[ SECRET POST #3167 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #3167 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 02 pages, 040 secrets from Secret Submission Post #453.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

Re: What questions do you have?

[(Anonymous)]

Depends on the beta. Basic spelling/grammar is the most common service a beta does, but IMO, a good beta will go much further and offer concrit on stuff like characterization, plot, pacing, etc. But that's a lot harder than just SPAG, so fewer people do this and do this competently.

Also you might have to be explicit about what you want from a beta and emphasize that you're looking for in-depth editing and that you can take constructive criticism without blowing a gasket, because a lot of authors can't.

Re: What questions do you have?

[(Anonymous)]

AYRT - In one case I did tell the beta that, because I had serious plot concerns. But he just said he didn't see any problems. He's my friend too, so he knows I'm not going to lose my shit on him. You do have a point that it's harder, and I'll admit I've found it difficult myself to be objective at times. (I'm reading a friends' story and I have serious issues with it, which means I've definitely stuck to SPAG because I can't give a fair critique of the plot when I just don't like it.)

Re: What questions do you have?

[(Anonymous)]

Unfortunately, very few people have the necessary skills to be a good beta. Your friend is probably being honest that he can't see any problems, but-- and I mean no offense because it's statistically impossible-- that's more down to the fact that he's unable to recognize the flaws, not because your writing is flawless. Not everyone has that ability to read a passage and think, "Hmmm, this has really good bones but I need more on why Character X did ______ and why Character Y reacted this way", or "This chapter is missing a scene that shows the reader [stuff we need to know for later plot point A instead of too much detail about [less important info about sub plot B]".