There are many different paths to take when writing, many different ways to create, to build. Just as there are an infinite number of ways to publish your work – traditionally, independently, exclusively with one retailer, only digitally, etc. Certain parts of the process are critical no matter how you go about bringing your voice into the world. Instances that should not be skipped, including the use of beta readers.

What are beta readers?

Beta reader tests your manuscript (by reading it), and tells you about the ‘bugs’ so you can improve its readability, its usefulness and even its saleability. – Belinda Pollard

Sounds pretty important, right? It really is. For as much as you believe in your book, as much blood, sweat and probably more blood (damn paper cuts) has been poured into creating this fantastic manuscript you’re going to miss things. Hopefully, it won’t be major structural issues. (Wait, they start in Cincinnati on Monday at eight in the morning and end up in Los Angeles just six hours later? Someone didn’t do so well at word problems…) But if there are, it is better to catch them now before that first proof comes back or, God forbid, that first negative review on Amazon.

Reaching out to Beta Readers

Where in the process does this fit? That is your choice. For me, I prefer to ask a small circle of readers before I send the manuscript to my editor. I prefer a fully polished book to come back from my editor, something that I can read over a few more times, make minor tweaks and then submit for publication.

The most efficient time for reader feedback is prior to editing so you can pivot and readjust where necessary to make the work stronger. It also helps so your editor isn’t looking at the manuscript in its rawest form. There have been other eyeballs on the piece to call you out on any areas you phoned in or didn’t quite nail.

When I reach out to beta readers I present the work as I would to an agent (albeit a little more casually). I introduce the product and am upfront about the timeline involved. If I only have a month for feedback and need to make a pass through the work at the end then I can only give three weeks to my readers. They need to know that right away. No surprises here. I also ask them to respond as to whether or not they have the time (or inclination) to read the book at this point. That gives me a clear headcount and I am completely aware of how many e-mails I should be receiving by the deadline given.

Ask questions.

During my initial approach with my small circle of readers I also prepare a list of questions. I typically put this together while self-editing the project. These start with all encompassing queries about the piece as a whole. Did Soriya’s arc work for you? Was there sufficient change from start to finish? Did it make sense?

Then it turns more specific. Was there enough tension in the conversation between Mentor and Soriya in chapter nine? Did I lose you at all in chapter seven when the villain turned out to be a fox? Does it make sense for Peter Parker to perform a dance number in the middle of Spider-Man 3? (The answer to that last one is NO. NEVER. Sam Raimi needed a few more beta readers…)

Asking questions lets your beta readers know there are specific areas you are concerned about. Maybe you don’t know everything there is to know about the bureaucracy of a police department so you ask your group (hopefully with someone knowledgeable in this area) to look over the scenes relating to this topic closely to point out any omissions or inaccuracies that are too glaring and pull a reader from the story. (What do you mean Loren can’t shoot another cop in the middle of the station and get away with it? Balls!)

The Best Beta Readers

The very best people to ask to read your painstakingly created masterpiece are those that can add something to the work. A close friend that loves science fiction might be more in tune with the tropes of the genre to let you know when something doesn’t work in your space opera. Another fan of thrillers might pick up on your killer by chapter four instead of when they stand revealed in chapter sixty-four. That might be a problem.

You want different voices. And you want voices that aren’t only there to give you encouragement, though some would be nice. Writing is a very lonely gig so some warm, cuddly love for your words is always appreciated but not at the expense of the final product.

Beta readers need to push the manuscript and the writer to be better.

Looking for a few good readers.

If you are interested in becoming a beta reader on my next project, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I am always looking for feedback.

Where to find Beta Readers? – Check out Goodreads for their Beta Reader Group.

Thanks for reading.