Search:

SIYE Time:10:24 on 29th March 2024
SIYE Login: no

News
SIYE Writing 101: The Beta Reader Hunt
Hey folks! Are you an author? If so, then answer me this one very important question: Do you have a beta reader?

If not, then why not?

Those of you who have gotten rejection letters from this site usually have the gentle reminder in there to obtain a beta reader. It's usually only someone very skilled in the art of editing who doesn't have one and even the best of authors can have things slip by them. A beta reader can help you with all sorts of nifty things:

- Spelling and grammar checks. Remember folks, it's Weasleys' and Dursleys' in many cases, not Weasley's and Dursley's!
- Making sure names for buildings, spells and people are spelled correctly. The HP Lexicon is your best writing friend next to your beta reader!
- Spotting plot holes.
- Making sure that you writing is free of devices that jar the reader out of the fantasy that you're weaving. One example - don't cite in the middle of your narrative where your information came from like this: "Mum called me a scarlet woman! (though she only used it in an off-hand mention in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.")" Ginny cried.
- Making sure that your characters remain in character. Molly Weasley might be protective of her family, but there's nothing to indicate that she has poor Ginny in a chastity belt.
- An overall good source of bouncing plot ideas.

It's appalling to see the number of great plot lines that I've seen on this site with a number of these ghastly mistakes in them. The archivists are humans. We're suppose to catch stories with these errors and send them back to the authors. Sometimes they slip through. Site archivists aren't suppose to be beta readers. Sometimes, a beta reader relationship can be forged between an archivist and an author, but that is not our primary goal on this site.

Great ideas can and are ruined because of horrible grammar and writing styles. We are not perfect writers and we're not J.K. Rowling. Even she had to work at her writing to get it into a publishable format. If we don't set ourselves to a higher standard of writing, SIYE could easily become just like Fanfiction.net in terms of story quality. There's a reason why it's called "The Pit."

How do you find a beta reader? There are a few listed on SIYE and the Web site http://www.perfectimagination.co.uk/ is dedicated to connecting authors with excellent betas. If you find a reviewer who is giving you consistent, quality feedback on one of your stories, try sending them a personal message and see if they would like to beta for you.

It can be scary having a beta go through your story prior to submission. But it's a lot better than having a rejection letter. Having the right beta reader in your corner is like having Ollivander's best wand in your hand. Your stories will be elevated to the next level. You will become a better writer and be able to handle criticism a whole lot better. When your writing has improved, you can give those skills back to another author. Look at a number of successful stories on SIYE. They have their beta readers to thank for them. So go ahead, go find a beta reader! I guarantee it's easier than finding a Horcrux. You're not alone. I need to join the hunt as well.

Note: This article was beta'ed by my most wonderful co-archivists on the SIYE staff.
DQBunny on 2007.07.08 - 03:48PM ()

Comments



lecook4 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.08 - 04:08PM to say:

Here... here! There are so many authors on this site that have great stories, they just need a little help with how to get them on paper, or cyper-paper if you will. Nothing can kill a great story faster than unecessary side comments or terrible spelling. Thanks for writing this DQ. Now, anyone want to beta for me? :-) hehe! I probably need more help than a lot of you. LOL!



Ophelia came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.08 - 04:18PM to say:

How do you become a beta reader? i would love to be one and i have no idea how! many thanks,Ophelia xxx



Marquis Potter came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.08 - 07:32PM to say:

Ophelia, i think on perfect imagination you can take a test to become a beta reader.



JadeSeraph came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.08 - 09:29PM to say:

Just out of curiosity - any other writers out there have a phobia of betas? Because I know I do. I'm not sure why, but I'm deathly afraid of them. 'Tis probably why I don't post writing on PhoenixSong and Checkmated - though I've never had a chapter rejected here.



Sovran came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.08 - 10:13PM to say:

Jade - the idea is a bit scary at first, or at least it was for me. I think the key there is finding the right beta reader, who's willing to adapt his or her efforts to your desires. Some people just want/need a proofreader and don't like the idea of someone making suggestions about their plot or characters. Others' writing may be good but they are open to checking for plot-holes and characterization issues. Some folks may just want all the help they can get. So if you're a bit nervous about it, then try a beta on a trial basis . . . everyone I've worked with has been happy to start that way. This is, of course, just my 2 knuts.



