Beta Readers
I have really come to love beta readers. Luckily, I’ve had only good experiences with the ones who have read my work, and because of this, I wanted to list some things that I think make a good beta reader. Also, to remind myself of these things because I want to give back as well when I’m asked to read pages.
First, honest criticism. I think this is most important. It’s easy (at least for me) to read something and be too positive, especially if I’ve liked what I read. The thing a beta reader needs to do is look for the problems and point them out. The best way to help is to see the things that aren’t working so the writer can fix the manuscript. That being said, don’t be overly critical, of course. Just know when the writer could be doing a better job and highlight that.
I also think it’s important to point out what you like. Let the writer know what is working. It always makes me feel terrific when an improvement comment is followed by a comment on something a beta reader liked. That way, I know not only what to work on, but what I should keep.
I think it’s also important for a beta reader to either know the genre or at least like it, even a little bit. If you really hate reading a type of book, it’s not going to be very useful to beta read that type of book unless you can easily separate yourself from your dislike. I think the best beta readers come with an appreciation for the genre you’re writing in.
As for my own beta process, I’ve recently discovered a method I really like. Right now, I’m going through my first pass of editing on CLASH. As I complete a chapter, I’m sending it along to one beta reader. She reads, types in notes and sends it back. I’m not correcting issues she’s found until I make my second pass, but I’m finding her notes useful as I continue through the book so I can keep them in mind for later in the story. She found a couple of things I want to make sure I keep in mind as I edit the rest so I’m really enjoying doing it this way.
I’m also looking forward to sending it out to a couple of more people once I’ve gone through the whole thing. I really want to make this one the best it can be!
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Comments
I <3 beta reading. Fun for the reader, good for the writer. Everyone wins!
hi - new to your blog. I wrote my first YA novel this past spring and didn’t know anything about anything. Luckily, I’m a language arts teacher and had some really good teacher friends who agreed to read drafts of my book. The book eventually went through four levels of revision - and sixteen drafts - each person giving me incredible feedback/encouragement.
Now, after writting a second and third book, I know they are called Beta Readers & they continue you to blow my mind with their DEEP and on-point critiques. I really do love revising.
K.M. - Thanks for stopping by. Sixteen drafts, wow! I’m impressed.
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