Read on Twitter
A LONG thread: What I’ve Learned From Beta-Reading & Why I Love to Do It + how I read so many 
So I joined writing Twitter in may 2020 & waffled around like this
for a good few months. I knew the logistics of the roadmap to be query ready but never+
So I joined writing Twitter in may 2020 & waffled around like this
for a good few months. I knew the logistics of the roadmap to be query ready but never+
Participated in the steps myself. Hence joining Twitter.
I remember maybe a month or so in— a few ppl I followed were looking for betas & I knew that I needed the experience so I nervously messaged offering assistance. Of course I was rejected bc they didn’t know me
I remember maybe a month or so in— a few ppl I followed were looking for betas & I knew that I needed the experience so I nervously messaged offering assistance. Of course I was rejected bc they didn’t know me
Honestly no hard feelings there bc it is important to share your work w/ppl you trust/vibe with. A total stranger CAN do you harm.
I waffled some more until I made a joking tweet about “yeet me your stories for light critique heavy on the fangirling
”
I waffled some more until I made a joking tweet about “yeet me your stories for light critique heavy on the fangirling
”
I didn’t know— okay. But visual rep of what happened. I had to actually cap it off.
I wound up reading 17 full MS & 3 partials from August to December
I wound up reading 17 full MS & 3 partials from August to December
I actually have ALWAYS enjoyed critiquing & editing &I had workshops under my belt so while it was a little daunting I was excited to dive in.
Here’s what I learned:
1. Reading other writers work in progress & offering feedback develops your critical eye for your own work!
Here’s what I learned:
1. Reading other writers work in progress & offering feedback develops your critical eye for your own work!
- You begin to catch common pitfalls that a lot of us writers make. And you will begin to see it in your own work!
1a. The reverse also happens! You will notice what your peers excel at & viscerally remember it. This has helped me develop an eye for my own weaknesses.
1a. The reverse also happens! You will notice what your peers excel at & viscerally remember it. This has helped me develop an eye for my own weaknesses.
2. Reading outside your genre. Okay— it’s common advice to read everything. But read everything including genres you don’t normally write while they’re being drafted is Galaxy Brain. Of course if you absolutely can’t stomach a genre then obvis please don’t offer to read —
But I’ve noticed that my critical eye 
learns and catches more when reading outside the genre I write. There’s also certain skills employed in other genres that may not be employed in your genre/niche & become great additions to your own arsenal.
learns and catches more when reading outside the genre I write. There’s also certain skills employed in other genres that may not be employed in your genre/niche & become great additions to your own arsenal.
3. You build community. Online interaction is hard. Sure we’re behind screens but it’s still daunting when you feel like you’re talking to a void. I just want to say that this has no part on YOU. We’ve all been there & while I did build community by interacting on Twitter —
— I built it even faster by beta reading. It’s like when you meet someone in the same fandom as you. That instant friendship happens too when you begin to read writing that you connect with.
We writers have it good bc many don’t get to see the draft develop +
We writers have it good bc many don’t get to see the draft develop +
Or get to pester their favorite authors about that particular choice they made. 
But as a beta reader/writer, that relationship, & hopefully, friendship develop. The nervous writer realizes someone connects with their creation. Literally
But as a beta reader/writer, that relationship, & hopefully, friendship develop. The nervous writer realizes someone connects with their creation. Literally
Okay, I don’t want to make this too long so — beta reading is magical & I adore being able to be apart of the process & journey of other writers.
Quick note: I, personally, beta read more than I exchange. This obvi won’t work for everyone due to time & other reasons—
Quick note: I, personally, beta read more than I exchange. This obvi won’t work for everyone due to time & other reasons—
While I appreciate if someone is willing to read mine too. I don’t expect it esp since I write niche. I think it’s important to understand that our writing will not be for everyone & it in no way means you’re a bad writer.
Okay, I still read a lot of MSs. And I have a fairly quick turnaround (if life doesn’t get in the way). My avg is 3-7 days & it only this fast bc I have the luxury to work from home rn & I am a quick reader.
But for those curious here is how I schedule breakdown beta reads!
But for those curious here is how I schedule breakdown beta reads!
I tend to read YA bc it seems to be what everyone around me writes. 80-100k draft yields roughly around 350pgs.
I read & feedback 50pgs a night which is a doable chunk for me. 50 pgs takes me about an hour to read if you’re a time person. If I’m super productive 70-80pgs
I read & feedback 50pgs a night which is a doable chunk for me. 50 pgs takes me about an hour to read if you’re a time person. If I’m super productive 70-80pgs
Okay that’s my opinion-y thread! Thanks for reading! Also, note that I am no expert on this— just wanted to share my thoughts
