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Are "beta readers" specifically for "fan fiction?" A good many of the definitions I've found online of beta readers refer specifically to fanfic.
James D. Macdonald said:If your beta suggests that your main character should be a brain surgeon instead of a florist -- it's unlikely that the character should be a brain surgeon, but it is likely that there's some problem with that character.
PattiTheWicked said:This actually happened to me once. I had five or six betas, and most of them came back with really helpful criticisms and comments. Then there was the beta from hell....
who suggested that my main character shouldn't work in a book store, because book store people were BORING, and it would be a lot more exciting if she was a surgeon. Oh, and then, since surgeons can do SURGERY, we could have her perform an operation on a hit & run victim in the street with a paperclip, and then she could face a malpractice suit and fall in love with the patient's son, and oh i KNOW that doesn't fit in with your story but wouldn't it be neater that way?
It was rather a case of the problem being with the reader than the character.
1. your circle of friends... but choose wisely. you want someone who could be honest and not "spare your feelings" by holding back, but you don't want someone who is critical just for the sake of it
2. libraries, book clubs, schools... preferrably someone you know (say the person who runs the club) and who reads a lot and who is willing to help you...
3. paid editor...
4. writing group...
This actually happened to me once. I had five or six betas, and most of them came back with really helpful criticisms and comments. Then there was the beta from hell....
who suggested that my main character shouldn't work in a book store, because book store people were BORING, and it would be a lot more exciting if she was a surgeon. Oh, and then, since surgeons can do SURGERY, we could have her perform an operation on a hit & run victim in the street with a paperclip, and then she could face a malpractice suit and fall in love with the patient's son, and oh i KNOW that doesn't fit in with your story but wouldn't it be neater that way?
It was rather a case of the problem being with the reader than the character.
Wow, this thread is older than me. Well, in AW years
Fiction press has a lot of beta readers that are awesome. I would suggest checking them out. http://www.fictionpress.com/betareaders/