Beta Readers
This blog post will explain what are beta readers, the benefits and considerations of having them and where to find them.
What is a beta reader?
A beta reader is someone who will read a book, prior to release. It can be at any stage in the writing process, but usually it is recommended before sending it to the editor in order to be most beneficial.
In return for a free read, they will provide professional feedback on the story, the characters, the setting, the pace, voice, flow, and spot any mistakes that the author may not have noticed. They will find the problems, but they will also praise a book well written and give an overall feel of how the book will be received by readers.
Good beta readers will be objective, honest, have previous experience, provide timely feedback and will be well read in the genre to provide valuable critique. Often beta readers are other writers who need a similar favour. Beta readers usually work alone, however sometimes, there is a preference by the author for a group discussion.
Family and friends can be beta readers but the best kind are the ones who are already actively involved in beta reading. Independent beta readers have no personal relationship to the author, they will be happy to give genuine feedback, without bias, which is sometimes impossible with friends and family who do not want to hurt feelings. Be cautious of family or friends desire to praise, not provide objective feedback.
Paul Kilpatrick offers some advice when sourcing beta readers from family and friends. Paul recognizes that sourcing beta readers from this expansive pool of people is a good start. Paul offers some interesting facts to bear in mind, if you feel disheartened by the lack of response:
“Ask everyone you know what kinds of things they are reading then see if they will read your book and give you their feedback. Be ready to get nine “no’s” for every “yes,” and know that only a third of the people who say yes will even finish it.”
Paul Kilpatrick: Why, When and How to Beta your Book.
What are the Benefits?
A fresh pair of eyes, after countless edits, it is hard to view the book impartially. It is also much harder to spot mistakes.
Specific feedback. Beta readers can be asked to answer specific questions such as: What was boring? What did you like best? Was this situation believable? What do you think of this character?
Honest and objective feedback
Key Considerations
Decide if you are willing to make changes to your book based on the feedback, it may mean a lot of time and energy spent rewriting and editing.
Decide if you are actually ready for honest feedback, because it could be painful to read negative criticism.
Consider the number of beta readers used. Too many will provide overwhelming feedback, too few will not highlight a reoccurring problem.
Make sure there is a time deadline.
HOWEVER
Don’t panic if you don’t have any beta readers reading your work. The most important thing is to write and produce a book, that you believe is of a high quality, fully edited professionally, until the time you are able to source your own beta readers.
I have to admit that I do not have any beta readers. When I had finished my first book, I sourced friends to read it and encountered similar frustrations that Paul Kilpatrick highlighted: only three out of ten read the book and gave me any feedback. At that stage, I did not know how to source beta readers and I personally do not know any writers who I could ask to read my text.
However, I cannot let the fact that I do not have beta readers stop me from writing and publishing my work. I have to believe in myself. If the book is well planned, reads well and provokes an emotional response from me than I have to trust I am doing a good job, until I can source beta readers.
Feedback of books, prior to release, can also come from unexpected avenues. My editor and proof-reader, although neither are beta readers, have complimented my books. I find that these compliments are highly valuable, based on the work they do.
Where to find beta readers?
Do a google search of your genre and beta readers, check Facebook groups, Good Reads groups, join a writing group or find reading events advertised in the local area are some suggestions I have found online.
In the course of researching this blog post, I actually found a link to a free beta reader sign up service courtesy of TCK Publishing: Beta Reader Connection Service.
And when you finally find some beta readers, you can manage their feedback online at Beta Books, which offers a Beta Reader Management System.
Further reading
For a more detailed account of how to use beta readers, including specific questions you can ask them, check out this blog post by Kimberly Hunt at Revision Division: Beta Reader Questions for Better Feedback.
If you would like to read a more detailed article on beta readers overall, check out TCK Publishing’s article: Complete Guide to Beta Readers: How to Find and Work with Early Reviewers to Improve Your Writing.