It is a given fact that as a writer, you spend lots of time with your manuscript such that it becomes so hard for you to see the content objectively. This is a major hiccup in self-editing. You may think that you have polished your manuscript only to find gross errors once the book is published.

 

 

Right? That’s a writer’s nightmare. So what can we do about it?

 

Well, whether or not you’re on a budget, one of the best solutions is to use beta readers.

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But “what is a beta reader?” some of you may ask.

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A beta reader is a reader that gives you feedback on the finished manuscript after editing. (Usually, this step happens when you have a finished manuscript, but some may use them at an early stage of the book.)

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A Beta Reader is not an editor, but his/her work truly helps. The beta reader will identify the holes in the plot, the lack of depth in your characters or typos in your book. Beta readers will pretty much tell you if you bored them to death in a chapter or with a character and if typos hurt their eyes.

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The author then adjusts the manuscript to fit the recommended changes before it is published to the world.

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The beta readers come in handy, especially in self-publishing.

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Why do we call them beta readers?

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Ah! I did ask myself this question… Yep! that’s my nerdy side!

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The term is actually borrowed from the beta version of a software that some users will evaluate before its release to the market.

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Why do you need beta readers?

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Most writers can create anticipation early in their books, but later forget to deliver on the expectation. The Beta readers help in pointing out the story’s areas of development and in providing constructive feedback.

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We may describe the events in a way that it is clear in our minds. Unfortunately, what is clear to us isn’t always to our readers. The beta readers are indeed readers and not mind readers so that’s why it’s important to use beta readers. You will then revise accordingly to ensure your message is clear.

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Sometimes the writer does not develop the characters in his or her books thoroughly. This makes the characters less convincing (even boring). The readers does not care and that’s when the writers fail. You want your beta readers to tell you this and not your readers.

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We also always need a fresh pair of eyes to spot spelling errors, typos, or awkward sentences. It seems obvious, but this work should be completed prior to the book’s release to the public.

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Another benefit that comes with using beta readers is that they give you a detailed report of their responses. Most of them also make notes in the text and give reactions specific to the given section.

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The good thing is that you do not have to pay all your beta readers to go through your manuscript. You could exchange the favor with other writers like yourself. Now, it’s not my preference, but if you are pressed for time and need feedback from someone with an editing background or a reader who has read many books in your genre, you can always use paid services. Some will say you should never pay for this service and some will tell you it’s the best way to get constructive feedback. As always, do what’s best for you.

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To get some really beneficial responses that you can work on, get at least two or three beta reads. It is obvious that the responses will be different. It’s important to compare notes to see if there is a trend. This should not worry you at all as they come from independent minds.

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 Are beta readers similar to a critique group?

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Several writers have a group of critique writers with whom they give feedback to each other’s books in a group setting. Many people love the critique groups as they get quality feedback on their work. However, this is not the same as having a beta reader. The beta readers work as individuals.

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The beta reader reads the whole manuscript and develops a personal opinion and a personal response to it. This response is not influenced by any other party. The good thing is that the opinion developed by a reader is very authentic. That’s also why you need several beta readers.

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How do you get a beta reader?

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[tweet_dis]Getting good beta readers is not a walk in the park, but it’s worth the effort.[/tweet_dis] One of the best areas to find them is on social media, but you need to spend some time there and get to know them before asking for such a big favor. Goodreads, Wattpad, LinkedIn or Facebook to only name a few have groups you can use to contact Beta Readers.

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I would avoid using friends or family members unless they have either a Creative Writing background or read many books in your genre. You should have at least a Beta Reader who will represent your readers and one who can provide constructive feedback on your writing, plot, pacing and characters. If you can find someone who can do both – you’ve hit the jackpot!

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You may have to experiment on the readers before you settle down on a core group to handle your manuscripts. [tweet_dis]Beta reading is not casual reading for fun. It is a dedicated process where the reader sacrifices time to do YOU a favor.[/tweet_dis] So keep this in mind. Always be considerate and never forget to thank them and return the favor.

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In order to get quality feedback, allow the beta readers lots of time, provide clear instructions and set expectations. Ask them what format they prefer (paper or e-Book). Depending on their schedule, it may take different lengths of time to read the manuscript from beginning to end. You may ask them to read chapter-by-chapter or one part at the time rather than the whole book at once.

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Even the best writers need beta readers. Getting different opinions is one of the foundations of success in the book industry. Over the years, publishers have been sending out the manuscripts to different readers before they publish the books.

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As a writer, do not think that seeking a beta reader is an admission that you do not know what you are doing. It is, in fact, the opposite. It shows that you are professional in what you do. Publishers will be able to tell if a particular book has gone through several hands before it was submitted. Never underestimate the power of beta readers and embrace it!