Everybody's approach to the whole beta thing differs a bit, I think, and there's certainly a thing as too much beta (if you can't comfortably compile all the comments into a cohesive whole, that would be a problem) but two betas aren't excessive for a 4000 word fic. I usually base my beta-needs on length - anything 500 words or less goes without, anything 5000 words or less gets 1 or 2, and anything longer than that ... well, as much help as I can get. But as I said, everyone does this differently. :)
You'll probably find too that certain fics need different things from betas, and that certain betas are better at different things. Don't stress about it too much ... write a lot, try a lot of different betas, you'll soon see what works best for you personally.
I'm not sure if hp_mentoring is still matching up new writers with mentors, but you might want to check them out ... the mentors there will usually beta and answer questions and just generally help you out. Or else feel free to flail around fandom having fun and making friends and getting your questions answered in a less structured sort of way. Or both. I'm a little wishy-washy today but I'm sure it'll go away after I have some coffee ... :)
Anyhow, send the story whenever you like ... good luck with your writing and etc., and feel free to poke me if you have any other questions. I don't bite! :)
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Everybody's approach to the whole beta thing differs a bit, I think, and there's certainly a thing as too much beta (if you can't comfortably compile all the comments into a cohesive whole, that would be a problem) but two betas aren't excessive for a 4000 word fic. I usually base my beta-needs on length - anything 500 words or less goes without, anything 5000 words or less gets 1 or 2, and anything longer than that ... well, as much help as I can get. But as I said, everyone does this differently. :)
You'll probably find too that certain fics need different things from betas, and that certain betas are better at different things. Don't stress about it too much ... write a lot, try a lot of different betas, you'll soon see what works best for you personally.
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Anyhow, send the story whenever you like ... good luck with your writing and etc., and feel free to poke me if you have any other questions. I don't bite! :)