What Is a Beta Reader?
A Beta Reader is asked to read an author’s work when they’ve finished their original edits, but before the professional editing has begun. They help the author handle big-picture questions regarding story, pacing, plot, character, etc. While they’re not typically looking for typos and grammatical mistakes, an author may ask them to make note of them if any jump out.
Beta reading isn’t usually for monetary gain. Typically, you’re providing feedback in exchange for being able to read the book for free. When payment enters the picture, genuine and helpful feedback can be a little harder to come by as authors worry the readers are more in it for the money than the story. Most beta readers are already fans who want to be a part of the process.
While most beta readers look at the whole picture of the work, there are some readers who are more specialized.
Sensitivity Readers: If an author is writing about a minority group that they’re not a part of, they may reach out to a reader in that group or culture who can assess if there are any glaring errors of a potentially sensitive nature.
Niche Professional Readers: Should an author be writing about a profession which they have no familiarity with, they may reach out to a reader in that field to point out any inconsistencies or mistakes.
Tips for Beta Readers
Know Your Author’s Expectations
A general “I did/didn’t like it” response isn’t going to be helpful for most authors. They’re looking for specific feedback that they can work with. Some authors may already have specific items they want you to look for as you read and comment. Prior to reading, it’s good to have a discussion with the author you’re working with about what they want from you as a reader. If they don’t automatically give you a list of things to look for, it’s okay to ask.
Read Genres You Like
Authors are writing for a target audience, an audience that knows the typical tropes of the genre, the cliches that they love and the ones that may be a little overdone. When authors look for a beta reader, they look for someone who can let them know when they’re hitting these marks or going off-center. Picking a genre you know is a win–win. You’re able to provide accurate feedback to the author and are more likely to enjoy the book you’re reading.
Take Notes
How thorough you are may depend on the guidelines you and the author have agreed upon. If they’ve provided guidelines or questions, have those out and make comments in real-time while you read. How you take notes is your choice, but be sure to make reference to a page number or a quote so the author knows exactly what you’re talking about when they begin their edits.
Provide Constructive Criticism
Even if you’re not enjoying the book, simply saying the writing is bad isn’t helpful. Try to point out specific issues with the text that could be improved upon.
Make a Note When the Story Pulls You Out
Some of the best feedback can simply be letting the author know when you’re pulled out of the story. This can be a character doing something out of character, the writing getting a little too jumbled, or just losing the plot. Whenever this happens, something’s gone wrong and the author has a place to start edits.
Beta reading, much like writing itself takes practice. The more you work on your critiques, the better you get. Pointing out the things that do and don’t work in other’s writing can also help you identify those things in your own, and make you a better writer.
By: Makayla Smith
Makayla is an Editorial Assistant at Technica Editorial
