Swapping beta reads has been a tradition for as long as I’ve been writing (which isn’t very long, but still). Can’t find beta readers? Offer to swap, writers always say. Unfortunately, this has been a bad system for me, for a very long time. So, going forward, I’m going to a more pay it forward system. I’ve always done no-strings-attached beta reading, but I’m going to agree to swaps less and less now.
Why? A few reasons.
Genre differences
I write science fiction. You may read science fiction but write YA thrillers. I don’t read YA thrillers, and I’d be a terrible beta for that kind of book. See the problem?
I’m a firm believer that betas should be familiar with the genre they’re beta reading. An unfamiliar beta reader can’t tell if a trope is overused or an expected trope is missing. In science fiction particularly, I find non-readers are confused on some of the common literary devices (abeyance, I’m talking about you), and it’s discouraging for me and a waste of time for both of us. Give me a YA romance, and I’m going to wonder why the characters are constantly going on dates and having sex instead of being in school.
It just doesn’t make sense.
Timing
I do a lot of no-strings-attached beta reading, because I’m actually not as selfish as the title of this post makes me out to be. When I ask for a beta reader, there’s a very good chance I’m already beta reading for at least one or two people, and they’re not reading mine in return. That’s just good community—helping out with no expectation of someone doing anything for you in return. But it also means I may not have time to take on another beta read.
The fairness issue
Over the past year, I’ve agreed to quite to few swaps. Guess what? While I finish every book I agree to read, in about half the cases, the other writer doesn’t finish mine—even when it was a beta read I initiated! I hate squawking about fairness, but I think most everyone can agree that this doesn’t make me want to continue swapping. Some say swapping chapters initially helps to solve this, but that goes back to the time issue—I can prioritize an entire book into my life. I can’t prioritize random chapters that might arrive with a 24 hour deadline as I’m stepping on a plane.
Updated in 2022!
Potential for revenge
I once agreed to beta read for a writing acquaintance who insisted I send her a few chapters of my own book. Against my better judgement, I did. Turned out theirs was so poorly written that I did what I could with the first two chapters and sent it back to the writer, kindly suggesting they take another look at the spelling and grammar, as well as research proper point of view and structure. Yes, it was that bad – complete with red squiggly Word lines and head hopping they claimed was omniscient. In return, they lashed out at me, telling me the book I’d swapped was arrogant, poorly written, and that no one would ever want to read it (it ultimately was an award finalist, so clearly multiple readers disagreed). Who wants to abused because they simply wanted to help? Swapping gives a disappointed author ammunition.
I realize I’ll lose potential betas this way. But I wanted to lay out my reasoning. Does this mean I’ll never do a beta swap? Of course not. But it’ll have to be with a writer I trust, the genres will need to line up, and we’ll both need to have the time.
Related—if you ever want to read for me, give me a shout! And never be worried about asking me—the worst I can say is no!
I couldn’t agree more!
The main issue I have at the moment is author friends asking me to beta read their books. I’ll be honest – as a reader I’m picky and critical. I love beta reading but it needs to be in a genre I love and one I’m not currently writing in (cause that messes with my head!). I find a lot get annoyed when I say no. I say no to these friends because past experiences have taught me most want to hear good feedback only.
I also don’t know when society became so entitled. “I’ll read yours only if you read mine.” Really? Even if it’s a genre I hate? Even if you’ve never bothered to edit it? So many unknowns that could take a beta read from a week to a month!
Plus, remember those “fun” collaborative assignments from high school and university? How many really did the work? Usually one, sometimes two out of six. So even if you swap the odds are against you With receiving feedback anyway.
I’d much give knowing I expect nothing in return.
Great post.
Ugh, group school assignments. Hadn’t even thought about those, but you’re totally right!