Lately I have seen a trend of authors using beta
readers as editors. I don’t know if this is to take out the middle man or it’s
an issue of pay. In my opinion the two are very different and serve different
purposes the same with readers who receive arcs. They are all very distinct
roles. I have a friend who recently became an editor. By this I meant took
classes and has plenty experience beta reading in which she was essentially
editing without getting paid. So below I have listed a few definitions provided
by google.
Beta reader: are not explicitly proofreaders or
editors, but can serve in that context. Elements highlighted by beta
readers encompass things such as plot holes, problems with continuity,
characterization or believably; in fiction and non-fiction, the beta might
also assist the author with fact-checking.
Editor:
a person having managerial and sometimes policy-making
responsibility related to the writing, compilation, and revision of
content for a publishing firm or for a newspaper, magazine, or other
publication.
Now this definition is subjective an editor for the
purpose I am using it for which is for authors who are mainly self-published
answer to the author. This means that yes a work or publication may have an
editor but the author has the final say.
My issue comes in and please let me know your thoughts
on this is that I have also seen authors use these small time editors ( much
like themselves Indie trying to make a name for themselves) and then present
the book to a publishing house. Let me go deeper there is nothing wrong with
paying for a service and try to come up. But don’t use these small time editors
for service cheat them in not only payments but a simple thank you. I know its
business and a thank you isn’t necessarily needed but don’t cheat me and then
present your work as this is all you when you got help and someone to help you
write the body of work. I don’t understand the level of shadeness with these
authors lately. You want to whine and complain about reviews and other authors
but you yourself contribute to this foolishness?
Well...
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