QwayMelqnu came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.08 - 11:56PM to say:

Alright, you caught me. I haven't had a Beta Reader since the 5th chapter of Seven-Year War. She bailed on me and I was so eager to get the stuff uploaded that I decided to go solo. - I'm either better at grammar and spelling than I thought I was, or people are keeping quiet for some reason. Because I really don't get that many complaints.

Not that I'm against beta reading. I'd love to have another. I just haven't made the effort to seek another one out. - I'll take your advice to heart, though, and reconsider. :P



marshallgeek92 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 12:37AM to say:

Hey, I love beta...ing. Anyone out there that wants help, I'm your girl. Just tell me what you want. If you want plot help, proofreading, suggestions, or anything else, e-mail me =). I'd love to help. I don't have much going on this summer ;).



marshallgeek92 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 12:39AM to say:

Lol. I got all the way onto the homepage and realised that I didn't post my e-mail address! It's marshallgeek@yahoo.com =D



griffindorechicky101 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 12:59AM to say:

to al those who don't like beta readers don't worry my beta reader is great and if you have a beta reader as good as mine then you can form a freindshipwith them it just makes it even more fun liek mine he even gives me advise on everyday life so dont worry!!!



Mojomig came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 03:30AM to say:

Hello everyone! I write and edit documents for a living, so I'm pretty good with spelling, grammar and whatnot, but Zenny who betas for me adds soooooo much value to my stories. It's amazing how someone suggesting changing a word here, or adding a comma there can really improve what you have written. Also, I know what I have written, so when I read through, I don't see the mistakes I typed when I was in the creative zone.



DQBunny came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 05:59AM to say:

Jade: The idea always scared me at first as well. I've had a few betas through my writing career, some very good and some very bad. The best was one in the Sailormoon fandom who had me rolling on the floor laughing with her marked-up documents. I wish I still had them. She would point out errors and also make very silly comments on the stuff that went both right and wrong and it made her critiques a joy to read. She really did help my writing to get better and influenced my own beta'ing style as well.



werekitten came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 09:55AM to say:

Personally, I would die without my beta. Okay, mabey that's over reacting, but he is really important. My spelling and grammer are terrible -- I used to spell sentence as scentance. XD. It also helps that my beta an I know each other from school -- he's the one who introduced me to fan fiction in the first place! He does other stuff as well -- while I was at sleepaway camp (with no computer access), he kept me updated on my new comments, etc. So, thanks, Erik! I definitely reccomend that all authors find a beta!



Spenser Hemmingway came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 08:21PM to say:

I am seeing a great deal of interest in the Beta Reader position. With the exception of the writers themselves, there are no greater functions than those of the Betas and the Archivists--yes, they work hand-in-hand. The purpose of the staff is to take care of our contributing members, but it is also to ensure a quality product for our readers. Stacey/Something Flowery and I do have a Beta Examination that we utilize for applicants; it helps indicate simple competence with grammar and composition. Sink Into Your Eyes also wants excellent familiarity with Harry’s world, empathy for what another writer is going through at the keyboard, a working knowledge of our rules and philosophy, and absolutely…time management skills and patience. Being a Beta Reader is not easy, but it is very rewarding. I was walking on air when one young lady won a Challenge with one of her first stories. That’s enough Administrator business—I’m taking my clothes off again (it's hot here). Eric B.



kschneyer came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.09 - 10:25PM to say:

Hey, I've been cited (or at least paraphrased) on an Admin post! In the paragraph following the bulleted list, the third sentence should read, "We're supposed to catch stories..." The "d" is missing fom the second word. In the following paragraph, the first sentence should read, "Great stories can be, and are, ruined..." The word "b" and the commas are missing. Just reinforcing your point, ~Ken



Soccer Devil22 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.10 - 12:11AM to say:

I know this is completely off topic, but who else is siked about HP 5 coming out! I'm going to see the midnight showing! That's right, in about 24 hrs. I'll be watching The Order of the Phoenix! I can't wait! Ok, I'm done. ~Jeff~



Mojomig came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.10 - 03:04AM to say:

Saturday 14th 8.30pm. Tickets purchased well in advance. Aaaaaaaarrrrrgggghhhhh!



jabanks007 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.10 - 08:41AM to say:

I would also be willing to become a beta reader. As a historian by education, I've written numerous papers (all factually based unfortunately) and have an excellent eye for proof-reading. See my profile here if you are interested in contacting me.



