Beta Reader VS Editor?

[Rockofmarriages]

Can someone express what is the difference between a Beta Reader(s) and an Editor? As a writer, do I need both? One, or the other?

Thank you for reading this obvoiulsy naive question. RoM

 

[WCSGarland]

If you have good punctuation, grammar and/or few errors in your works, you could probably suffice with a beta reader. If you have trouble producing works of sufficient quality to be accepted for publication on Lit, you probably need an editor.

 

[Rockofmarriages]

If you have good punctuation, grammar and/or few errors in your works, you could probably suffice with a beta reader. If you have trouble producing works of sufficient quality to be accepted for publication on Lit, you probably need an editor.

That is a great answer! I'm 6 for 6 (subs to published) and averaging 4.63 ratings. Yet, still get a fair number of comments saying I need an editor.

Presume I use both. Would it go Drafts <--> Editor and then to Beta Readers.

Does anyone provide a "proof of concept" check for stories. A kind of "hey, does this idea warrent diving down the rabbit hole?"

 

[WCSGarland]

Well, incest/taboo is not really my forte, or I might read your works to see why the commenters are suggesting an editor, but I think the beta reader would supply the proof of concept take on the work, while the editor would supply the grammar/spelling/punctuation corrections necessary for publication. It would ultimately be up to you whether you would prefer to work with an editor or beta reader first. I beta read for an author who is not concerned about editing so I just supply proof of concept and overall impressions of the drafts. Since it seems you have a good average rating, and if it were me, I'd be tempted to ignore the comments that suggest using an editor, but rating is not necessarily indicative of whether or not a work is in need of an editor. Anyway, your ratings are a lot better than my average ratings. So take anything I say with a grain of salt.

 

[Rockofmarriages]

Well, incest/taboo is not really my forte, or I might read your works to see why the commenters are suggesting an editor, but I think the beta reader would supply the proof of concept take on the work, while the editor would supply the grammar/spelling/punctuation corrections necessary for publication. It would ultimately be up to you whether you would prefer to work with an editor or beta reader first. I beta read for an author who is not concerned about editing so I just supply proof of concept and overall impressions of the drafts. Since it seems you have a good average rating, and if it were me, I'd be tempted to ignore the comments that suggest using an editor, but rating is not necessarily indicative of whether or not a work is in need of an editor. Anyway, your ratings are a lot better than my average ratings. So take anything I say with a grain of salt.

Thanks for the in-depth response. I want to put out good content, but wow, it takes a lot of work! My last one (now pending) was nearly 14,000 words. I agree on topics being in and out of comfort zones. Two "lightweight" stories of mine are
https://www.literotica.com//s/donk (does involve cousins, but is humorous)
https://www.literotica.com/s/remote-controlled-valentine (husband + wife + toy)
Both were written fast - so probaby contain my most common types of errors

And the salt shaker is ready for service

 

[StillStunned]

Beta Reader v Editor is the grudge match we've been waiting for.

 

[SkyBubble]

If you have good punctuation, grammar and/or few errors in your works, you could probably suffice with a beta reader. If you have trouble producing works of sufficient quality to be accepted for publication on Lit, you probably need an editor.

If the beta reader notices errors in punctuation or grammar, or other errors, should the reader ignore those or help the author fix them?

 

[WCSGarland]

If the beta reader notices errors in punctuation or grammar, or other errors, should the reader ignore those or help the author fix them?

That depends on the author you are beta reading for. When I have my beta reader do their reading I don't mind if they point out any spelling errors. No matter how good I am at proofing my manuscript I just seem to always miss one or two. When I beta read, I will go by the author's wishes. More often than not, the author just wants to know if the story works, if there are any plot holes, and general impressions from a different set of eyes reading their work.

 

[Small_Island]

The difference that I apply both as an author and as an editor/beta reader is the scope and purpose. For me a beta reader is taking the big picture look, the proof of concept that the OP mentioned. Is this story going anywhere and worth developing further?
During a beta read I'm not expecting or providing mechanical corrections, just broad stroke ideas for what's working and what's not.

When there's definitely a story meant for publication, then I call it editing. And when I'm the editor it can go to different levels depending on the writer's needs and our relationship over time. Start with the proofreading basics like typos, grammar, verb tenses, punctuation, etc. Keep an eye on continuity: do the names change or events get out of order? Are any sentences or paragraphs too awkward or unclear to follow?
If the OP is getting good scores but also suggestions for an editor, then I expect s/he should reach out to a volunteer editor for at least a basic proofread to find those mechanical errors that can distract from an otherwise well written story.

 

[Rockofmarriages]

The difference that I apply both as an author and as an editor/beta reader is the scope and purpose. For me a beta reader is taking the big picture look, the proof of concept that the OP mentioned. Is this story going anywhere and worth developing further?
During a beta read I'm not expecting or providing mechanical corrections, just broad stroke ideas for what's working and what's not.

When there's definitely a story meant for publication, then I call it editing. And when I'm the editor it can go to different levels depending on the writer's needs and our relationship over time. Start with the proofreading basics like typos, grammar, verb tenses, punctuation, etc. Keep an eye on continuity: do the names change or events get out of order? Are any sentences or paragraphs too awkward or unclear to follow?
If the OP is getting good scores but also suggestions for an editor, then I expect s/he should reach out to a volunteer editor for at least a basic proofread to find those mechanical errors that can distract from an otherwise well written story.

Thank you for this info - it gives me a better idea on how you (and most likely) other Beta Readers approach the role.

I've reached out to the volunteer editor community with poor results. I have to imagine they get innundated with requests. Hence, I drive the windy road without guardrails.

So far, I've published eight works; six if you count a three chapter story as "one". Two stories (one of which is a Ch.3) have not made my admittedly self-imposed, 4.5 rating; the level I want to deliver. I was on LIT years ago, and published my first four stories. I just recently returned to put out one story that had sat, unfinished for years, to finish one story, and then added two more.

Having over 300K views has my brain saying "do better RoM, do better." Writing is kind of addicting, especially when it is well received.
-RoM-

 

[SkyBubble]

I've asked a few of the editors I've worked with here how many requests, they get. It wasn't as many as I thought

 

[Small_Island]

Thank you for this info - it gives me a better idea on how you (and most likely) other Beta Readers approach the role.

I've reached out to the volunteer editor community with poor results. I have to imagine they get innundated with requests. Hence, I drive the windy road without guardrails.

So far, I've published eight works; six if you count a three chapter story as "one". Two stories (one of which is a Ch.3) have not made my admittedly self-imposed, 4.5 rating; the level I want to deliver. I was on LIT years ago, and published my first four stories. I just recently returned to put out one story that had sat, unfinished for years, to finish one story, and then added two more.

Having over 300K views has my brain saying "do better RoM, do better." Writing is kind of addicting, especially when it is well received.
-RoM-

I will take a look at some of your stories. If it seems I might be able to offer any help or suggestions I'll DM you from this thread.

BTW, I also like seeing the Red H by one of my stories, but don't let it be the only target. For example, I know I'm going to get smacked in the LW category if I press certain buttons, but if I want those buttons pressed in MY STORY, so be it. In those cases, I'm more interested in the comments that say, 'Well written, but had to give you a One anyway because your MC didn't kick the bitch to the curb.' :-D


My stories under Small_Island.
Other stories under Sams_Island (the plan is to bring these onto Small_Island).