I thought I should make this post in light of a recent experience a friend of mine had. I’m in no way an expert on the art of editing, but I believe these etiquette tips won’t hurt anyone.
Being someone’s beta is perhaps a dubious privilege, but it doesn’t change that it requires a foundation of trust. A writer’s confidence can be very easily crippled; giving an unpolished piece to someone can very nerve-wracking! I think most betas tend to be authors themselves, can you remember your early days as a writer sharing your work? I’d imagine it was pretty scary.
Not to mention, not all writers are veterans of their craft, some are trying their hand at a new hobby. I think to beta someone’s piece, it takes a certain amount delicacy. And if you’re not that type of editor, that’s also fine, as some writers prefer a blunt, direct approach.
The trick is being clear about that from the get-go!
So here are some general tips:
1. Establish what the writer is looking for; grammar? Spelling? Flow? Dialogue tags? Punctuation? Or perhaps they would appreciate a second opinion on things like plot? Maybe they struggle with writing fight scenes or smut, and would prefer suggestions on sentence construction, for example. It doesn’t hurt to know what you’re looking for.
2. Remember that when editing someone’s piece, you’re refining their work, not rewriting it to your taste. It can be a fine line! It’s important to remember you’re fixing errors and occasionally making suggestions, but to each author their writing style!
3. Be sure to word your suggestions as suggestions, not demands. Text doesn’t have a facial expression and can easily come off as rude/demanding.
Delete this, it doesn’t make sense
Can easily be: consider clarifying this sentence or removing it as it could confuse the reader. Tone is everything.
What does this mean? Say this differently.
Can easily be: consider rewording this sentence for clarity. Give suggestions.
Notice these examples leave it up to the writer to decide.
These are general examples of course, the point is, like writing, the choice of words here changes everything, has a certain impact.
4. Avoid stating a negative opinion like ‘this sounds corny’, ‘this is cliche’, ‘this is cheesy’. Give suggestions on alternatives. Suggest a rewording for the problematic dialogue.
Just like unsolicited critique on a fanfic can cripple an author’s confidence, demanding or curt remarks from a beta can have the same effect.
There are some additional things betas can do that are pretty great but not required:
1. Praise parts you particularly liked: a beautifully constructed sentence, a clever line, a funny bit of dialogue. That kind of confidence boost is invaluable!
2. Give feedback on the overall piece which can include both praise and advice.
3. Offer to take a second look if the author would like after they look over your suggestions.
Generally, the message is to be kind and considerate. Be sure to use gentle words when making suggestions. Make sure to respect the author’s style.
Feel free to add to/contradict this post with suggestions of your own, or to use any personal experience as basis for advice.
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