_kb_ came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.11 - 10:50AM to say:

It's nice to see people volunteering to be betas. I really like the people that have helped me by betaing in the last year, and they've helped me and my stories so much!

One thing I'd like to see here on SIYE is more attention being given to betas, and this "story" is a good start. I would actually disagree with the last 2 lines of the story. Finding a beta can be the hardest part of writing. My first suggestion to the staff here would be to go thru the published beta list and make sure all the people there still beta. Last time I needed a beta, I think I emailed half the list and I got back either no answer or was told they no longer beta. That being said, I noticed who was being credited with betaing in other stories and nicely asked a few of those people and found some wonderful betas.



broomstickflyer came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.11 - 09:07PM to say:

I hate the idea of trying another beta, I dislike it intensely when my story line ends up under someone else's pen name as happened not so long ago on a different site (it was that that actually led me to this site as my prefered fanfic site. If you could guarantee my story is safe from being stolen then I might consider a Beta



broomstickflyer came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.11 - 09:08PM to say:

I hate the idea of trying another beta, I dislike it intensely when my story line ends up under someone else's pen name as happened not so long ago on a different site (it was that that actually led me to this site as my prefered fanfic site. If you could guarantee my story is safe from being stolen then I might consider a Beta



merlinsaprentice came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.11 - 09:19PM to say:

I've tried for ages to find a beta but uptil today I have only had one reply and that was to tell me the the beta was way to busy to accept anyone new



lecook4 came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.11 - 10:15PM to say:

broomstickflyer - I hate to say it, but there are no guarantees in life. Just ask Harry! Also, having a beta doesn't mean your story will automatically get stolen, just as not having a beta doesn't mean your story is safe. There are several authors on this site who can attest to that, having had their stories stolen by someone other than a beta. A beta (even given the risks) is still better than none. And this comes from someone who doesn't have one. I would welcome one even with the risk. Don't let one bad example ruin you. If Harry had lived by that motto, he would never had gone to Hogwarts or gotten past the first book! :-)



RSP came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.12 - 12:12AM to say:

I'm about to sound like a hypocrite, but everybody -- all right, nearly everybody -- should have a beta. There are very few reasons not to, and it requires a very certain skill set on the author's part in order for him or her to operate effectively without one.



Mojomig came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.12 - 07:35AM to say:

To all those who are looking for a beta:
I've got some time at the moment (about 45 minutes a day) that I could give to beta-ing for one or two of you.
I'm not listed on this site but I am registered with Perfect Imagination. Please feel free to PM if you're interested.



hot48cricket came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.12 - 11:16PM to say:

I think the idea of betas is wonderful. I love reading the stories...but mistakes (spelling and grammar and inconsistencies in the story line) make it hard to read. Writers - take advantange of a beta! I would love to beta for any wirter...how do you get registered??



Torak came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.13 - 07:46AM to say:

I don't have a beta. I sometimes pitch my fics around to some of my fellow archivists, but I don't generally have them beta'd as such. But then, I'm rarely assailed by linguistic errors, and mater mea used to proofread newspapers, so between us, not much gets through.



GodricsPhoenix came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.13 - 09:52AM to say:

I would LOVE to be a beta reader!!!!



Spenser Hemmingway came out of the woodwork on 2007.07.14 - 11:35PM to say:

Torak--You need a Beta Reader as Perry Mason requires a newly-graduated neo-lawyer to step in for one of his cases. When most of us write, we are often exchanging ideas, advice and perspectives between ourselves. When I began writing I relied upon my fellow authors more than anyone could imagine. I have come a long way since then, and I acknowledge it about my helpers and their capabilities. With that said, everyone regardless of skill-level can use some help at times...even if it is just explaining to a young writer that America does not utilize Euros...just Dollars and Galleons (I do not enclude Las Vegas in this statement). Betas are great and always welcome, but please be ready for the post. Thanks! Eric B.



