Beta Reader Checklist!

Writers need beta readers. Why? Because beta readers catch the little plot holes and errors we may miss, they humble us and often, their opinions and insights help our manuscripts become better. They are a huge help, and as both a writer and an editor, I encourage everyone who wishes to be published to have at least two. That isn't to say that not having beta readers means you will not be published, but there are those who write mainly for themselves. If this is you, you don't really need beta readers since you won't be sharing your work with the world.

First things first: what is a beta reader? To put it simply, a beta reader is a test audience for an unpublished work. They give feedback on your story and various elements of your story (that you ask them for specifically) from the perspective of an everyday reader, someone who might pick up your book and read it. Their feedback often helps you determine who your audience is, if the story appeals to a larger audience, if there are plot holes or things that make no sense and, most importantly, was there a point in the narrative where they wanted to stop reading and why. This information is life-changing for writers as adjusting a manuscript accordingly (as long as the feedback is helpful and actionable) can improve the readability of your work but also make it stand out, especially to agents and publishers. Keep in mind though, beta readers are not critique partners. They don't (or shouldn't) go too in-depth unless you've established that relationship. I'll say it again, they are there to give you the experience of an average reader!

Now comes the big question: how do I find a beta reader? In all honesty, you can find them pretty much anywhere. Are you in a writing circle? Ask a member. Do you use #BookTwt? Then ask your writing community. Participate in regular writing events such as conventions whether in-person or virtual? It's time to make connections! Are you a regular participant in NaNoWriMo? You can meet dozens of willing beta readers there! Are you on a critique site such as Scribophile? Just another way to build relations with other writers and find potential beta readers.

As I said before, beta readers are crucial to writers and it is important to be selective when choosing them. That doesn't mean you can't choose friends or family members but don't let your Aunt Mary who doesn't read anything other than harlequin romance tell you how to enhance your steampunk thriller. Hopefully, that makes sense to you! That being said, here are a few things to check when looking for a beta reader.

How Do You Know If They Are The Right Beta Reader For You?

1. They read in your genre. You probably don't need someone unfamiliar with your genre giving you feedback because they may not be interested in the story at all. And that can really mess with you as the writer.

2. They agree to read from a reader's perspective. They don't try and edit or alter major parts of the narrative, they read and in a way review your book before it is published.

3. They are someone who will NOT carry on about how they would've done it. I think that this is pretty self-explanatory. This type of person not only makes a terrible beta reader but also a terrible critique partner.

4. They can stick to a schedule. How many chapters can they get read in a week? Three? Four? Then set a time table to meet and discuss every week. The person you choose as a beta reader should be responsible enough to both actually read your work and give you feedback in a timely manner.

5. They don't care about your feelings. This may seem harsh but any good writer knows that sometimes the words they write make absolutely no sense, even after the second or third draft. It may sound perfectly good in your head however. That being said, some people (particularly friends and family) won't give you an honest review or any feedback they deem negative because they don't want to hurt your feelings. That is a nice sentiment but can be detrimental to writers of all ages and backgrounds.

And last but not least, it's okay to use some beta readers for one project and not for another. Your projects vary and that means that your needs will as well. Especially for those who write in multiple genres or for various audiences.

So now it's time for you to go out, build that writing community, make friends and find trustworthy betas to help you. And hopefully, you will do the same for them.

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