If you think of the world of fanworks like a feature film, the fanworks creators are the names that splash across the screen before the film begins. They work hard to produce the beautiful art, stories, and other fanworks that keep us coming back (some of us for decades!) to the Tolkien fandom, and they deservedly get the red-carpet treatment. But they are not the only contributors to the project. When most people are filing from the theaters and the usher has begun sweeping away the spilled popcorn before the next showing, other contributors' names file swiftly across the screen, mostly unread but no less essential to the success of the project.

Betas are among the behind-the-scenes fan laborers, and we want to honor them this week. Whether untwisting your most bedeviled prose, acting as a sounding board when developing plot and character, or helping you catch which witch is which (and countless other ways that betas make our fanworks shine), betas are an essential part of the creative process for many writers and other creators.

New fan creators often wonder where they can find a beta. What is the secret handshake that gets you access to this seemingly magical human who genies your work into perfection? On the SWG, we have a beta directory that can help put creators in touch with other SWG members who are willing to help them improve their work. If you're on our Discord, we offer the #beta-finder channel (in the Notice Board section), which is especially invaluable when it's 8PM and your exchange fic is due at midnight and you desperately need someone to make sure you're not about to make a fool of yourself. (If you're not on our Discord and want to be, just reply to this email and we'll send you an invite. All are welcome!)

If you're an SWG member and want to sign up as a beta, you can do so from your user account by clicking the Beta Profile tab at the top. From here, you can go on hiatus with a single click if you are unavailable and want to be removed from the list without deleting your profile.

And to all of you who have beta'ed in the past: we see you and thank you! 💙