Author Confession

[keiramarcos]

My name is Keira and I'm fed up with the beta process.

Don't get me wrong, I totally love my betas. They're great. I just hate the process itself.  

I have to ask myself, who in fandom decided that beta was a thing? Who thought -- oh, I'm getting free stuff to read but this author really should do a bunch of extra work to make sure my free entertainment doesn't have any typos!

I'm currently in beta for my QB fic. I mean, like I'm on part 2 of 6 in that process. I just finished Darkly Loyal and it's twice the length of my QB. If I actually put that in beta -- it wouldn't be ready to post until probably April. Fuck that noise.

BAH.

Comments

[irish_dragon]

Personally, it's up to you. I read your fanfiction a lot and most of the time multiple times. I don't usually have problems, and if I do, I keep my mouth shut, because of this nice disclaimer at the beginning. Unsol. beta bad.

That being said, I've been a fanfiction reader for over ten years. I have seen some awesome fic ruined by poor writing styles and improper grammar.

Betas have their uses, and maybe when someone is just building their craft they may need that help as they build their skill set.

Writing is an Art. With all art, there is a learning curve. The more you do it, the more you educate yourself about what you are doing, branching out, and growing, the more you improve your craft.

Maybe in the beginning betas can help with that. They can point out where you need more work or where you are doing well. Sometimes having that mirror of a different perspective is immensely helpful.