Lois’s answer to “A long time ago, I asked you about feeling "bookicidal" (your word) about my own work. Your answer …” > Likes and Comments
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Somewhat confused by the idea of 'wearing out' a beta-reader, as if I'm a rug or a coat. I beta read for 2 mid-list SFF authors, and I've been thoroughly enjoying doing so for a number of years (saw one author through a 5 book series, in fact). She has written in 3 different sub-genres of SFF so far and I've yet to get a book from her to beta-read that I didn't enjoy reading...
@ Michele --
Obviously, you are not worn out yet! This is good, for both you and the friends you crit.
But yes, beta readers can be worn out, sometimes due to a mismatch with the new work, sometimes for life reasons that have nothing to do with the work. And, more subtly, sometimes they can be outgrown, when the writer moves on to needing some higher level of feedback than the original reading partner can supply.
(And sometimes, they last life long.)
Ta, L.
I enjoy beta reading, but I periodically fall into depression and can't concentrate enough. So there's that, as well.
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Aug 12, 2018 10:32AM
Somewhat confused by the idea of 'wearing out' a beta-reader, as if I'm a rug or a coat. I beta read for 2 mid-list SFF authors, and I've been thoroughly enjoying doing so for a number of years (saw one author through a 5 book series, in fact). She has written in 3 different sub-genres of SFF so far and I've yet to get a book from her to beta-read that I didn't enjoy reading...
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@ Michele --Obviously, you are not worn out yet! This is good, for both you and the friends you crit.
But yes, beta readers can be worn out, sometimes due to a mismatch with the new work, sometimes for life reasons that have nothing to do with the work. And, more subtly, sometimes they can be outgrown, when the writer moves on to needing some higher level of feedback than the original reading partner can supply.
(And sometimes, they last life long.)
Ta, L.
I enjoy beta reading, but I periodically fall into depression and can't concentrate enough. So there's that, as well.
