Critique and Beta Connections

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All I've wanted to do is scream with joy and give each one of my Gutgann's (a name one of you geniuses came up with:) a massive hug. You all seem to be having such a good time getting to know each other and making writer connections in the Meet and Greet. It just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. So naturally, I want to continue the love fest and take things one step further. Get your minds out of the gutter people, not that way.  

Critique and BETA Connections

I know when I began writing seriously five years ago, I had no clue what a BETA reader was, much less where to find a critique group. Not only that, but I was embarrassed to ask because I didn't want to look like an idiot. 

Don't be like me. There are no idiots here. For those of you that need a little schooling, here are some basic definitions of a critique partner and a BETA reader:

Critique Partner/Group

A critique partner is typically a fellow writer who is giving you an objective opinion and generally focuses more on improving the craft of your writing as well as editing and clarity. 

BETA Reader: 

1. A BETA reader is there to give you a reader's perspective on your story, which is entirely subjective. Did they like it? How did they feel about the characters? How about the pacing? At any point were they confused or thrown out of the story?
2. A BETA reader is often NOT A WRITER, just someone who is widely read in the genre you write in and whose opinion you trust.

However, as anyone who's been in a critique group or who's had a good BETA reader knows, sometimes the lines are blurred. But generally, the guidelines are: 

Subjective = BETA Reader 

Objective = Critique Partner/Group

Rosslyn Elliot has great in depth answers to all these questions on her blog if you want to check it out.

Here's the fun part...

Today, myself and Ellie Heller, (a fellow GUTGAA buddy) will be lending a hand to those of you that are lacking in the BETA/critique department by helping you make some connections.

Here's what you do:

If you are a writer looking for a critique partner or group, please answer the following questions in the comments section below. If you are looking for BETA readers, please keep reading past this.

1) Name and a one sentence intro of who you are.

2) What do you write (age target and general genres).

3) Are you ready to jump right in and begin submitting your work to another?

4) Are you looking for a critique partner or a group?

5) Would you prefer to submit weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or as needed? And how much would you like to submit each time (chapter, 2 chapters, etc)?

6) What kind of critique feedback are you looking for?

7) How can I contact you? (email)

I'd also suggest linking to your blog/website. :-)

If you're in need of a BETA reader or would like to be a BETA reader, hop over to Ellie's blog HERE and answer her questions in the comments section on her blog.

I'm not sure how long I will keep this beta/crit connection going on. It depends on how the response goes. I'm thinking through Friday. After I close this up I will go to work connecting you wonderful writers to each other. I also have no problem if you see someone listed that you would like to contact on your own. Go for it! Just let me know if you all work out so I can take your names off the list:)

I think that's about it. I hope you have fun with this and hopefully you can make some lasting relationships:)