What makes a good beta

[malenkayacherepakha]

We had an interesting conversation in one of my group chats today prompted by the question: do you think a bad writer can be a good beta?

The general consensus was yes, they can still be a valuable help, because beta'ing isn't just about checking the technical side of the writing, but also about making sure the plot works, that the pacing and characterisation are right etc, and if someone is a good reader they can check for those things. To me it's another good reason to have more than one beta - everyone has different strengths and can check your fic for different things, all of which are important for making a fic work.

I thought I'd throw that question out here too, to see what you all thought, and also tack on a follow up - what do you think are the important qualities a good beta needs?

Comments

[gracerene]

Ooo, that is such a great and succinct list of what you like in a beta! I am in complete agreement, no surprise. :D And, also very much agree on having multiple betas to get different POVs and strengths. I've definitely had betas give me feedback that I instinctively didn't agree with, but then was able to run by my other beta to get their thoughts and see if I needed a step back to get perspective on the story, or if it maybe really was just one particular beta's person feelings. I try and be aware of that in my own betaing, and will often make notes letting the person know that my comments on particular parts might be motivated by personal preference and that they should take it with a grain of salt.

[magpie_fngrl]

Same here, I often preface suggestions with "could be my own preference but perhaps you can consider doing X".