Beta readers (or critique partners) are invaluable, and not only for their “editing skills” but also for something that I’m fortunate to have gained with my betas . . . friendship. We email, text, and talk on the phone. Sometimes, it's about writing. Other times, it's about family and life outside the writing world.
But as for the "beta-ing" part of beta readers....here’s my list I’ve what I try to help with when I beta
and what my betas help with when reading my manuscripts: 
spelling
grammarplot
dialogue
characters
flow
voice
word choice
word usage
continuity
ideas
The beauty of having more than one beta to read your work is that what one may not see, another may catch, and vice-versa. In essence, betas are a set of fresh eyes and ideas.
Also, beta reading is a perfect opportunity to give encouragement, advice, support, and to cheer each other on when we may feel like throwing our WIP in the pond. :D
I have three wonderful betas.
Two have been with me through this craziness for a couple years,
and one I recently started swapping material with.
I wouldn't trade these amazing people for the world.
I heart my beta readers and am honored to call them friends. :D
I know my writing would suck if it weren't for my betas. ; )
ReplyDelete;) You're an amazing writer.
DeleteI'm sorry Jackie, but MY betas are the best in the world! And I am also lucky enough to call them friend/cheerleader/counselor/advisor/supporter! Love your post!
ReplyDeleteOkay, you win... *wink* LOL. just kidding. How about a tie?
DeleteWhat would the world be without Betas? Boring and terrible reads. "C" you tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI know. Just to have another set of eyes to catch things that we don't is a lifesaver! See you at C!
DeleteI love my betas! They are totally my peeps!
ReplyDeleteAnd they're lucky to have you with your awesome critiquing skills!
DeleteI love my critique partner Victoria! She's awesome and I couldn't do this w/o her!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday!
Jaycee's A-Z
Hello! CP's are a must. I don't know how some ppl write without a beta.
DeleteThanks for visiting!
Ah Betas - those wonderful people who help turn our drafts into dreams. :) I absolutely love my local group of betas. Great idea for a B post.
ReplyDeleteAw thanks! I wanted to give them props for all that they do for me. :D
DeleteA local beta group sounds cool. One of betas belongs to one in Jersey. She loves it.
I really need to find some more readers/critique partners. Both of mine moved last year and I haven't found another.
ReplyDeleteNew follower here. I’m enjoying reading my fellow “A to Z”ers. I look forward to visiting again.
Sylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
Have you tried QT? It's awesome. I met one of betas from that site, then she introduced me to my other two betas.
DeleteThanks for the follow! I'm off to visit your site! :D
booyah for beta readers!
ReplyDeleteYep!!! :D Thanks for checking out my post!
DeleteYou nailed it Jackie. Betas/CPs are priceless. Both in friendship and for that writing thing :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope to always have them in my life. :D
DeleteYAY Betas!! I'm just now discovering how wonderful they are! :D
ReplyDeleteThey are so vital to my writing process.
DeleteThanks for stopping by!