Beta Reader

A beta reader is a proofreader for one's fanfic. It is important to note that a beta, from the second character in the Greek alphabet, is the second pair of eyes needed for a fanfic: the first eyes you need are your own. The beta's job is to point out any problems with flow, plot consistency, characterization, spelling, punctuation, and grammar of the story. Your job is to then fix those problems.

When a badfic is being reviewed by a member of the Canon Protection Initiative, the reviewer will often suggest getting a beta. When writers claim to have one when their fics are riddled with errors, it is insulting to their readers, themselves, and their betas&mdash;if they do actually have them, which we have to doubt.

The PPC grants free beta services to most people who ask for it&mdash;just post a beta request on the Board. We used to have a beta chain, but it is now largely inactive, except for the occasional proponent of Viagra or some obscure dating service. Alternatively, you can contact someone listed in the PPC Beta Reader Directory.

A good beta reader should be treasured. That means taking their advice, or at least giving it some very careful thought before deciding not to take it. Showering them with gratitude and praise, possibly in the form of chocolate, doesn't hurt, either.