WRITERS AND BETA READERS

/ D.L. Finn, Author

Hi SEers! Denise here to talk about using beta readers once the story is written and given a polish.

I wrote my first couple of books with no feedback other than editing. That left a lot of work for the editor and me when I had to go back and fix things readers noticed.

You can lose readers when they are the ones who find a plot hole or blue eyes in one chapter and brown in another. Yes, an excellent editor might find the eye discrepancy, but what about the plot hole? Those little things can get passed over easily.

Beta readers differ from critique readers, who read your story in small chunks and offer suggestions, while beta readers get the complete story and can see the entire picture. I recently sent my story collection to beta readers. I have the same nervous feeling as I do when waiting for that first review. Are all those hours spent on writing, editing, and sweating over all those details enough?

Good beta readers will let you know. The more honest they are, the better for you to make your work the best.

Beta Reading Tips

  • Don’t expect the reader to be your editor. If they see a spelling or grammar issue and want to say something, great, but don’t expect them to edit.
  • Try to find readers or fellow authors to help. Offer your reading services in return to the authors and maybe a complimentary to all the readers.
  • Know what you want them to look for. Is there an area or a character that concerns you?
  • Give the readers a list of questions. Did anything confuse them? Were there any parts where they lost interest? Were the characters well-rounded? Was there any repeat or missing information? Did the beginning pull them in? How did they feel about the ending? Did the plot hold their attention? What were the strongest and weakest parts of the story?
  • Let them know your time frame and when you need it back.
  • Ask how it made them feel or not feel.
  • Make sure they enjoy reading your genre.
  • Watch for repeat comments on the same issue. That is an area that needs your close attention when a pattern appears.
  • Choose the number of readers that suit you. I’ve used between two and five and found all those fresh eyes offered something new.
  • Once you find a reader that works well with you, keep them!
  • Comments should be constructive, not negative. It’s also nice to get some positive feedback too. It boosts morale.
  • Ask readers to either highlight areas that concern them or take a screenshot to show you, depending on their format.
  • Don’t forget to thank them for helping you out! You can include that in your book too.
  • If you prefer, you can hire a professional, but I’ve found that our writing community is always ready to help. All you need to do is ask people you have established a writing relationship with.
  • Wait until you have all your beta suggestions back before you make any changes.
  • Focus on what the readers want you to change over suggestions on how to do it. They may have excellent ideas that work, but the rewrite has to be in your voice.

What about you? Do you use Beta readers, and have they helped you?

88 thoughts on “WRITERS AND BETA READERS”

  1. I have used both and each have something to offer. I like the idea of having a list of questions. As both a beta reader and critique partner, I believe in positive feedback along with constructive advise. We all love what we have written and it’s hard to have negative feedback, but it goes a long way when your beta readers/critique partners have something that they particularly like. Great post, Denise.

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  2. Hi Denise, Beta readers are certainly helpful. I sent my latest book to a few people to read and they came back with a few small editorial comments. Things both me and my editor had missed. It was also wonderful to get their thoughts on the book. There is a lot of support and help to be found in the writing community. It is just so much nicer than the corporate environment which I’m liking less and less lately.

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  3. Never used a beta reader–or editor, for that matter. I can see advantages, but I’m confident I fix plot holes or continuity problems at the outlining stage. Thanks for a great post, D.L. Finn.

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  9. This is an interesting look at a subject I’ve never explored, Denise. I’ve never used a beta reader. I use an outline to avoid plot holes and such. But the way you break it down, has me considering using a beta reader for one of my current works in progress.

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    • Thanks, Beem 🙂 I’ve had some really good catches from beta readers. If a part seems off or whatever you are looking for or concerned about another set of eyes may spot it.

