although, since I'm not a novelist, it's different). I did, however, have beta readers whom really helped me finalize the plot (and posted awesome reviews which was so, so appreciated). As a book-lover myself, I love having the opportunity to read other people's work first... it's a great privilege. Can't wait to read your book!
I'm not a writer but I had no idea there were two types of readers. I have friends at work, avid book readers who would probably be great "beta" readers! Happy New Year
Loree, it's cool that you also have that non-fiction perspective, espcially from someone historically-inclined!
Anne - The first qualification of my beta readers is that they were interested in reading my books. LOL! Sadly, we all know that such interest from our friends may not be as common as we would hope. But I do think good friends make the best readers, in answer to Katie's question. The problem is that if someone's not a really good friend, and also not a writing pro, it's rare for that person to be truly honest with you about your work. We're all trained to be so polite. With my close friends, I kind of hinted around, as in "you'd better be careful or I'll give you my manuscript to read." Ha ha! Then, when they said they wanted to do it, I slammed 'em with my 400-page tome. I think one very good pal just flat out offered her help, and I was very glad, knowing her level of proficiency with literature. Too many friends assume that we writers are all very private and don't want beta readers, so the hinting is a good strategy for your literary friends to let them know you want them, if they want to volunteer. One last point: no one has to know who your beta readers are, and most friends understand if you tell them "I'd love you to read my novel, but we need to keep it low key because I can only have three beta readers and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings." I'm just glad to hear that you (Anne) have had a number of people offer to do it.
TC - Thanks! I hope you find more good ones--they are a treasure.
Katie - See above, my dear friend.
Wendy, I can see beta readers being AWESOME for you. Your work is so complex that it would be very helpful to see how different people received it.
OurCrazyFarm - So true...it can be hard to navigate between opinions. I had a very interesting diversity of opinions on the heroine of my latest WIP and will be fascinated to see where my editor falls on the spectrum.
Caroline - I'm just glad my girl got to be one of your first real readers. What a neat privilege for a special book!
Sarah - that's great about your family! My sister-in-law is one of my beta readers and I really appreciate her.
Barb - Thanks for your enthusiasm! I am touched that you are looking forward to the next novel. I think about three of each is the most one can reasonably handle. For one thing, you usually have to reciprocate for crit partners, and that is time-consuming. It might be possible to have more beta readers, but too many opinions can get jarring. Besides, good ones are so hard to find that we are doing REALLY well to get three or four good beta readers. (I keep envisioning beta fish when I type that phrase.)
Erin, I know what you mean about the privilege. I'm reading a friend's book for endorsement right now, and it's always an honor to be asked.
DeanO - Thanks for coming by to comment! Your friends at work do sound like good beta candidates.
I never considered having a beta reader, but after reading your post, a name popped into my head. Having a beta reader will give me feedback I may not receive from my critique partner. Thank you for sharing the differences.
Great definition of the difference between the two. My husband is my main beta reader - and he's tough - but I probably should find others who read more of my genre.
Lisa and Stacie, thanks for coming by! I'm glad it was helpful.
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