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submitted 1 week ago by Pengilly@lemm.ee to c/fanfiction@lemmy.world

I've been interested in learning about the process of beta reading, and one thing I haven't seen touched on a lot is the means of communication for talking to betas.

Do you use a rich text editor like Word or Google Docs, adding them as an editor? Or do you simply post the work as you normally would, and communicate with your beta in the comments? Or do you post the work without tags or any way for outsiders to easily access it, and let them comment on it that way?

Or is there some other method you use, or you've heard of others using?

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[-] RebekahWSD@lemmy.world 2 points 6 days ago

When I was writing fanfic and had a beta, I sent them a word doc in something Google, and we'd discuss it over Skype.

As Skype is dead, and no one seems to like me using open office, I'd probably just post with no beta.

Which I did do for a long time! I feel they were worse though. More rambling.

[-] ALostInquirer@lemm.ee 3 points 1 week ago

By beta reading, do you mean beta in a similar sense to software, so like draft reading/readers?

[-] Pengilly@lemm.ee 4 points 1 week ago

Yep! Basically a beta reader will read a written work (in this case fanfiction) and offer feedback on what can be improved, ranging everywhere from plot to characterization. Though some betas may specialize in only one or two components that go into a good work.

This is a guide for beta reading for original fiction, but the same principles apply!

https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-be-a-beta-reader/

this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2024
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