What’s a Beta Reader and How Can They Help Elevate Your Writing?
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
As an aspiring writer, you’ll want to engage a beta reader as part of your writing process sooner or later. A beta reader is someone who provides feedback on your manuscript before you send it off to publishers or literary agents. They help you identify inconsistencies, plot holes, grammatical errors, character development and relatability issues, and other opportunities for growth that may arise in your writing and storytelling. In this article, I’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on what beta readers are, the kinds of things they offer to writers, how to find a good beta reader, how to hire one (or trade services with one), and other special considerations when working with a beta reader.
What’s a Beta Reader?
Beta readers are individuals who read and provide feedback on aspiring manuscripts. Sometimes a beta reader will be hired by a publisher, as in the case of a sensitivity read. But more and more often, an aspiring writer will use a beta reader as part of their effort to get a literary agent and book deal. Beta readers can be friends, family, or other trusted individuals, but it's recommended that you work with someone who has experience in the genre you are writing in and has done beta reads before. A beta reader should have a good understanding of how stories work and should be able to provide constructive feedback. It's also best to choose someone who isn't afraid to give honest writing notes and can point out your manuscript's weaknesses and flaws. You don’t have to agree with everything a beta reader says, but the more professional and relevant their feedback, the better off you’ll be when you decide to revise.
What Does a Beta Reader Offer to Writers?
Beta readers offer several benefits to writers. They can point out issues with the plot, pacing, character development, and writing itself. They can also identify confusing passages that you may not have noticed while writing. Additionally, a beta reader can provide feedback on the overall story's flow and its effect on the reader. Writers are notoriously bad at seeing their own work objectively and might not know what effect their project has on an outside observer. This is where a beta reader comes in. By working with beta readers, you can improve your manuscript and help ensure it has the strongest chance possible of being favorably reviewed in the slush pile.
How to Find a Good Beta Reader
To find a good beta reader, you can ask for recommendations from other writers in your genre, such as critique partners or people in your writing group or a local community (like Thriving Writers). You can also join writing forums to find beta readers who are looking to work with aspiring authors. Another option is to use a beta reading service that will match you up with a beta reader who has experience in your genre. It's essential to research any beta readers you find online to ensure they’re reputable and have a good track record of providing quality feedback. (Even a very professional beta reader who isn’t versed in your genre or target audience might not be qualified to help you.)
When hiring a beta reader, it's essential to set clear expectations for what you want them to review and any timeframe for feedback that you’re expecting. You will also want to provide them with a copy of your manuscript. Some beta readers may charge a fee for their services, while others may work on a volunteer or barter basis, exchanging their feedback for constructive criticism you’ll be expected to give them. When working with a paid beta reader, make sure to agree on a fee upfront and what services are included in the cost. If they don’t have an agreement or won’t put the scope of work in writing, this can be seen as a red flag.
When working with a beta reader, it's important to communicate effectively and remain open to their critique. You’ve engaged them to help you make your manuscript better, and sometimes this means hearing difficult feedback. Make sure to share your writing goals and any concerns you have with them before they start reviewing your manuscript. Finally, take their feedback seriously, but don't feel the need to incorporate every suggestion. Take the wisdom and leave the rest. Ultimately, it's your story, and you have the final decision in making any revisions.
Working with a beta reader can be one of the best investments you can make as a writer. They provide valuable feedback that can help take your manuscript to the next level, increasing its chances of success in publishing. By following the tips we have provided in this article, you can find a good beta reader, develop an effective working relationship with them, and make your manuscript the best it can be. Writing is a journey, and having a beta reader by your side can help make that journey much more rewarding.
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