Beta Reader Blues: A Beginners Guide to Beta Reading for New Writers

by Len Streeper

Someone in your family, or maybe a good friend, wrote a book and they want you to read it to help them make it better. Crap, you’re not a writer, how are you supposed to help them? And what relationship needs that kind of stress, anyway? You’ve tried to talk your way out of it, but they insist. Now what? In this book, Len Streeper, author of The Virgin, the Dragon and the Tavern, breaks things down to specific areas for you to concentrate on. This guide is designed to help new beta readers understand some of the common things a new writer needs, to help improve their work. Len also shares some tips on how to express your thoughts, hopefully without damaging your relationship.

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2015

About the author

Howdy! My name is Len Streeper and I’m a writer. Since you’re reading this you must want to know something about me. Thank you. I hate writing these things! I never know what to say. From my point of view, I’m a pretty ordinary person. I’m quiet, I like to listen instead of talk. Until beer enters the mix, then you can’t shut me up. Just ask my wife. Now, on this cool September day I’m sitting by a small fire in my back yard writing between rain drops. A good friend suggested writing the thing’s that make me interesting. I gave her a blank stare. This brought an incredulous look from her. She pointed out things I’ve done that almost no one else has. At least in this century. I argued it isn’t interesting and she rolled her eyes. Since she’s smarter than I am I listened and here are some things she thinks make me interesting. I lived in a teepee for a few years. It’s not as glamorous as it might seem, it was more like a way of being homeless on purpose. I was a child, though, so it had some perks. What living in a tepee taught me is what it’s like to live in a teepee. I guess you can say I have a good background for surviving the zombie apocalypse. Something else living in a tepee in the mountains taught me is a pathological love of indoor plumbing and hot running water! I do think living like that influenced my desire to become a storyteller. Living a rustic lifestyle makes storytelling an integral part of daily life.
Eventually I had to go to school so we moved to Salt Lake City. There was some culture shock to be sure, but it wasn’t too bad. During my school career I discovered Role Playing Games and fell instantly in love. Here was a game where everyone has a part in the story. I’m surprised people didn’t invent these pastimes centuries ago to alleviate winter boredom.
Needless to say, I HATED English in school. To all the English teachers out there, I’m sorry, but diagraming sentences had nothing to do with storytelling. At least not back then to a teenager who’s imagination was fueled by hormones.
Highschool led to art school. I went to art school instead of writing school because I thought writers needed to be good at English. Considering the difficulties I had in English classes it’s a wonder I can even speak the language.
Art school led to being a starving artist. Since I experienced enough hunger while living in the tepee, I took on several non art related jobs and bounced around from state to state for a while. I ended up back in Utah and got married then had a kid. The thing’s a kid can teach you…wow! I eventually got a job as a graphic designer just to prove all the money spent on art school wasn’t a waste. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love being a graphic designer. It’s incredibly rewarding to make a living from my art.
Through all my years I still told stories in one form or another. Somewhere around twenty I decided to put pen to paper to try selling those stories. Judging from the pile of rejection letters I got, this wasn’t my calling. But it’s fun so I keep doing it. If you’ve read my stories I hope you enjoyed them and you have my profound gratitude.
Thank you for taking the time to read this far. I’m humbled that you found these ramblings interesting enough to make it to the end! Thank you, and I hope you feel like you know me a little bit now.

Reviews

[Maryann Kafka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I was looking for!

This book is very simply written, east to understand and follow. It breaks down what a BETA reader needs to concentrate on, especially if you’re a beginner. Also helps on how to give a constructive critique without offending the writer.

[Nancy Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta Reader Blues

This book was very informative with examples that showed options on how to handle situations.
Would recommend to anyone wanting to be a Beta Reader.

[Sharron Grodzinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy overview for Beta readers

Good overview for Beta readers with an excellent example at conclusion! Quick and easy to read without a lot of unnecessary frills.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book!

Good book for starting out beta readers. Gives out a lot of good advice on what to do and what not to do. I would recommend it to any beta reader.

[Stephanie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. It was entertaining but informative. I recommend anyone to read this