Revising Chant - IV: Beta Readers

I've dipped in and out of moodiness over the past couple of weeks.  Things will be just fine, then for no real reason, I'll slide into the total-bummer-this-is-crap-fuck-it-no-one-will-understand mood.  It's the time of year, the number of tasks I have before me, the amount of work I can't seem to finish, and, frankly, it's a bit of the hormone roller coaster. 

So it was a wonderful boost during last night's editing session to find little notes from a beta reader that had nothing to do with what was wrong.   She had taken the time to point out what she liked, too.

Good betas understand your voice and style, and are able to point out when the words on the page don't match those elements.  They can catch places where character personalities wander, where plot points are misaligned, and when the reader is likely to prefer napping to reading.

Great beta readers do all of the above, but reach a deeper level because they understand your overall intentions as well.  They see the work as a whole, and treat accordingly.  Most importantly, great betas know how to express themselves with both clarity and kindness.  Kindness is critical, not optional, to a good critique.  Saying kindness is superfluous is merely an excuse to be lazy at someone else's expense.  A beta's job is not to toughen you up.  Life does that well enough. 

But the priceless beta readers...  Well, they give you that whole package, then take an extra step by pointing out when you've done it right.  And they never-never give empty praise; compliments are backed up with specifics.  While the praise certainly feels good, its true benefit comes through learning to use your strengths.  Yes, it's important to improve below-par skills, but it is equally important to use what you do well.  Priceless betas show you both sides.

Thank you, Priceless Beta Readers.  I would have been incredibly fortunate to have found one of you.  That I have a collection makes me feel privileged beyond measure.

56K down.  74K to go.