Beta Readers are your secret weapon to improve your next story

A beta reader is someone who reads a book manuscript to provide comments to the author. Although beta readers are neither editors or expert critics, they can assist the author enhance the work by pointing out flaws, plot holes, contradictions, or unclear portions.

Your betas should read and love novels comparable to yours on a regular basis – familiarity with your genre will allow them to point out worn-out cliches or crucial aspects lacking from your plot. Your ideal betas are essentially representative of your target audience.

The Best Beta Readers Can't Replace Editing

Although beta readers provide quality control at an earlier stage of the writing process, they should not be used to replace a professional editor.

Editing Process Stages

Typically, the writing and editing process goes as follows:

1. You go through multiple rounds of self-editing on your text.
2. When you're satisfied with it, you distribute it to a few beta readers.
3. You submit it to an editor after revising your work based on the beta reading feedback. 

If you are paying for your own edits, it is critical that you get as far as you can with your manuscript before bringing it in a professional editor. You won't spend your money (or their time) resolving minor errors that you (or a beta reader) could have identified earlier. Instead, your editor will be able to focus on polishing your manuscript for querying or publication.

Finding Beta Readers

You should search outside your personal network for the most honest, candid, and potentially valuable input. So, before you look into the rest of your possibilities, start by visiting writing communities.

A quick, and free way, is to do a Facebook search for "beta readers" and you'll find dozens of active groups of avid reads. Just be sure to post a detailed description of your book so you can make sure that you attract people who are interested in your genre. 

You can also find paid beta readers for more structured and formal feedback on Fiverr or UpWork. 

Be Clear About What You Want From Betas

You're not looking for vague feedback. You've put a lot of work into your book and you want it to be perfect before you publish here are some questions you should give to your beta to answer after finishing your story:

• Is there a natural transition from one scene to the next?
• Were you aware of any locations where information was omitted?
• Can you plainly observe the activity while reading?
• Can you plainly see the characters as you read?
• Is the dialogue natural and realistic sounding?
• Is the character growth believable?
• Which character is your least favorite, and why?
• Which section is your favorite, and why?
• Did you have a favorite and a least favorite part? What is it, and why is it important?

Finally, establish a deadline for them to offer input. You may be hesitant to do so if your beta reader is assisting you for free, out of goodwill. However, as long as you are flexible and reasonable, your beta readers will enjoy knowing when you want their feedback – and it will also help you plan ahead.