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Rules for beta readers?

ndmellen

Minstrel
I just finished the first typed draft of (my first novel) The Black Directive, and I'm dying for feedback of any sort. I'm a bit in the dark, though, about the etiquitte regarding beta readers. Should I have them sign an NDA? Should I only give out part of the story?

Or am I just being paranoid?
 

T.Allen.Smith

Staff
Moderator
NDAs are pretty over the top for unknown authors. Others will know better than I, but I'm fairly certain you're protected by copyright once you write the story.

Are you talking about critique partners or beta readers? Often, these are two entirely different animals.

Live crit groups I work with do 1500 word excerpts, one or two times a week. Many online groups form to critique each other's works. Every group operates a bit differently in terms of pace. Crit groups are groups of fellow writers, working together to help each other improve through...well, criticism.

Beta readers are one of the last stages in the revision process. Readers you know and trust to be insightful, diligent, & most importantly...honest. Beta readers typically read the story as a whole & provide their feedback after completion (good ones take constant notes along the way).
 
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BWFoster78

Myth Weaver
I think you're just being paranoid. There are going to be something like 3 million books (don't know where I heard that number or if it's accurate) published this year. No one is going to steal your rough draft. If someone were to steal it, take that as a good sign that it was worthy of being stolen :)
 

TWErvin2

Auror
If you've just completed your first draft, what I'd recommend first, is to set your manuscript aside for a couple weeks at least. Then, go back and revise/edit.

You want to catch errors, not only typos and grammar, but also plot holes and things you can find and fix on your own. You want to give your readers as clean and coherent of a version as possible. If you don't, you'll get feedback on things you could've repaired on your own, masking what you might really need input on.

Good readers are a great boon for a writer. Although you're dying for input/feedback, make sure you present the reader to a top quality copy.

Also, some may readers be a little unsure, so you might provide a question packet, if they need it. In my experience, not every reader will actually read, and those that do may not provide good input/comments. Writers are generally better, in several ways, but also very busy. If a friend doesn't follow through, remember they had good intentions and don't hold it against them, or hound them to read and comment.

If you're concerned, only provide copies to those you know and trust. Just ask them not to email or share the file (or printout) with anyone else.
 

MadMadys

Troubadour
As regards to the NDA, what the others have said is true. If someone came to me with one I'd probably start laughing before politely refusing.

When it comes to the person, what I look for is someone who will read every line (no skimmers), can give constructive feedback ("It sucks" versus "This part didn't work because..."), are willing to help in the future with further drafts I do and generally share similar interests in the material (so if you're writing a quest fantasy, they also like that genre). Other pluses are people who are also looking to have their material read by others because it gives you both something to do plus, at least for me, I find it very enlightening to edit other's stories and then look back at my own work with renewed vigor.

If you two can talk over the phone/internet that's also great as emails can only do so much, I find, in getting points across. You want to build a relationship with the person rather than just using them as a one-off. Someone you can go back to when brainstorming your story, or future ones, is an invaluable resource for any writer.
 
To take a slightly different tack, the easiest way to find beta readers is to find people who need you as much as you need them. (This was my original deal with my current beta--she'd edit my porn if I edited her MLP fanfic.) This doesn't guarantee you a good beta, but it should provide you with more options.
 

Steerpike

Felis amatus
Moderator
I've seen professional writers use NDAs, for example when approaching a potential collaborator or co-writer.

On the "pro" side, even though copyright vests at creation, there are always issues of proof with respect to authorship, access, copying, and so on. Further, copyright doesn't protect ideas themselves. An NDA can give you an added layer of contractual protection, possibly making some issues of proof easier and extending protection beyond what is provided in the Copyright Act.

On the "con" side, as noted it isn't that likely people are going to steal your ideas, and some beta readers might be put off by you asking them to sign one.

If you can find good beta readers who will agree to it, there's no real downside to having on in place, but in general I think you're being paranoid.
 

Addison

Auror
Call me stupid, but what's a beta reader?

And, if you're not clear on what to do with beta readers, then ask a family member, friend or an old teacher to read it.
 

T.Allen.Smith

Staff
Moderator
Call me stupid, but what's a beta reader?

And, if you're not clear on what to do with beta readers, then ask a family member, friend or an old teacher to read it.

Friends, family, teachers...those could all be beta readers. Beta readers are people you select to read your story, as a whole, and provide final thoughts, opinions, and insights before publication. Typically, I like to have beta readers from a wide spectrum (those that read a lot vs those that rarely read, those that love the genre vs those that prefer other types, etc). Those selected are chosen with two trait requirements... 1) They re intelligent. I value their input. 2) They not have any issue with being frankly honest with me. That's where the value lies.
 

Devor

Fiery Keeper of the Hat
Moderator
Should I have them sign an NDA? Should I only give out part of the story?

Or am I just being paranoid?

Just request colloquially, by email, that they won't share details anywhere, and then send them the relevant chapters/excerpts/novel by email as well. While not an NDA, that documents an agreement between you which should be enough to hedge against the worst kind of offenses.
 

ndmellen

Minstrel
Wow, thank you all so much for replying. I don't know how everyone else does it, but when I write, it's like I'm watching a movie taking place in my mind. I want to make sure that what I'm seeing is hitting the page. More over, as much as I like it (except when I hate it), I want a fresh set of eyes to tell me if the story is even any good.

Having grown up in one gym or another, my closest and most trusted friends are, with the best intentions, not exactly what you would call prolific readers.

Trading critiques with someone seemed logical, but I didn't know if it would be uncouthe of me to say "hey, what's your name? Jim? Cool. Hey, let's trade our shit. I want you to kick my teeth in, and I promise to do the same to you."

With that being said...Um, would anyone be interested in trading manuscripts? I promise any kicking will be done very politely...
 

T.Allen.Smith

Staff
Moderator
The "Writing Groups" forum under the section labeled "Community" is a good place to search for critique partners. There are many talented individuals here that may be looking for partners as well. Check it out.

Also, if you want to toss a small excerpt up on the "Showcase" forum for critique, members can post their opinions freely and in their own time. I'd also encourage you to take part in the critique of some of the work your fellow scribes place in the showcase. Not only is it a great resource for discovering people you'd work well with, but you can also learn a great deal just from critiquing the works of others.
 
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