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  12. D.L. Thanks. You rock.
    …I think WP has made it so complicated to log in on phone to reply. I tried a number of times and almost gave up. 😮‍💨 Not your fault.
    May I ask, please, D.L: critique groups are amazing. And Betas TOO! They come to know the story & storyline so well. They’re so helpful. 👏 💕 so crucial for tightening a good story 💗
    But for poetry… how does that work? Each poem is an entire story. The collection will have a common theme. But! Does the writer need to explain each poem to Betas to get the storyline across? I’m lost. I’m ‘wishing’ for Betas to help me with my current poetry project. How does this work? Please help me. Thanks a million beforehand. Xo

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    • Hi Selma 🙂 Sorry you had issues responding. I agree betas and critique groups are invaluable for stories. I use both and get help on different levels. That’s a great question. I never have used a beta reader for poetry books before, but I would imagine having fellow poets who you are comfortable with could offer helpful comments. Unless you are going to explain the story of the poetry to the readers, I would leave it as you want it to be. I know putting it together is a challenge and maybe some insight on that could be another option. You actually have me considering beta readers for poetry books. It is an interesting idea, Thank you!

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  13. Hi, Denise!

    I couldn’t post the comment on your blog, so here it is. Great article and checklist, Denise. Thanks for posting this. At some point, I’ll be needing some Beta readers. I wish I’d had some for my other books.

    Blessings! Patty

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    • Thank you, Patty 🙂 I wish the very same thing about some of my past books too. Beta readers give so much valuable insight and comments. Xo

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  14. How wonderful you met her in a bookclub, Teri. You know she loves books. It is a gift to find someone who can give constructive criticism and have ideas too. It’s so nice to recognize those who offer so much support and help. Thanks!

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  15. I’ve used the same beta reader for my last two books. I met her in book club, and she’s wonderful at giving constructive criticism, ideas, etc. – and she also picks up on grammar sometimes. I’ve mentioned her in acknowledgements and given her complimentary copies of both books. Beta readers can be invaluable. Great post, Denise!

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  16. I’ve never used a beta reader (I use critique partners) but I have been a beta reader a number of times for other authors. I’m always glad to help in that manner and hope they’ve found my suggestions and comments helpful. I know a number of authors who rely on beta readers. This is a great list for both authors looking for a beta readers and for readers wondering what might be expected of them as one.

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    • Critique partners are extremely helpful too, Mae 🙂 I’m always glad to do a beta read when I can and also hope my comments help them. Thanks!

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  17. Great post, Denise! I’ve worked with critique readers and betas and found them invaluable. The critique readers can spot an issue early on and I can nip it in the bud without an extensive re-write. My beta readers are wonderful and give full (and frank) feedback! Your list is a brilliant idea and one that I shall adopt – many thanks! x

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  18. Thank you, Denise. One lesson I’ve learned in the last couple of years (perhaps this is obvious, and I’m just a slow learner) is I don’t ask close friends to serve as beta readers. One wonders why you don’t hear back from them after a certain length of time. Do they think the story is garbage, and they’re afraid to hurt our feelings? How do I check in without being that pesty friend who harasses his friends to get involved in Amway? Then, when you ask, the answer is something like, “Oh, I meant to get to this sooner, but I’ve been really busy.”

    I follow through when I say I’m going to do something, but I’m not willing to lose my best friends, who may have pressing matters I’m unaware of.
    Fellow authors are much more reliable and able to give timely constructive criticism. They understand the writer doesn’t want feedback six months or a year from now.

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    • I had the same experience with close friends, Pete. I never did get any feedback. But with other authors, you are so right, they understand what we care looking for and when. I was one who learned many things the hard way, but at least I learned.

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  19. Thanks so much for these great tips, Denise. I’ve always done it a bit differently, but am planning to make some changes in that regard. You’ve given me some solid ideas how I should go about this. Super post!

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  21. I’ve had the same two beta readers for years–my daughter and my good writing friend, Julia Donner/M.L.Rigdon. They know me well enough to be blunt and honest with me. If I’ve dropped the ball somewhere, they let me know. My writing’s better because of them.

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    • You are very lucky for that bluntness, Judi. It certainly helps improve a story. My daughter has done many beta reads for me too and it helps they know us so well.

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  23. This is such a great post about the benefits of beta readers. I’m always happy to do it for authors when I can carve out the time. And the other benefit for the beta readers is they get to read a great story first! 🙂 It’s like being a member of an exclusive club. Love the tips, Denise.

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    • Thanks, Jan 🙂 You point out another benefit of beta reading, getting to see the new stories first. I like your comparison of being in an exclusive club!