jing came out of the woodwork on 2018.06.25 - 03:26AM to say:

basketball shoes

kevin durant shoes

michael kors outlet

tom ford eyewear

moncler outlet

nike air max

yeezy shoes

nike air amx 270

westbrook shoes

michael kors outlet

nike flyknit racer

adidas crazy explosive

yeezy boost 350 v2

kobe shoes

louboutin shoes uk

nike epic react

links of london

longchamp outlet

off white nike

lebron 13

cheap oakley sunglasses

yeezy boost 350

michael kors handbags

lacoste polo

golden goose

cheap nfl jerseys

off white

jordan retro 6

nike air max 2018

vapormax

ferragamo belts

birkin bag

michael kors

kobe 9

oakley sunglasses

http://www.kobeshoes.uk

ray ban sunglasses outlet

golden goose sneakers

gucci belts

offwhite

calvin klein outlet

nike shoes

michael kors handbags

nike air force 1

kd shoes

michael kors handbags

nike lebron soldier 11

oakley sunglasses

balenciaga shoes

golden goose

ray ban sunglasses

ray ban

fila shoes

lebron james shoes

paul george shoes

nike react

air max 90

yeezy boost

air force 1

nike air max

longchamp bags

real jordans for sale cheap

nike zoom

goyard bags

balenciaga sneakers

adidas stan smith shoes

tom ford sunglasses

jordan 11

adidas stan smith

adidas stan smith

yeezy boost 350

adidas superstar shoes

reebok shoes

cheap jordans

chrome hearts

nike polo

nike react

nike air huarache

longchamp

nike roshe

crazy explosive

mlb jerseys

golden goose outlet

adidas ultra boost

ray ban sunglasses

yeezy boost 350

nike air max

timberland boots

michael kors uk

jordan shoes

fila

paul george shoes

true religion

vans shoes

oakley sunglasses

af1

nike flyknit

adidas store

pandora jewelry

nike zoom running shoe

nike off white

pandora bracelet

nba jerseys

longchamp

stephen curry 5

ray ban sunglasses

yeezy boost 350 v2

authentic jordans

nike huarache

yeezy boost 700

air yeezy

yeezy 500

balenciaga shoes

links of london

pure boost

curry 4 shoes

asics running shoes

yeezy shoes

jordan 6

nmd

nike shox for men

kyrie shoes

links of london sale

john wall shoes

kobe 11

nike outlet

nike flyknit racer

cheap jordans

james harden shoes

hermes belt

nike free

dior glasses

nike huarache

kyrie 4

michael kors handbags

supreme hoodie

adidas nmd r1

nike huarache

gucci belt

nike cortez

converse shoes

ultra boost

cheap oakley sunglasses

zx flux

adidas tubular shadow

hermes handbags

russell westbrook shoes

adidas tubular

ray ban aviator sunglasses

adidas yeezy

ferragamo belt

nike running shoes

new england patriots jersey

yeezy 700

golden goose sneakers

nike air max 90

adidas yeezy boost

off white hoodie

longchamp bags

jordan 4

adidas ultra

adidas tubular

lebron soldier 11

nike air huarache

balenciaga

asics shoes

tory burch shoes

nike sneakers

curry 5

yeezy boost 350 v2

nike air presto

nike basketball shoes

nmd

nike air force

yeezy boost

burberry

dior sunglasses

adidas superstar

yeezy boost 350 v2

nfl jerseys

nike air force

vapor max

louboutin shoes

yeezys

air jordans

longchamp handbags

jordan shoes

nike sneakers for men

fila shoes

chrome hearts

adidas zx flux

nike sneakers for women

adidas ultra boost

cheap jordans

tory burch shoes

100% real jordans for cheap

longchamp

adidas ultra boost

birkin bag

cheap nfl jerseys

oakley sunglasses

michael kors outlet

air max 270

lacoste outlet

michael kors

golden goose

adidas tubular

adidas nmd

fitflops

prada sunglasses

michael kors outlet

yeezy boost 350

adidas yeezy

hogan outlet

kate spade handbags

iniki

nike shox

off white shoes

moncler jackets

nfl jerseys

nike shoes for men

tory burch outlet

cheap mlb jerseys

nike flyknit

moncler outlet

off white clothing

nike air max 270

golden goose sneakers

nike lebron soldier 10

michael kors purses

ray ban

kyrie irving shoes

kobe basketball shoes

adidas yeezy

jordan 12

birkin bag

michael kors handbags

michael kors handbags

asics gel kayano

kobe sneakers

longchamp outlet

curry 5

bape hoodie

prada glasses

ysl handbags

kobe byrant shoes

oakley store

derrick rose shoes

rayban sunglasses

