Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop! Things got a little away from me last week, so I took an impromptu break.
This week’s question for us to ponder is “If you could choose one author, living or dead, to be your beta partner, who would it be and why?”
And remember to pay a visit to my fellow writers to see what they have come up with. You can find their works here!
Wow, this one is a real challenge this week. Having recently published my first book, I know all too well the importance of beta readers. It’s an opportunity to get eyes on your manuscript that aren’t your own and aren’t your editor. It’s a chance to receive feedback from readers and make some final adjustments to the book.
To answer the question, well there are two pretty obvious answers about to come from me. I am sure not one of you will be surprised to hear me put forward Stephen King and Terry Pratchett again. But then neither write in my genre, so that might be an issue. Two of my test readers are authors themselves. Both I came to know through reviewing their books some years ago now. And both have supported, encouraged and advised throughout the process. Both Richard Dee and A.K. Alliss have been test readers for me, and for that I am very greatful.
In all reality, I’d say the ideal test reader aside from being your dream authors, should be as representative a selection of your target readership as possible.
Steven Smith 
So encouraging to start the week with these fantastic blog posts! Keep ’em coming!
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Your two choices are superb and you’re absolutely right about the target audiences. Thanks also for the mention.
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Thanks Richard, and my pleasure!
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I agree this week’s topic was a tough one. I’ve had help from a fellow blogger, and so decided to mention him.
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The last person in the world who should read your stuff and have an opinion is a hero of yours. What you need in Beta is someone who will call out your slop without degrading you, or someone who will simply tell you if it’s a story or not. The second one is more difficult.
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Agreed, which is why I stated as much – that the ideal beta would be someone who fits your target.
Equally, the question did ask for any author alive or dead, so while not realistic, it kind of was asking to pick your dream choice.
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However. most of the responses ended up being “who I’d I’d like to shoot the shit with” because there’s very little honest beta work going on out there. And from years as an artist relations/product guy I can tell you the “heroes” rarely talk craft unless it’s an imperative. Like a clinic or guest artist or interview situation.
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I would imagine it’s like comedians being asked to tell a joke – it becomes nauseating to them to always having to be “on ceremony”.
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There’s a bonus to swapping beta reads with someone not in your target group. It’s cool how much you can learn from reading someone who writes in a different style and genre.
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That’s a cool idea! Not something I had considered!
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Yes, people outside your target will generally look to craft. And if they read all of it you know you’re on the right track.
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Hi Steve, I am glad you have some good beta readers to help you with your books.
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It makes a real difference to have a few people around you that you can trust to be brutally honest with your work, and advise you where to go. It’s made a big difference for me.
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1) Both great authors to think about. 2) I love your point about readers in your genre, as well as the comment about readers outside of the genre. 3) I’m glad you have some great test authors to work with.
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They really are – I love King’s mastery of horror and how vividly he describes everything. With Pratchett, it’s his wit, humour and grasp of satire I love. Yes, I think having a couple of trusted beta readers is great, it certainly helped me with my first novel. For my next one, I will be looking to branch out to others too. Hopefully, it will help me get a more rounded view of my work.
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