Oh how I LOVE my critique parnters allow me to count the ways... ah, but we both know there are far too many so I write this blog.
Recently, I’ve had a
discussion with a number of people on beta/critique partner issues. Soooooo here’s my two cents/1 euro worth on the
subject and ask in return for yours.
First, what’s the difference
between a beta & critique partner:
Most people use the words
interchangeably. I use critique partners because I need far more than what the traditional beta is tasked to give.
My definition of a beta
reader: focuses on grammar and makes notes of huge issues while a critique
partner: is living with the characters, making sure the content, action,
dialogue and characters is consistent with the story. In other words, the critique partners are up
your ass if you stray from where you should be. They have no qualms about
calling you on your issues that bleed onto the page and they offer specific suggestions
for some of the problems they point out.
Recommendations from the lovely crit/beta:
1) Comments=Love… I know many people
don’t see it this way but this lovely critique partner/beta has taken time out
of their own lives to HELP you not to ramble about how great you are. They shred
your precious story with love so you won’t be beaten up publicly.
2) The author trusted this individual
with their work. Assess the comment.
a) is the comment valid >>>
if so address it
b) maybe you meant the reader to
come away with that opinion>>> if so don’t change it but sometimes the
pretty in our head doesn’t make it onto the page you might address it or flesh
the concept out so it’s clarified.
c) the beta/critique partner points
out something but you’ve addressed it… Look again. Maybe a reader would have
the same issue so enhance how you addressed it so what you’re trying to get
across does.
Feedback:
1) Being clear doesn’t mean snarky.
2) A critique partner/beta shouldn’t get annoyed with an
author if the same issue happens in Chapter 1 & 3 happens again in 10 &
14… the author didn’t know it was an issue.
3) Use WORD and insert comments and turn on your track
changes.
4) Each person will have a different perspective and
different things will surface from reading the work. Understand & notify
the author if you have ‘issues’ (I recently critiqued a story with lots of
medical drama in it and I had to let the author know I have major anxiety
around medical issues so I wanted her to put my comments through that filter….)
5) If some of your suggestions aren’t utilized don’t feel
betrayed there could be any number of reasons for this to be the case. The
author may have changed something else in the story that counterbalanced/addressed
your comment. Or the author wanted a character not to handle something properly
because it is meant to haunt him in the future.
6) Let the author know some positives as well: LOL,
Snort, LOVE THIS, etc. go a long way in helping the author not feel chewed up
and for us to know if something’s working as we’d hope. (The joke was funny)
Time Frame:
1) Discuss a time frame. They have a life. Be realistic.
Usually 2-3 weeks though some people turn things around in 3 days… As an author
& as a critique partner I find the extra time allows me to live with the
characters, which helps me see things I didn’t see before. ((Sometimes there
are emergencies and the time frame is NEED IT YESTERDAY. It happens I won’t
judge but this should happen only once in a great while))
2) The critique partner/beta should let the author know
if they need longer to complete the book or if they won’t be able to do it at
all. Crits/Betas shouldn’t avoid the author just talk to them. ((It happens.))
3) Giving the author updates helps. (I’m on chapter 8 and
I’m going to kill the main character… I’m almost done I’m stealing both
characters…)
Appreciation:
A simple thank you is
important. Even if it wasn’t as helpful as you’d hoped they took their time and
devoted it to you. (When I do this it takes me about 1hr per 7-10pages… I’m
thorough & many people who do it are that careful as well). Sometimes, I
send something small via the Internet to say thank you. If it’s another writer
I return the critique partner favor for them (& get all up in their
business). Just for the love of Buddha let the person who took time to assist
you making your characters shine know you appreciate them.
Expectations:
The author should share their
expectations. What is it you want your book to convey? Giving the beta/crit
partner general themes and your purpose with help give them focus so your point
gets across to the readers.
What are your thoughts on
this subject my Pretties? Let me know.
Hugs, Z.
