Where do y'all find beta readers for works you're still writing?

[taytay4eva]

It's GOOD, but it's not DONE, so I'm trying to find someone to read it and give me feedback on it, but I have no idea where to go to find such readers.

 

[PennyThompson]

You can try and get a rando beta-reader on the Editor's Forum, there are usually people there willing to help out!

But the best beta-reads I've gotten have been from mutually beneficial relationships with other writers that I like and have commented on, or vise versa.

Find someone whose work you respect, and tell them so! Maybe they'll like your work, and tell you so!

Shyly ask them if they would maybe want to take a sneak peek at what you're working on and tell you what they think.

And then never ever let them go because they are more precious to you than money, or water, or life itself

 

[ElectricBlue]

And then never ever let them go because they are more precious to you than money, or water, or life itself

Ain't that the truth. I had a tiger team back when I was writing my Arthurian novel, quite some time ago now, who taught me to let go some of my worst habits, and encouraged me wholeheartedly with my best.

Sadly, one of them stopped writing here and we've fallen out of contact. Even sadder, the other came by a month or so ago and said her last goodbye. I don't use betas now, because I already know what these two would say.

 

[PennyThompson]

Sadly, one of them stopped writing here and we've fallen out of contact. Even sadder, the other came by a month or so ago and said her last goodbye. I don't use betas now, because I already know what these two would say.

This is the second time you've made me cry on the smut forum, EB

 

[ElectricBlue]

This is the second time you've made me cry on the smut forum, EB

Awww, Penny Thompson, that's so sweet. Thank you .

 

[dirk2024]

It's GOOD, but it's not DONE, so I'm trying to find someone to read it and give me feedback on it, but I have no idea where to go to find such readers.

What are some of the details about your story? category, word count, is there something in particular you are looking for?

 

[THBGato]

What @PennyThompson said.

But also... do you have any regular commenters? If so, perhaps drop some of them a message asking if they would be interested. There's a lovely reader called @toesucker1 who comments on pretty much all my stories. So when I wrote one that involved a little foot worship, I asked if they'd be willing to beta-read. They did a great job!

 

[TheLobster]

I'm trying to find someone to read it

Why would you want “someone” to read it? If you expect a random person to magically give more insightful feedback than you’d have given yourself, just think about the average quality of comments here. You’ll realize it’s highly unlikely you are going to glean anything useful from an opinion of a random shmuck.

Instead, simply be your own beta reader. It’s your story after all; why would you let anyone else try to steer in a different direction?

 

[OralAllOver]

I'll give well intentioned feed back

 

[Erozetta]

I bribe friends with cookies.

 

[AALP]

...but I have no idea where to go to find such readers.

One path to avoid is the one I see most often these days.

Where someone new to the website approaches an established author as a fan, builds a relationship with them by complimenting their stories, only to then turn around and use that as currency so the established author feels obliged to return the favour by becoming a beta reader.

I'm sure most people here have been on the receiving end of that, and it's by far the most annoying part about interacting with readers.

 

[THBGato]

Where someone new to the website approaches an established author as a fan, builds a relationship with them by complimenting their stories, only to then turn around and use that as currency so the established author feels obliged to return the favour by becoming a beta reader.

I'm sure most people here have been on the receiving end of that, and it's by far the most annoying part about interacting with readers.

Maybe.

I was that kind of reader you describe: I approached BrokenSpokes having never published anything here, though I was pretty honest and upfront. However, she didn't express any interest in continuing to edit/beta-read my work, so I didn't push her to and I haven't asked her since. Likewise, @Nellymcboatface and @AlinaX were a great help with some of my early stories.

BUT... I also think this is the way of it on sites like this. Looking back on BrokesSpokes' stories, she gives shout outs to other writers like @AwkwardMD and Salandar for editing and beta-reading. People help each other here. There's lots I don't like about Literotica, but this isn't one of those things.

Now that I'm a bit more established myself, I find I get requests from other writers to edit/beta-read their stuff. Provided they are writing in the Lesbian Sex section or their name is @PennyThompson , I usually accept, because it's all about paying it forward. I was helped by those who came before, and I'm more than happy to pass their wisdom on to newer writers (and also assist legends like bi_cathy - swoon!)

Plus, beta-reading as a writer is incredibly rewarding. I can't tell you how much I have learnt from reading drafts by brilliant writers like @redgarters @SugarStorm @DawnDuckie @HelenL , plus those mentioned above, seeing how these have evolved and developed, and really focusing on the craft in their writing rather than merely reading the story.

I'm sorry you find it annoying. I don't. These days I find it flattering. I'm tingling with anticipation at the thought of getting my eyes on an @Areala-chan draft soon! (No pressure, sweetie!)

 

[BobbyBrandt]

Don't be ashamed of what you write. It's fictional.

That is the first step.

I have several people that I share my works in progress with, even some at my church. They provide insightful feedback and valuable ideas on the course that the tale is taking.

If all else fails, take the "Hey, I came across this on the Internet. What do you think of it?" approach.

 

[AlinaX]

One path to avoid is the one I see most often these days.

Where someone new to the website approaches an established author as a fan, builds a relationship with them by complimenting their stories, only to then turn around and use that as currency so the established author feels obliged to return the favour by becoming a beta reader.

I'm sure most people here have been on the receiving end of that, and it's by far the most annoying part about interacting with readers.

