Definitions of Beta Type
Please select one out of "Comprehensive Critique" or "Essentials Only", then select one from "Brutally Honest", "Flexible" or "Gentle".
Comprehensive critique - A beta reader who gives in-depth constructive criticism on individual aspects of the piece, and the piece as a whole.
Essentials only - A beta reader who corrects the technical mistakes without offering much in the way of commentary on less tangible aspects, such as plot and flow.
Brutally Honest - A beta reader who doesn't sugar coat their opinions, but remains helpful. For example: "Your plot is good - it works well and keeps the reader interested. However, I think your characterisation isn't working. For example, Hermione has always put schoolwork first - she isn't going to leave it until the last minute unless something really important comes up (E.G. saving Harry/Ron's lives, defeating Voldemort, that sort of thing)."
Flexible - A beta reader who is happy to spend a lot of time with an author to make a piece really work. For example: The beta reader may send the chapters back and forth, with various comments, numerous times before settling on a final version with you.
Gentle - A beta reader for newbies of fanfiction writing. For example: "I love your plot, I think it seems very realistic and definitely keeps me interested! You have lots of hooks, and now I'm wondering what's going to happen. However, I think it could be even better if you were to look at the characters. I really don't think Hermione would leave schoolwork to the last minute. As said I loved the plot! The part with Ron and Hermione was particularly good - I was mentally yelling at Ron for being such an idiot.
These categories are not mutually exclusive, but they are the best we can do to give the writer an idea of the type of beta reader available.
Published February 2008