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The Beta Reader
Ideal handbook for the writer who wants to be read
Beta readers play an increasingly pivotal role in eBook publications, but it is a role that has been hard to define. This guide not only outlines the ideal Beta reader, it helps writers prepare their manuscripts for that first important reading, and in the process fills in what the ideal Beta reader should know, and be looking for.
Beta readers play an increasingly pivotal role in eBook publications, but it is a role that has been hard to define. This guide not only outlines the ideal Beta reader, it helps writers prepare their manuscripts for that first important reading, and in the process fills in what the ideal Beta reader should know, and be looking for.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2013
8 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 31, 2014
I came across this book after sending out a manuscript of my imminent collection of flash fiction stories, "Quick Change", to beta readers, and I was keen to read it to make sure I hadn't made any terrible blunders!
It is a quick but helpful and worthwhile read, covering very much more than the writer's relationship with beta readers. It addresses the whole process of fine-tuning a manuscript for completing the first draft to hitting the "publish" button (or the query with publishers/agents process, if you're going the traditional route rather than self-publishing).
The author is an experienced novelist (publishing those books under a different name) and can relate easily both to the nervous beginner writer and the seasoned pro. She shares lots of great advice for self-editing to get your ms the best it can be - and also warns against things that will hamper your progress (never try to self-edit for too long in one session, or self-edit when you're tired). She also explains why certain tips make sense, such as why you should put your manuscript aside for a month before starting the self-editing process: to guard against the short-term memory that will prevent you from spotting mistakes.
I agreed with the vast majority of her tips, though not all - for example, she recommends using Grammarly as a virtual extra editor for your work. My experiments with Grammarly made me give up on it as laughably inaccurate, but maybe it's been enhanced since I last tried it. I also wasn't sure of taking her advice on some of her software recommendations, as they come across as a very personal choice rather than a comprehensive assessment of what's out there, but hey, that's the author's prerogative.
I think this book deserves more readers than it seems to have had so far - I was surprised to find that I'd be the first to review it here. I think it's hampered by the slightly inaccurate title. Beta reading is an important area that many new writers don't know about, so it's good to focus on them here. But to me the book read more like a guide to making your book the best it can be for the end users - your final readers, post-publication, and beta-readers are only a small though invaluable part of that process. I'd be interested to know whether it would be likely to be more high profile with a broader title.
Title notwithstanding, it's a useful read, with great tips in a readable, reassuring style, by someone who's been there, done that, and is still doing it - as writer, editor and beta-reader. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for any author.
It is a quick but helpful and worthwhile read, covering very much more than the writer's relationship with beta readers. It addresses the whole process of fine-tuning a manuscript for completing the first draft to hitting the "publish" button (or the query with publishers/agents process, if you're going the traditional route rather than self-publishing).
The author is an experienced novelist (publishing those books under a different name) and can relate easily both to the nervous beginner writer and the seasoned pro. She shares lots of great advice for self-editing to get your ms the best it can be - and also warns against things that will hamper your progress (never try to self-edit for too long in one session, or self-edit when you're tired). She also explains why certain tips make sense, such as why you should put your manuscript aside for a month before starting the self-editing process: to guard against the short-term memory that will prevent you from spotting mistakes.
I agreed with the vast majority of her tips, though not all - for example, she recommends using Grammarly as a virtual extra editor for your work. My experiments with Grammarly made me give up on it as laughably inaccurate, but maybe it's been enhanced since I last tried it. I also wasn't sure of taking her advice on some of her software recommendations, as they come across as a very personal choice rather than a comprehensive assessment of what's out there, but hey, that's the author's prerogative.
I think this book deserves more readers than it seems to have had so far - I was surprised to find that I'd be the first to review it here. I think it's hampered by the slightly inaccurate title. Beta reading is an important area that many new writers don't know about, so it's good to focus on them here. But to me the book read more like a guide to making your book the best it can be for the end users - your final readers, post-publication, and beta-readers are only a small though invaluable part of that process. I'd be interested to know whether it would be likely to be more high profile with a broader title.
Title notwithstanding, it's a useful read, with great tips in a readable, reassuring style, by someone who's been there, done that, and is still doing it - as writer, editor and beta-reader. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for any author.
March 26, 2019
This is actually a pleasant little work about which I have little to say, only this: it's great template for any writer seeking a Beta reader or any Beta reader seeking a writer. I do Beta reads from time to time (at least whenever my schedule allows), and it seems everyone has a different expectation of what that entails. A great many folks appear to think a Beta reader is there to read a rough draft. Well, read the Eyles book if you intend to write or to Beta read. It will save everyone some bruised expectations.
November 21, 2014
Good reference read for beta readers, who aren't entirely sure what is expected of them. Good reference for writers wanting beta readers, as at least half the book is given over to preparing the book for beta reading, and how to get the best back from their much-valued time.
It's hard being a new writer, half aware that there are things you should be doing with your new book, yet not quite sure what they are. All writers, starting out, should be required to read at least one how-to book. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Writing the thing is just the first stage, and every new writer has to learn that the hard way.
The Beta Reader is short, punchy and to the point. There are longer books, there are more comprehensive books, there are much more expensive books, but this one has most of the editing basics covered: which makes it double value for the price, which is a nicely-affordable 99c.
Oh, and unlike some reference books it works pretty well on a Kindle, because it talks you through stage by stage. Handy little handbook.
It's hard being a new writer, half aware that there are things you should be doing with your new book, yet not quite sure what they are. All writers, starting out, should be required to read at least one how-to book. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Writing the thing is just the first stage, and every new writer has to learn that the hard way.
The Beta Reader is short, punchy and to the point. There are longer books, there are more comprehensive books, there are much more expensive books, but this one has most of the editing basics covered: which makes it double value for the price, which is a nicely-affordable 99c.
Oh, and unlike some reference books it works pretty well on a Kindle, because it talks you through stage by stage. Handy little handbook.
November 8, 2018
A Good Starting Point
This is a good read for an author to use to prepare themselves and their manuscripts interaction with a beta reader. As a semi-professional beta reader and copy editor, I found Elizabeth's insights useful and informative. It is more for the author than the experienced beta reader.
All in all, a good read.
This is a good read for an author to use to prepare themselves and their manuscripts interaction with a beta reader. As a semi-professional beta reader and copy editor, I found Elizabeth's insights useful and informative. It is more for the author than the experienced beta reader.
All in all, a good read.
July 9, 2017
Informative and Helpful
Not only contains good information on Beta reading but on the process of writing and getting your book ready for Beta readers. Lots of great ideas on how to get your book in shape to publish. Doesn't give you ultimatums but suggestions!
Not only contains good information on Beta reading but on the process of writing and getting your book ready for Beta readers. Lots of great ideas on how to get your book in shape to publish. Doesn't give you ultimatums but suggestions!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews