Christian Beta Readers discussion

I am new here and still learning how to navigate. What is the group all about?

Hi Robert,

Others might have their own perspective, but I see this group as being 'about' a lot of different things.

I personally write mainstream-style novels which have Christian characters or issues prominent. They are not 'devotional' or 'inspirational' books by any measure, but deal with hard problems and usually leave the reader to make his/her own judgement. "Reflect on this, guys!"

Others go for targeted Christian markets. I have beta-read a book of poetry, to be contemplated one poem per day during Lent; a recounting of Exodus from Miriam's PoV; a novel about a set of Catholic siblings going working out their own paths, not always 'righteously'; a commando mission using Time Travel to try to rescue Jesus; the list goes on.

This is a good group for anything that has a significant Christian component.

Tito wrote: "Hi Robert,

Others might have their own perspective, but I see this group as being 'about' a lot of different things.

I personally write mainstream-style novels which have Christian characters or ..."

Thanks for you reply. Is the main thrust of this group reviewing books or is it something else entirely?

Hi Robert,

I want to make sure we are meaning the same thing here.

I understand 'reviewing' be be writing a short assessment or judgement of a books merits, with some indication of the subject matter to inform possible readers what to expect. It is done on the finished work.

'Beta-reading' is different. Beta-reading is usually done on a work in progress. A good Beta-reader will note possible faults in the work that the Author should consider adjusting. These could be 'technical' issues such as poor sentence structure or grammar, or larger-scope problems like plot holes/contradictions, inconsistent character portrayal, deus ex machina contrivances, etc. In some ways, a good Beta-reader is an assistant to the author in polishing the work to completion before it is published.

I hope that helps.

Thanks that helps immensely.

My prospective is: Critique groups tackle a work in progress, usually one chapter at a time where they will point out anything from grammar issues to inaccurate data. Beta readers read through a finished manuscript and will have a broader scope of the project. They look for problems with the flow, point out plot holes and other things they might stumble over in addition to technical issues. This is based on my experience.

Linda wrote: "My prospective is: Critique groups tackle a work in progress, usually one chapter at a time where they will point out anything from grammar issues to inaccurate data. Beta readers read through a fi..."

I agree with you, Linda. In my mind a 'Beta-read' is a constructive critique.

Linda wrote: "My prospective is: Critique groups tackle a work in progress, usually one chapter at a time where they will point out anything from grammar issues to inaccurate data. Beta readers read through a fi..."

Thanks so much

And my thanks to Robert for triggering this discussion. It's all too easy to assume that everyone else is working on the same assumptions. Making things like this explicit is always helpful.