Ever Thought of Being a Beta Reader?

Definition: A Beta Reader bridges the gap between initial drafting and professional editing, representing the target audience to ensure the book resonates with readers before launch.. What do they do?

Beta readers are extremely important to an author, who has virtually no objectivity left by the time they write the final word. An author needs at least one and preferably two or three beta readers who can read their raw manuscript and do the following (with examples):

Point out inconsistencies

o   Wasn’t his name Kristopher in the last book?

o   Is it Kris or Chris? You’ve written it both ways.

o   You capitalized this all the way through, and now you suddenly aren’t.

o   In the last book, Bob didn’t have any siblings.

Point out plot holes

o   The vampire can’t drown. Book 2 stated that they can’t die by anything but fire.

o   If a war breaks out, that will end the agreement between Vog and Dellan, and that would mean the purple clan would have to die. Is that what you’re going for? Just want to make sure.

Give feedback on pacing

o   I felt that the ending was rushed. I really wanted to see Mark and John have at least one good scene as a couple, preferably romantic and not sexual. Maybe another one with the parents. I would love to see John’s father now that he’s accepted the relationship!

o   The first five chapters seem to drag, but then the pace picks up great after that.

o   The lo-o-o-ng description in the middle of chapter twelve pulled me out of the story.

o   IMO, too much time was skipped here. What about putting where he comes out to his sister on page rather than just described? That would solve the time issue and also let the reader see her reaction, which I wanted.

Give feedback on character development

o   By chapter four, I feel like I really know George, but I hardly know Keith at all. And what is driving his antagonistic behavior toward George?

o   Would it be possible to hint more at Biff’s feelings before he makes his big declaration? I felt blindsided. Or are you going for the shock?

o   Josh is in his thirties but sometimes seems adolescent. I think it’s the way he keeps saying “bro” so often, and the way he popped off at Max in chapter two. I don’t think a mature adult would do that. Otherwise, he seems very mature, so I don’t know if you want him to come off that way in those scenes.

Provide feedback on overall engagement

o   I couldn’t put the book down! It was so exciting and fast-paced.

o  I was completely invested in Craig and John’s relationship from day one.

OR the storyline is so good, but there is something lacking in Craig and John’s relationship that kept me from being totally invested. For instance, in the scene in the boat in chapter 8, Craig didn’t seem interested at all in what John had to say, yet in the following scene, he’s thinking about how into John he is. I think I change in that boat conversation and maybe the one before that in the car could really change the tone and make his feelings more believable.

NOTE: Examples are much appreciated. If you feel you know how the author might go about doing what you’re suggesting, don’t be afraid to say. By the same token, don’t be hurt if the author doesn’t use your suggestion or let that keep you from making them in future.

Now that you know what beta readers do, what do they not do?

Do Not Look for grammar errors or typos. A beta reader certainly can point out typos, but keep in mind that an editor is going to get paid for all that, so it’s better not to waste your time, particularly if there are a lot of them. The author wants your feedback, and they want it as soon as possible so they can finish up. They will either catch the typos themselves when they go over it again, or the editor will.

Don’t be overly negative in tone with your feedback. If you feel you are being too negative, add some positivity in with the statements (as long as it’s genuine).

• Ex. “Bill is so sweet and caring with Garth, and I love that. But in this scene, I feel he’s being uncharacteristically cold.”

• I recently had a beta reader point out that a side character was being really bitchy. I hadn’t even realized it! It was an easy fix to dial down her dialogue.

Good beta feedback can open the author’s eyes to aspects they hadn’t thought about previously. The author wants to hear what you have to say; they just don’t want comments that will make them feel less excited about their project or like they are a bad writer. Authors can be touchy at first about their creations. Eventually, the author and beta reader will develop a relationship where they can be easy with each other.

It goes without saying that a beta reader should not give out spoilers about the book or allow anyone else to read the manuscript. The author is trusting you with their baby—their newly born and not fully formed manuscript. Which leads to…

Don’t forget that what you are reading is the manuscript in its rawest form. It isn’t polished or close to being ready to publish. Your job as a beta reader is to help get it to that point with your observations, and that is so appreciated!

If you want to be part of the process and you think you can do these things, sign up to be a beta reader! You can choose to volunteer only for certain series, or you can volunteer for anything and everything. Click here to sign up, and thank you!