The Role of Beta Readers and Critique Partners

No matter where it is you get your writing advice, one thing that is going to be repeated by most in the industry is that if you publish a book you're going to need a beta reader.

It doesn't matter if you are self-publishing your novel or looking to publish it traditionally, beta readers are an integral part of novel writing that you should include in your writing process.

Read on to find out what a beta reader is and how they can elevate you in your writing journey. 

Understanding Beta Readers

A beta reader is an individual who reads your manuscript while it is still unpublished in draft form and provides you feedback from a reader's perspective. They are not there to edit your work or make corrections, they are simply acting as the first readers of your novel before it gets into the hand of someone who has paid for your book. 

Beta readers can be friends, fellow writers, members of the writing community, or hired from a service. 

Your beta reader will be able to offer you insights on plot, pacing, character development, and your overall story telling you which bits if any need improvement from their perspective to get it to five-star material. 

Choosing the Right Critique Partners 

I'm sorry to say it, but your mom is not going to make a good beta reader. (Sorry Mom!) You need someone who will remain objective about your novel. You need detailed analysis and feedback, not praise for a job well done no matter what your story faults are. 

Whoever is going to be your beta reader should understand that you are building a partnership built of trust, respect, and commitment. 

It's also important when selecting beta readers to consider their genre preferences - if they don't like horror books - they probably won't like yours no matter how well it's written - but this isn't always the case as I'll mention later. 

Honesty and Constructive Feedback 

The feedback you get from your beta reader should be honest, constructive, and more importantly specific. If they read your book and can only say they liked it or didn't like it - this isn't at all helpful to you. 

You need a reader who will -  for lack of a better term destroy your book. 

Give them a copy of your book and a pack of highlighters, a few pens - and let them put all of the thoughts they have in their head while they are reading down in the margins of your pages. Remember they are not attacking you, they are doing exactly what you want them to do so if they cross out a whole page of your novel with the words CRINGE written in big bold sharpie (which I had not included with the book, but she felt it was in dire need of it.) Don't get disheartened, they are there to point out the strengths and weaknesses of your novel and what works and doesn't work.  

Multiple Perspectives

Readers come from all backgrounds, experiences, and preferences so your beta readers should too as to give you diverse and rounded insight and understanding of your novel. One of my beta readers has only ever read my horror works because that's what she loves, but when I asked her if she would be willing to read my upcoming romance novel, she was excited to see if I could bring the same tension and intrigue to a romance novel to keep her interested when she normal would snooze off.  

Receiving and Implementing Feedback 

Two things are dire for you to remember when it comes to feedback given to you by your beta readers. 

You need to approach and receive feedback with an open mind and a willingness to accept when a suggestion will help you improve your work. 

and 

Just because it was suggested doesn't mean you have to implement it. 

If you give your novel to ten readers and nine of them tell you they loved the plot twist and it was perfectly executed, but you have one person that says it was predictable and they saw it coming from the first chapter. Then it's up to you to decide if you need to make changes. Talk with this reader about what it was that gave it away so soon and decide from there if it's a suggestion to take action on. 

You can't please everyone as books aren't always perfect or a one size fits all thing. 

Effective Communication 

When sharing your work with your beta readers make sure to establish guidelines and expectations. 

Don't be hounding them every day asking them if they have finished reading your novel yet, that's just rude.

Before letting them loose upon your book make sure you establish what specific aspects you would like them to focus on whether it be plot, character development, dialogue, or pacing. Also, establish a general timeline for when feedback should be received. Two weeks should be the minimum especially if they have other responsibilities as your real readers might such as jobs or children. 

Express Your Gratitude 

Whether your beta reader praised your work or not, be respectful and grateful to them. They are there to help you and in no way are purposely finding fault in your work. So DO NOT lash out at them if you don't like what they had to say, it's your choice to implement the suggestions or not. All they are doing is telling you what they think will improve your story for a reader like them. 

If your beta reader was a fellow writer offer to read one of their works in thanks, or if your reader was a friend or family, express your gratitude with a small meal, or their favorite snacks. 

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Beta readers are a significant part of the writing journey for new authors and seasoned authors alike. Use their feedback to grow your novel into the best that it can be. 

Best of luck and get back to writing while you wait for your feedback.

You have more stories to tell. 

With love, 

B. King xo ox

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