Is it worth waiting for a beta-reader?

[Semigloss]

I love writing erotica, but I find it quite difficult. No short piece can ever satisfy me because all the fun is in the build up, which means I need to put a lot of effort into crafting the situation. I recently stumbled onto an idea that seemed worth putting that much effort into and the words actually flowed. The ideas seemed to fit together into something like a story in the way they almost never do.

Now I notice that literotica has people who are willing to look at a story and give advice. Maybe I can make the story even better by getting another pair of eyes on it. Unfortunately, I also see that people often struggle for editors and the beta-readers don't seem to jump at every offer. I wonder if free editing or beta-reading is realistic.

My main concern is that when a second pair of eyes touches my story it will be radically changed. I am eager for that to happen, of course. I've already read my story as I originally wrote it. Now perhaps I'll discover how other people would have written it. The problem is: How long will that take to happen? Will it ever happen? Should I try to start writing a second part when I don't yet know the final form of the first part of my story? Should I wait, look in to other options, or just move on with my writing?

Another way to get more eyes on my story would be to submit it. Then it will be too late to change, but at least I may get some comments. I've heard it said that honesty is not a good enough reason for saying something, but I hope people don't take that to heart because I want as many honest comments as I can get. I want to know everything that people actually think because there is nothing more valuable than seeing things from another perspective, even a crude and insulting perspective.

I am painfully aware that writing for only my own approval is a terrible way to write. There are some geniuses who write well using just the power of their minds, but the rest of us need help to see the possibilities that we can't see alone. You can have sex by yourself, but when someone else is there to help, it is likely to be much better for everyone.

 

[sr71plt]

You could ask your beta reader to read only on the technical issues, which would be easier for them to do anyway. And, yes, a second pair of eyes on it is always useful.

 

[_Lynn_]

I love writing erotica, but I find it quite difficult. No short piece can ever satisfy me because all the fun is in the build up, which means I need to put a lot of effort into crafting the situation. I recently stumbled onto an idea that seemed worth putting that much effort into and the words actually flowed. The ideas seemed to fit together into something like a story in the way they almost never do.

Now I notice that literotica has people who are willing to look at a story and give advice. Maybe I can make the story even better by getting another pair of eyes on it. Unfortunately, I also see that people often struggle for editors and the beta-readers don't seem to jump at every offer. I wonder if free editing or beta-reading is realistic.

My main concern is that when a second pair of eyes touches my story it will be radically changed. I am eager for that to happen, of course. I've already read my story as I original wrote it. Now perhaps I'll discover how other people would have written in. The problem is: How long will that take to happen? Will it ever happen? Should I try to start writing a second part when I don't yet know the final form of the first part of my story? Should I wait, look in to other options, or just move on with my writing?

Another way to get more eyes on my story would be to submit it. Then it will be too late to change, but at least I may get some comments. I've heard it said that honesty is not a good enough reason for saying something, but I hope people don't take that to heart because I want as many honest comments as I can get. I want to know everything that people actually think because there is nothing more valuable than seeing things from another perspective, even a crude and insulting perspective.

I am painfully aware that writing for only my own approval is a terrible way to write. There are some geniuses who write well using just the power of their minds, but the rest of us need help to see the possibilities that we can't see alone. You can have sex by yourself, but when someone else is there to help, it is likely to be much better for everyone.

You can change a story after it is posted by submitting an edit.

 

[Semigloss]

You could ask your beta reader to read only on the technical issues, which would be easier for them to do anyway.

If I do that, then won't the beta readers think that I don't want to hear their opinions about structural issues? I know that some people honestly want to deafen themselves to other people's opinions, and I don't want to give the impression that I'm one of those people.

You can change a story after it is posted by submitting an edit.

That's good to know! But even so, I wouldn't want to use that facility for any major change. When someone writes a comment they deserve to expect that the comment will still appear beneath the same story tomorrow and not be beneath a radically different story where the comment makes no sense.

 

[sr71plt]

If I do that, then won't the beta readers think that I don't want to hear their opinions about structural issues? I know that some people honestly want to deafen themselves to other people's opinions, and I don't want to give the impression that I'm one of those people.

There's no one beta reader with a single set of expectations. Negotiate what you want off the top. I certainly prefer doing just a copy edit over being expected to make structural and content suggestions--especially if I'm doing it for free. There likely are others interested in that as well.

 

[Semigloss]

I certainly prefer doing just a copy edit over being expected to make structural and content suggestions--especially if I'm doing it for free.

The distinction between expectations and desires seems fiddly and I hoped it would be unnecessary. I mean, I don't expect anything and I can't see how any writer could have expectations in this situation. I'll honestly be surprised if I get a beta reader, and if I do get a beta reader I will be surprised if I ever hear back. If I'm paying nothing for a service I have no reason to expect anything in return.

So if I talk about what I want, I'd like it to be clear that I'm talking about desires and not expectations. If I say I want structural comments, I mean that I would feel good about receiving structural comments, not that I would be somehow cheated if I did not get structural comments.