off white

yeezy

golden goose outlet

nike air max 90

longchamp bags

golden goose

vans outlet

basketball shoes

damian lillard shoes

yeezy

air force 1

ray ban

golden goose outlet

goyard bags

adidas nmd

cheap basketball shoes

http://www.kobebasketballshoes.us.com

longchamp longchamps

yeezy boost 350

adidas superstars

links of london outlet store

nike huarache

100% real jordans for cheap

yeezy shoes

michael kors outlet

michael kors outlet

kobe 9

yeezys

goyard handbags

adidas iniki

yeezy boost 350 v2

nike football boots

hermes belt

curry 4

lebron shoes

bape hoodie

golden goose

true religion

converse outlet store

air max 90

yeezy boost 350

moncler jackets

asics kayno

lebron 15

kobe basketball shoes

fitflops sale clearance

off white clothing

nike polo shirts

nike air huarache

hermes belts for men

yeezy boost

vibram five fingers

true religion jeans

nike foamposite

kd 10

adidas outlet

off white

nhl jerseys

yeezy boost

retro jordans

yeezy boost

stephen curry 5

oakley sunglasses

harden shoes

nmd

michael kors outlet

birkin bag

cheap jordans

nike free run

nike air max 2017

converse outlet

moncler jackets

adidas ultra boost uncaged

burberry outlet

nike x off white

oakley sunglasses for men

adidas eqt support

balenciaga triple s

air max 270

jordan retro

red bottoms

longchamp bags

adidas eqt

fila

air presto

ferragamo belt

balenciaga shoes

golden goose

air jordan 13

lebron 14

jordan retro 12

christian louboutin shoes

nike dunks

kobe shoes

russell westbrook shoes

off white jordan 1

moncler jackets

nike air force 1

retro jordans

cheap nba jerseys

goyard

oakleys sunglasses

yeezy shoes

pandora jewelry

michael kors factory outlet

adidas superstar

air jordan

off white hoodie

yeezy shoes

adidas yeezy

kyrie shoes

ferragamo belts

chrome hearts

nike dunk shoes

jordan shoes

adidas nmd

yeezy boost 350 v2

lacoste outlet

adidas nmd

cat boots

caterpillar boots

adidas gazelle

kobe 11

ray ban sunglasses

jordan 11 retro

golden goose sneakers

patriots jersey

fila disruptor

adidas nmd runner

yeezy boost 350

ysl

cheap oakley sunglasses

christian louboutin

cheap jordans

kobe shoes

yeezy 500

adidas yeezy

kyrie 4

red bottom shoes

moncler jacket

goyard handbags

nike max

lebron 15

true religion outlet

hermes birkin

fenty puma

off white clothing

nike mercurial

air max

yeezy shoes

supreme clothing

adidas eqt

nike hyperdunk 2017

off white shoes

lebron soldier 10

yeezy boost 350

Kanye West shoes

michael kors handbags

yeezy boost 500

curry 4

yeezy

tom ford sunglasses

nike air zoom

yeezy boost

pandora charms

nike hyperdunk

nike cortez men

wholesale ray ban sunglasses

adidas nmd

nike epic react

off white x jordan 1

michael kors outlet

yeezy boost 350

nfl store

kd shoes

yeezy boost 350

reebok outlet

michael kors outlet

yeezy boost

nike roshe run

golden goose outlet

jordan 13

adidas shoes

hermes belt

converse outlet

vibram fivefingers

longchamp handbags

kyrie 3

timberland outlet

longchamp handbags

vans shoes

tom ford eyewear

adidas pure boost

ray ban sunglasses

balenciaga

adidas stan smith sneakers

michael kors outlet store

michael jordan shoes

air jordan 4

pandora charms

yeezy boost 350 v2

air max 2018

hermes bags




../back
‘! Go To Top ‘!

Sink Into Your Eyes is hosted by Grey Media Internet Services. HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related characters are trademarks of Warner Bros. TM & © 2001-2006. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. Note the opinions on this site are those made by the owners. All stories(fanfiction) are owned by the author and are subject to copyright law under transformative use. Authors on this site take no compensation for their works. This site © 2003-2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Special thanks to: Aredhel, Kaz, Michelle, and Jeco for all the hard work on SIYE 1.0 and to Marta for the wonderful artwork.
Featured Artwork © 2003-2006 by Yethro.
Design and code © 2006 by SteveD3(AdminQ)
Additional coding © 2008 by melkior and Bear