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  25. I always use beta readers. I get the best feedback from those who are honest in their appraisal. The only thing I would add here is that beta readers need time. I always give at least six weeks and more if possible. When asking for beta readers, I state the time factor upfront so that there are no surprises. Too often, I’m asked to be a beta reader and then realize I must put in a full-time read to meet the deadline. So yes, beta readers should be given a timeline as you point out, but I’m suggesting that it be longer rather than shorter. Super post.

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    • Very good point, John about time. I try to give a month, but six weeks is even better. A deadline is so helpful when planning the read around a busy schedule. I have no problem if someone can’t do it either if life gets too busy. I always appreciate the offer. I’m with you, honesty is invaluable in the process and can really improve a story.

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  26. I always use beta readers, Denise. It’s super helpful when they’re willing to be honest. I find that some beta readers are nervous about giving criticism and some authors don’t want to hear it. Finding a beta-reading relationship that works is wonderful. Personally, I don’t care about compliments. What I really really want to know is what’s NOT working. That’s a gift to a writer. And a great list of tips – all of them!

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  27. I’ve not used beta readers before; they weren’t a “thing” when I went to school. That said, finding someone who could give straight-up reader response would be worth its weight in gold. As your discussion points out, a mutual understanding between the writer and the beta reader of what type of feedback would be most helpful at this stage of the work-in-progress would be the key to a successful beta reading process.

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    • I didn’t know about beta readers when I started writing either, Liz. I wished I had it would have saved me a lot of work later. To find someone who is honest and cares about your story is priceless. I try to approach each read I do the very same way.

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  29. Excellent points, Denise. I share the rough manuscript with a couple of close friends and ask for their reactions. I’ve always found their critical assessments and comments very helpful to the development of the story. Your list is right-on!

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  37. My beta reader and I connected on a writing blog’s comments – at least ten years ago. I send her a Chapter at a time, and she sends me some feedback or questions, and we chat back and forth about a couple.

    I love it when she likes something – and immediately gets why I did what I did.

    I wouldn’t dream of putting anything out until she’s seen it – and called me an evil woman (I’m hard on characters we both love). She says she’s on board for the third book in my mainstream trilogy, and I don’t see how – a second little one is now on the way (she was single when we started this dance). Amazing young woman. Some day I’ll try a book of our exchanges to show how they worked. I have every word she’s ever written to me.

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    • That’s so wonderful you found someone who works so well with you, Alicia. Smart to keep all the comments too. Helps you see the issues that are repeated. Nice she is invested in the characters, even with all her obligations of a family. Speaks well of your writing relationship.

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  39. Thanks for this comprehensive list for beta readers, Denise. It helps to keep things on track and specific. Love it.
    I’ve found some people are terrible at giving feedback while others have a knack for it. Finding that fit is a gift. And a list such as this only makes that easier.
    Thanks for sharing 💕🙂

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    • Thanks, Harmony 🙂 Yes, it does help pull out the information you are looking for. I agree some can a knack for beta reading while others don’t. I approach it as a reader and the little things I notice that catch my eye. Yes, hang on to those who can give good feedback.

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  41. I agree with you 100%, Denise.
    Whilst a fellow author and I exchange chaptersm which is very useful, it doesn’t replace beta readers who see the whole story for the first time. Obviously, I repay them by beta reading their work. One has recently sent me a completed draft and a list of questions, but it isn’t as comprehensive as yours. I’ll be using that as a guide next time people beta read for me. Thank you,

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    • Thanks, Sarah :). Yes it is completely different to read the whole story at once. It shows what does and doesn’t work. I always appreciate questions to answer but I always write down any impressions I get along the way too when beta reading. I try to cone up with a set of questions for my beat reads too depending on what I am looking for. It sure helps!

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  43. These are good points on getting the best from beta readers, Denise. I used a process much like what you’ve described for my most recent book, and found it quite effective. Having a list of questions is helpful. And if several readers note a specific issue with the story, that’s definitely the one to look at carefully!

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    • Thanks, Audrey. Glad it worked so well for you. It’s the tiny things we miss that new eyes spot and it makes their help so invaluable. I won’t skip this process again.

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