Well, I consider myself pretty strict when it comes to what I want betaed. I read and reread my stories so many times before publication that I usually just skip the beta part (partially because I've yet to find a beta in my fandoms that does as intensive as I want). Most beta readers I encounter say, "I really liked it but maybe part X was a little confusing." To me, that's what the reader should comment, not my beta. While I do want my beta to catch "confusing" parts I mostly want her to catch stupid grammar errors, occasional typos (typing 't he' instead of 'the' or something equally stupid) and other such line-by-line betaing. I tend to misuse commas -- I'm much better now but if I don't active rebeta my story (myself) looking explicitedly for commas/comma splices/etc. many will slip through. While I expect line-by-line (or at least paragraph-by-paragraph)with tracking changes on from my betas, I also want the option to disagree with what they say without fear of damaging our relationship. I want her to feel she can comment on my story and I can respond in like.
I always thank my betas, usually in a notes section of the story/chapter (unless asked not to). As for turn around . . . I know the urge to get stories posted immediately!!!!111 so I like quick betas but I've waited two weeks before to let a beta beta a chapter for me but when she sent it back I had to completely rewrite parts and I had her rebeta it. And it was over the Christmas holiday. Of course, if I need it by set-date/time I will say that in the request.
Although, like I said, I mostly do my own beta work now -- and that is write it, close it and sleep on it and reread it the next day. Then I usually reread it again a week later and wince at the typo or comma that got through and fix again. I constantly reread my stories and edit them for grammatical errors. :/ It's amazing how many times you and a beta can read through and miss something.
Geez this got long winded. But let me know if you know anyone who betas quickly, line-by-line and wouldn't mind/likes BeatlesSlash! Hahaha.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2004-08-29 01:58 am (UTC)I always thank my betas, usually in a notes section of the story/chapter (unless asked not to). As for turn around . . . I know the urge to get stories posted immediately!!!!111 so I like quick betas but I've waited two weeks before to let a beta beta a chapter for me but when she sent it back I had to completely rewrite parts and I had her rebeta it. And it was over the Christmas holiday. Of course, if I need it by set-date/time I will say that in the request.
Although, like I said, I mostly do my own beta work now -- and that is write it, close it and sleep on it and reread it the next day. Then I usually reread it again a week later and wince at the typo or comma that got through and fix again. I constantly reread my stories and edit them for grammatical errors. :/ It's amazing how many times you and a beta can read through and miss something.
Geez this got long winded. But let me know if you know anyone who betas quickly, line-by-line and wouldn't mind/likes BeatlesSlash! Hahaha.