Question re: how to resolve problem with beta-reader...
I've got a bit of a problem here. I just received back a manuscript I sent out for beta, asking for the beta-reader to concentrate on a couple of specific areas. However, the manuscript I got back today looked like she'd bled all over it. She not only took it upon herself to rewrite it, but she changed practically every *line.* I appreciate that this must have taken a lot of work - however, I also feel like she's crossed the proper boundaries here. I've done a bit of beta-reading in my time, and I would never presume to rewrite someone else's work. Some of her suggestions were pretty good, but now I don't dare incorporate them into the story for hear of her trying to claim co-author credit. So, how do I handle this situation? Best, bittermint

Frankly, and I am often too frank, I think you should be grateful. The beta has given you their opinion in all areas of the book as well as those you asked for and it is yours to use freely and fully.

When I give critique I always start by saying. I will give you my full opinion. You may then pay absolutely no attention. Rather than the beta having to decide what to say, I reckon they should say everything and anything -- and then the author selects what they wish to use. It seems easier that way and less likely to miss advice that would have been helpful. Where the difference is not correcting an error, but changing style--you don't have to make the change. The beta I was just discussing put in dozens of serial commas, I don't use them so I didn't make that change. But I considered it.

Use what you agree with and kick out what you don't.

>>>you shouldn't have given it out in the first place.<<< I shouldn't have given *what* out in the first place? I honestly don't think there's anything wrong with asking for a very specific kind of beta, and expecting the same back. I already had all the input re: plot, characterization, continuity, etc. that I needed from the editor who requested the rewrite in the first place. All I was looking for was another pair of eyes to make sure I hadn't missed anything - not someone who was going to take my story and make it her own. Best, bittermint

You should thank her, take what you want from the beta, and move on with your writing. Perspective is always useful, even the perspective of a changed sentence. There may be a reason a person likes one syntax option as opposed to another. It does a writer good to figure why this might be so.

What KMFrontain said. Thank him/her, use what you can, and ignore the rest. If you're really fussed about it, you might want to explain to him/her that you had already revised the storyline as per an editor's specs, had asked the beta for a typo-scan, and acknowledge that you perhaps miscommunicated your needs, as the critiquer obviously put in a lot of hard work beyond your needs. Acknowledge too the useful points s/he raised that you'll incorporate into future work.

Allow me to apologize for getting a bit hot under the collar here a few days ago. Last week was a real hair-puller, in more ways than I care to elaborate on. Best, bittermint

First reactions to most things, for me anyway, are emotional. That's why blogs and forums are so dangerous ;)

Over the past few years, I've made it a habit to write a comment, post, blog, email and then practically delete the whole thing and start from scratch. Sometimes I only end up with 10% of what I originally wrote. I still fuck up and say things that don't turn out right, but I apologize, shrug it off and move onward. I guess I waste a lot of minutes composing posts that never get read. ;-)