If I have time & inclination, I quite enjoy doing some helpful editing - but only if it feels helpful. If the author fights against or outright rejects all suggestions, it very quickly becomes a waste of everyone's time.

 

[Bamagan]

And then never ever let them go because they are more precious to you than money, or water, or life itself

You are describing cheese. Or chocolate.

 

[Erozetta]

If I have time & inclination, I quite enjoy doing some helpful editing - but only if it feels helpful. If the author fights against or outright rejects all suggestions, it very quickly becomes a waste of everyone's time.

I found your suggestions very helpful in the chain story.

 

[AwkwardMD]

Maybe.

I was that kind of reader you describe: I approached BrokenSpokes having never published anything here, though I was pretty honest and upfront. However, she didn't express any interest in continuing to edit/beta-read my work, so I didn't push her to and I haven't asked her since. Likewise, @Nellymcboatface and @AlinaX were a great help with some of my early stories.

BUT... I also think this is the way of it on sites like this. Looking back on BrokesSpokes' stories, she gives shout outs to other writers like @AwkwardMD and Salandar for editing and beta-reading. People help each other here. There's lots I don't like about Literotica, but this isn't one of those things.

Now that I'm a bit more established myself, I find I get requests from other writers to edit/beta-read their stuff. Provided they are writing in the Lesbian Sex section or their name is @PennyThompson , I usually accept, because it's all about paying it forward. I was helped by those who came before, and I'm more than happy to pass their wisdom on to newer writers (and also assist legends like bi_cathy - swoon!)

Plus, beta-reading as a writer is incredibly rewarding. I can't tell you how much I have learnt from reading drafts by brilliant writers like @redgarters @SugarStorm @DawnDuckie @HelenL , plus those mentioned above, seeing how these have evolved and developed, and really focusing on the craft in their writing rather than merely reading the story.

I'm sorry you find it annoying. I don't. These days I find it flattering. I'm tingling with anticipation at the thought of getting my eyes on an @Areala-chan draft soon! (No pressure, sweetie!)

I don't know how many other categories have a lineage of supportive authors the way LS does, but I'm honored to be a link in that chain.

 

[Gamblnluck]

My beta readers are all people who have contacted me through the feedback system to discuss some points of my stories. One surprisingly was a psychology professor who has done work with sex workers and human trafficking. He told me some of my characterizations were right on the money from his experience. He asked me if he could write a story based on my fictional society and even incorporate a few of characters as long as he stayed true to the theme.
Of course I agreed.
His latest chapter currently is rating a 4.86. And you stroke story writers, his story has almost no sex yet appears in one of the most blatant categories. He'll ask my opinion of something or I'll ask his. We make private comments continually.
He is one of 4 or 5 beta readers I have.

 

[Nellymcboatface]

@THBGato is right.
I was lucky enough to fall in with some wonderfull writers in my early years...

So i try to pay it forwards, if people so desir... Ahem, and ive the time, ofcourse....

 

[FrancesScott]

Where do y'all find beta readers for works you're still writing?

Maybe I’m confused. But you can’t. I believe / and someone more knowledgeable may correct me - beta readers read finished stories. Alpha readers read stories as they are written.

 

[StillStunned]

Maybe I’m confused. But you can’t. I believe / and someone more knowledgeable may correct me - beta readers read finished stories. Alpha readers read stories as they are written.

I thought alpha readers were the loudmouth bullies who steal all the best stories and make the other readers read things like Reviews &Essays and Humour & Satire.

 

[Bazzle]

If I have time & inclination, I quite enjoy doing some helpful editing - but only if it feels helpful. If the author fights against or outright rejects all suggestions, it very quickly becomes a waste of everyone's time.

@AlinaX is brilliant

 

[ElectricBlue]

Maybe I’m confused. But you can’t. I believe / and someone more knowledgeable may correct me - beta readers read finished stories. Alpha readers read stories as they are written.

The general expression used here is that beta readers support you while a story is being written, as distinct from editors. That's the Lit convention. I've not heard the expression "alpha readers" in the context of Lit.

For example, I had the best duo supporting me as a beta readers when I had the chutzpah to take on the Arthurian myth. They kept me above water for a year as I wrote it (104k words), and for a year or two afterwards. They've both moved on from the site now - one I lost touch with as he nursed his mental health through the covid lockdowns, the other sadly said her goodbyes a month or so ago. They're silently in every story I write now.

 

[FrancesScott]

The general expression used here is that beta readers support you while a story is being written, as distinct from editors. That's the Lit convention. I've not heard the expression "alpha readers" in the context of Lit.

For example, I had the best duo supporting me as a beta readers when I had the chutzpah to take on the Arthurian myth. They kept me above water for a year as I wrote it (104k words), and for a year or two afterwards. They've both moved on from the site now - one I lost touch with as he nursed his mental health through the covid lockdowns, the other sadly said her goodbyes a month or so ago. They're silently in every story I write now.

Differences from other roles​

Typically, a beta reader reviews a draft that has gone through at least one revision. An alpha reader reviews a draft that is still without an ending or is completely unrevised.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_reader

 

[ElectricBlue]

Differences from other roles​

Typically, a beta reader reviews a draft that has gone through at least one revision. An alpha reader reviews a draft that is still without an ending or is completely unrevised.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta_reader

Maybe so in the outside world, but not here on Lit. Lit betas typically do both - that's the convention here. I've not seen anyone refer to alphas. Not in this sense, anyway.