Writing Tips
You Need a Beta Reader (Or Two)
Buy them lunch because they’ll save your backside!
What is a beta reader?
Beta readers are a critical part of the writing feedback process, especially for new writers.
A beta reader is a reader in a particular genre. They are your audience. They won’t tell you why something isn’t working, or how to improve it, but they’ll tell you how the story makes them feel, when they put the manuscript down (or couldn’t), and where they maybe didn’t connect.
Beta readers provide a reader’s impression before you publish so you can fix any glaring errors. That feedback can mean the difference between a book launch that fades into obscurity and a publishing success.
You may also see references to alpha readers. These are readers who see a work while it is in progress. Use caution working with alpha readers, though, because if you make too many changes based on feedback as you write, you may lose sight of your story or become so mired in getting the beginning right that you won’t make it to the end. Alpha readers work for some writers, but for most I encourage them to finish the manuscript before securing a good beta reader or two.
How does beta reading work?
Once you’ve got a finished manuscript, one that’s polished and that you feel is ready for publishing, you’ll pass it off to your beta readers who will read it like a new novel they’ve purchased.
When they’re done reading, they’ll provide feedback on how the story worked compared to others they’ve read in the genre. You can provide them with specific questions to answer when they’re done, or just ask them to mark up the manuscript sharing impressions and letting you know where they stopped, struggled, or couldn’t put the book down.
If you’re able to meet in person, take them to lunch to discuss the manuscript once they’ve finished. If you’re working virtually, arrange a video call, if possible. Readers love the ability to discuss a book with the author, and it’s exciting for them to help a book come into being. For you as an author, it’s a rare chance to talk directly to a reader who has agreed to give honest and constructive feedback…instead of a one-star review.
I suggest buying them lunch, and I truly mean it.
These amazing folks are taking hours of their personal time (anywhere from one or two hours to six hours or more) to read your work and help you out. They may be doing it because they love the genre, but it can’t hurt to at least buy them a coffee or a cup of tea to enjoy while they read. Appreciate these people, because they’ll save you time, effort, and failed publications.
Take their feedback with an open mind and with gratitude. This is not the time to justify, argue, or persuade them to feel otherwise, this is the time to listen.
Ask questions to get clarity on their feedback, but stay in receiving mode. Remember, for a reader it can be intimidating to say anything critical about writing. After all, you’re the writer, so they assume you should be the expert. But this feedback isn’t about writing craft, it’s about the reader’s experience. And they are expert readers.
If you have concern about a particular passage, and it didn’t come up in the feedback, feel free to ask them about it. Or about characters. Sometimes asking questions opens them up and you get more honest feedback.
Some authors provide beta readers with specific questions beforehand, but I recommend sending questions after they are done reading. If readers are on the lookout for certain things, they’re already reading differently than your intended audience. Instead, ask them to capture their impressions and opinions through markup in the document (or written up separately, if they choose), and tell them to notify you when they’ve finished so you can send a couple of questions about the story.
Keep questions to five or fewer. Too many questions can intimidate or wear down the reader, and you won’t get the honest feedback you need. Focus on the big stuff that you’re worried about, but let the reader guide you. They may have found an issue you didn’t realize was there.
Don’t forget to thank them. These readers will save you embarassment, so don’t forget to include them in your acknowledgements, keep them updated on your publishing progress, and gift them a book when you can. You’re a better writer because of them.
What do I ask a beta reader?
Before you pass them your manuscript, ask them what their favorite books in this genre are. This will give you context for their feedback.
When the reader is finished reading the manuscript, send them a list of questions (up to five) about specific items you’re concerned about. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Which was their favorite character and why — but more importantly, which was their least favorite character and why?
- What scenes stood out to them? Why?
- Were there any parts that were confusing or boring? (Ask them to be honest and promise not to get mad at the feedback.)
- Was there anything that felt unfinished or left them disappointed?
Keep your questions to a minimum, meant to spark conversation or prompt a reader to feel comfortable discussing something. The fewer questions you ask, the deeper and more meaningful feedback you’re likely to get.
How do I find beta readers?
Determine who reads the genre you’ve written. Who is your audience? Military thriller? Romance? Fantasy? School grade? Find out where they hang out and where they like to discuss books.
Forums online can be a wealth of information, so can genre- or industry-specific conferences and other meet-ups. Book-focused and reading-focused social media groups often contain eager and voracious readers.
Ask at a local library or bookstore — They’ll may have regulars who read your genre and can pass your info when those readers come back in.
If you’re writing something meant for middle grade or young readers, contact a school librarian. They may be able to read it and determine if the subject matter is age-appropriate, or know somebody else who can provide such feedback.
The bottom line? Put yourself out there, search for potential readers, and ask for feedback. Treat your beta readers like the treasure they are, and you’ll be far more likely to see your book sales spread by word of mouth than suffer a disappointing launch.
Have any other tried-and-true tips for finding beta readers? Please share in the comments!
Happy writing!
Elizabeth Russo is an editor and author with a passion for helping new writers navigate the process of turning a good story into a publishable manuscript. She’s a Florida Writers Association Top Ten Short Story winner, a returning Royal Palm Literary Award judge, and an active member of the Florida Writers Association, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, ACES: The Society for Editing, and the Editorial Freelancers Association. Have questions? Reach out!