I am afraid that if I say I just want technical comments, then I'm asking the reader to avoid sending me structural comments, which is the opposite of the message I want to send. If someone reads my story, I want to know everything they care to tell me while at the same time I expect nothing in particular.

 

[sr71plt]

Sorry, I don't feel your pain.

 

[NotWise]

I am afraid that if I say...

Take a deep breath. Relax. Got anti-anxiety meds? Then take 'em. You seem to be over thinking this more than a little.

 

[Semigloss]

Got anti-anxiety meds? Then take 'em. You seem to be over thinking this more than a little.

It's not anxiety. It's just that this site has spoiled me with hope that I might get some help with this story that I've written, then left me to wait. What option is there but to overthink when all one has to do is think? Once one reaches the right amount of thinking and sees the long wait ahead, it seems that overthinking is the only option.

Perhaps the real lesson is that giving people hope about getting help with their stories isn't really a good thing. People might ultimately be happier just writing alone and not teased. In which case, the answer is: No, it's not worth waiting for a beta reader. I should just go on with my writing and resist the urge to keep checking this site.

 

[NotWise]

The beta readers lounge gets very little traffic. I was the last one to post a request there, and that was two months ago. I did hear back right away, so we aren't sharing an experience.

I don't recall if you said, but do you have PM turned on? That is normally how a prospective reader or editor would get in touch with you.

 

[Semigloss]

I did hear back right away, so we aren't sharing an experience.

How long is "right away"? How long would you have waited before deciding that it's not going to happen? I'm sure there are potential beta readers who don't check every day.

I don't recall if you said, but do you have PM turned on?

I have PM turned on. Just to be sure, I have now sent a PM to myself without a problem.

 

[NotWise]

As I recall, I got a reply in a few hours. I was prepared to wait three days.

 

[Tigersman]

If you are getting impatient trying to find a beta reader or an editor, then the only option for you is proofread your story yourself. To do justice by proofreading your own story, it would be best to print out a hard copy of your story, then read each page slowly, making notes of things requiring further scrutiny and necessary changes. Next the author would make all changes and print off a clean copy to read through again. This is basically what a good editor would do.

If a person looks at the requests for a beta reader or editor in the Editor's Forum, there is no way to tell just how fast the author received a response as the author seldom posts they have found an editor or beta reader.

 

[zoemiller]

You seem to have your head wrapped around the idea that you have to keep your expectations low with regards to beta readers. Even out in the real world, passing your writing around to friends, you're lucky if half the people you give a manuscript to bother to respond at all, much less get back to you with detailed feedback (beyond "you shouldn't put a comma here") that'll make your story soar. When you're asking strangers to do work for you for free, the odds are even less in your favor. The best advice I can give is to grind your expectations down to basically nothing. Don't get pie in the sky about it, treasure what you get.

The other thing I think is important is to put *yourself* out there first. People are selfish! And they have a right to be, there's only so much time in the day. But if you show someone you're willing to put the effort in on their stuff, then they're more likely to turn around and give you the same courtesy. What's more, this isn't entirely altruistic: editing other people's writing is an easy, almost passive way to improve your own. It'll happen without you even thinking about it.

I wish I had tips for developing a long, durable bond with someone who you can trade ideas and feedback with. It's something I'd like too! I'm not an outgoing person, I've always found it difficult to insert myself into existing writing circles/communities. I'm lucky that I have a great, long-suffering girlfriend who lends an eye to my stuff whenever I ask, but like any writer, I love attention and feedback, and the charge I get out of it is a bit greater when it doesn't feel like it comes from the obligation of an long term relationship.

But finally, I think your most pertinent question was: should I keep writing when I'm not sure how things will turn out? Absolutely, yes! Even if you end up scrapping most of it, the experience will improve you. Seize whatever inspiration you can, don't waste time when you're ready to work just because of "what ifs?" Because the reality is, you're never going to be perfectly certain on where to go next, so you might as well write when the spirit strikes you--it's much easier to rejigger words you've already put on the page than to start fresh. If you're eager to get onto the next chapter, take advantage of that!

 

[aisielynn]

Semigloss

Hi Semigloss... Have you tried going through the list of volunteer editors and sending them direct requests? The volunteer editors then have three days to reply back to you if they are willing to find out more about the type of story you are wanting edited and what they may be able to assist with. I believe most volunteer editors will at least respond to let you know that they are available to edit or are unavailable at that time.... at least that is what I try to do when an editing request is sent to me.

In my own opinion, I think having a beta reader is a great idea, especially when you might be stuck on a certain part in your storyline. I, however, don't suggest you hold off writing more of your story until you either find a beta reader or hear back from them on your story. True, it may mean some rewrites if you like the suggestions that they make concerning certain plot points and such, but remember... You are the author and You have final say on your writing.

 

[_Lynn_]

The beta readers lounge gets very little traffic. I was the last one to post a request there, and that was two months ago. I did hear back right away, so we aren't sharing an experience.

I don't recall if you said, but do you have PM turned on? That is normally how a prospective reader or editor would get in touch with you.

I get PMs yet from my post (dated 4/27/15) in the Bohemian Bar for Beta-Readers.