Unless a client comes to me feeling certain about wanting a particular editorial service when they come to me, there’s a very good chance I’m going to suggest we start with a beta read. There’s nothing wrong with knowing what you want and asking for it. But if you’re wanting an editor’s input on what I believe the best course of action is for your novel, I’m not going to know when we initially meet. But that’s not the only reason why I like suggesting a beta read. It can offer a lot more:
We Can Build a Sense of Trust
There’s a lot of rhetoric in the writing community about watching out for scammers, and I get it. I’ve had many clients come to me telling of bad past experiences. Add to it the cost of a developmental edit or line edits and that you’re entrusting your full manuscript to someone for weeks at a time. The whole thing works better on both sides if everyone already has the vibes from a good experience. When I’ve already offered an initial analysis, you have a sense of my vision for the story, I have a sense of yours, and we know what to expect and build excitement toward.
It's a Low Barrier to Entry
Beta reading is some of the most cost-effective analysis you can get. Sure, it doesn’t go as in depth as a developmental edit or give you a roadmap to revise, but it touches on every topic in a big edit at a fraction of the cost. $100 is nothing to sneeze at. It’s 14 work hours at the federal minimum wage. (Wow, really?) But when it comes to quality literary analysis, it’s definitely on the low end of the spectrum. Most people can make it work with a little advance notice.
No One Loses Out
My beta reads, as of writing this blog, cost $100. So, if you don’t feel like what I’m offering in analysis works for you, it isn’t a huge loss. But even if it is, you’re not losing out either. I always offer a credit applied toward a more expensive round of editing if an author decides to upgrade into a higher-level service. So, you don’t have to worry about overpaying $100 if you decide you really do want more.
You Can Get a Lot of Good Work Done
Just because you’re considering going for a larger edit on your work doesn’t mean that you’re wasting time by starting with a beta read. My beta reading analysis comes with a standardized questionnaire that covers pacing, characters, plot, themes, and more, and I allow each author to submit an additional three questions tailored to their book or their stumbling blocks while writing.
Authors come away with a lot to think about and a sense of where I would suggest improvement. It’s very common that even if an author decides to take on a higher-level edit that first they’ll work to make changes based upon what was in the beta read first so I can give updated feedback on their changes.
Everyone Gets More Time to Think
Most authors I know have a devout work ethic, have written a story while working full time, and are always on the go. By taking advantage of a beta read before a big edit, you’re naturally given a little bit of breathing room. It’s during those times that some of the best work gets done because you have time to entertain ideas for a while and let them play out before making changes. It also gives me a chance to see which pieces of your story leave a lasting impact before diving into making suggestions. Then when we’re ready to proceed with a big edit, we can both bring those ideas to the table in our initial kickoff meeting, see how they work together, and then I can ensure they’re incorporated in the roadmap of your editorial letter.
I Just Love Reading and Working with Authors
When I started my editorial business, I wanted to include a less expensive service to provide feedback to authors that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them. Beta reading seemed like a natural fit because, honestly, I love reading, and I knew it would mean I would get to read full books for independent authors more frequently. It wasn’t until later that I realized it was a great way to build a relationship with long-term clients. I’ve met so many wonderful authors during my time beta reading, and I always make sure to keep up with their writing Twitters and check in when something reminds me of their story. It’s been a great way to build community in what can sometimes feel like a cutthroat industry.
If you feel certain you want a particular editorial service and that I am the right editor to do it for you, far be it from me to tell you what first steps to take. But if you’re wanting to learn more before committing, a beta read is a great way to get started. If this sounds like a good first step for you, reach out to get started. I hope you love it!
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