What to Expect From Beta Readers (And How to Find One)

What to Expect From Beta Readers (And How to Find One) What to Expect From Beta Readers And Where to Find Them In the software industry, programmers release â€Å"beta† versions of new programs that they get a select group of users to test. This way, any kinks can be worked out before it becomes available to the public.When it comes to publishing, the concept is the same, except the product being tested is a book, and the hopeful outcome is that potential negative reader reactions can be anticipated before publication. If authors are not sure which aspects of their book are working, this is a chance to find out.In this guide, we’ll give you pointers for finding beta readers and working with them in a way that’s constructive. But first, let’s clearly define what they are and what they do. What are beta readers?Beta readers review finished manuscripts before they're published, providing the author with feedback from the reader’s point of view.Beta readers can be friends or family members - anyone who will approach the book as a casual reader, pointing out things they liked and disliked, and highlighting the elements writers become blind to during countless revisions.A beta reader is the opposite of an alpha reader: the first person who reads and provides feedback on your manuscript, usually while it’s still a first draft.Beta readers also differ from critique partners, as the former reviews the book from the reader perspective, while the latter looks at a manuscript with a writer’s eye - paying close attention to any craft issues.Authors might also work with fact checkers at the final revision stage - especially if the author is writing about a culture or time period that is not their own, or if they are dealing with real life or sensitive topic s.Finally, a sensitivity reader is a type of beta reader - learn more about this controversial topic here.Beta readers do not replace editorsWhile beta readers are a form of quality control that authors can use before publishing their book, you should not rely on them to do the job of a professional editor. A professional editor will go through your book with a fine-tooth comb looking for plot holes, pacing or character development issues, grammatical errors or typos, and more - depending on the type of editor you hire.Typically, an author will: Take their manuscript through many rounds of self-editing. Then... When they are happy with it, they will submit it to a few beta readers. After†¦ They might have sensitivity readers look it over. Finally†¦ With as much of the revision work completed as possible, they will give it to an editor.This way, if you are self-funding a professional editor, the editor doesn’t need to waste their time - and your money - looking over issues you could have spotted yourself. They can focus on really fine-tuning your manuscript for publication. Do you know what beta and alpha readers are? Learn more here! Where can you find beta readers?Yes, you can turn to friends and family for beta reading. They’re probably the easiest people to access, and a good option for that reason alone. But, unless you happen to have brutally honest relatives, you’re best off also looking outside your inner circle to ensure the most honest and candid feedback. Here are a few places to start.Writing communitiesThese are ideal places to shop for beta readers, because they’ll get it. Other writers who are also in the process of finishing up their manuscript will likely also be looking for beta readers, and you can simply swap manuscripts and get the job done. Check out our blog post on 15 of the best online writing communities for aspiring authors.Your author websiteHave you set up a mailing list? In your newsletters, give people the option to sign up as a possible beta reader. In exchange, you can offer them a free copy of the final published title or an acknowledgment in your book.Goodrea dsThis bibliophile’s mecca is not just for readers, it’s also home to plenty of groups that support writers. Like this one, which is, luckily enough, aimed at connecting writers with beta readers.Local writing groupsFinding these can be as easy as typing â€Å"writer’s group † into Google. As a bonus, people are more likely to meet your deadlines when they have to see you face-to-face.Existing author connectionsYou might have connections with fellow authors, either via social media or from attending conferences/meet-ups. Don’t be shy: ask them nicely to help with beta reading. At worst, you’ll get a: â€Å"No, thanks† or â€Å"Maybe next time.† An extra tip here: don’t be pushy. A no is a no. Top reasons to work with beta and sensitivity readers How to work with beta readersNow that you’ve assembled a dream team of beta readers, it’s time to get them, well, reading. Here are a few tips to ensure that all parties get the most out of the experience.1. Look for someone with knowledge of your genre or subject matterWhile honesty is a key quality of a good beta reader, they should also already read and enjoy books similar to yours. Their familiarity with the genre can help them point out played-out tropes they feel have been overused, or key elements they feel are missing. Looking for readers who know your subject matter can also help ensure you handle delicate topics with sensitivity, and that there aren’t any glaring discrepancies or inaccuracies.2. But also look for people who don’t already read books like yoursUltimately, you should always write to market - in other words, if your book is young adult fantasy, you want to write a book that young adults who are into fantasy will enjoy. That being sa id, your feedback is likely to be most comprehensive if you show your manuscript to more than just existing Harry Potter fans. Are there any exposition dumps (places I over-inform the reader) you struggled to get through?ðŸÅ'Ž Worldbuilding Can you see the world clearly while reading? Can you see the action clearly while reading? Can you see the characters clearly while reading? Can you describe what the main characters look like?👠« Characters Was it clear who is talking? Does the dialogue sound natural and realistic? Does the character development feel natural? Are there any out-of-character moments? Do any of the characters feel cliche or stereotypical?📚 General Who is your favorite character and why? Who is your least favorite character and why? What’s your favorite part and why? Did you have a least favorite part? What is it and why?The more you tailor these questions to your book, the better. So instead of asking â€Å"Is there natural flow between the scenes,† look for specific scene cuts you’re not sure about and mention them specifically. We're discussing #sensitivityreaders - what they are and why they're important. Are you ready to start sending your manuscript to your pre-publication readers? Before you go, here are a few more additional resources to help you in these final stages of revisions. Novel Revision: Understanding the Craft Scene-by-Scene Editing for Authors Have you worked with a beta reader before? What has your experience been like? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!