tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962295448646460181.post2470533778877561191..comments2022-12-30T02:10:11.145-08:00Comments on Erotica for the Big Brain: How to be a Better Beta-Reader (And a Better Writer)Terrance Aldon Shawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11341659600230792205noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962295448646460181.post-44598625437534963682017-01-09T11:36:28.392-08:002017-01-09T11:36:28.392-08:00If you have a good professional working relationsh...If you have a good professional working relationship with a reliable and perceptive editor, you are fortunate, indeed! Beta readers can be helpful in spotting certain issues before a MS is sent off to the editor, but, assuming said editor still fulfills their traditional role, it's not essential to employ beta readers at all.<br /><br />It's always hard to hear criticism--even thoughtful, constructive criticism--and some beta readers are much better at delivering it than others. There are several people I absolutely love to work with--people who have a way of couching their critique in the form of a caress! There are others I hope never to work with again--probably to our mutual relief. Terrance Aldon Shawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11341659600230792205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962295448646460181.post-63570381708608350952017-01-09T07:58:46.577-08:002017-01-09T07:58:46.577-08:00You're absolutely right, TAS. Unfortunately I ...You're absolutely right, TAS. Unfortunately I probably haven't done the sensible thing and used beta readers in the ten books I have published so far. In fact, I had never heard of beta readers until about book seven, and I'm a little reluctant to change things now. Because I have published all my books so far through a publishing company, they edit all my work, and do a good job, although my editor very kindly says that she has few corrections to make, because I am fortunately quite good at spelling and grammar. This is perhaps because I made the right choice of parentage, and went to school when these things were considered important (as I am sure you did too). So, back to beta readers, should I or shouldn't I use them? I might try it once and see if I am happy with the result. But I'm quite territorial as far as my work is concerned, and (my nearest and dearest might say) don't accept advice easily. So the jury is still out on that question. Do you think I'm being unnecessarily stubborn?Rachel de Vinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13142396128885291395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1962295448646460181.post-3186631931037712682017-01-08T12:33:01.088-08:002017-01-08T12:33:01.088-08:00As usual; insightful, thorough, and as blunt as a ...As usual; insightful, thorough, and as blunt as a sledge hammer. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15484640447109164744noreply@blogger.com