You need honest feedback before publishing, but you’re unsure about how to find beta readers for your book. I’ve got you covered! (Psst, if you’re new here, make sure you read this post about what beta reading is.)
Maybe you’re writing horror that sends chills down the reader’s spine, or perhaps a sci-fi story with linguistic elements, or you’re so bummed about Game of Thrones that you’ve decided to write the next best thing. No matter the case, this much is clear: you need honest feedback before publishing.
In other words, yes, you should get a beta reader, and this post will tell you how to find beta readers!
Finding the right beta reader can validate what you already know: that your story is good. But likewise, your beta reader should be able to spot any mistakes, plot holes, inconsistencies and parts that just don’t hit the intended spot. But this is where it gets a bit more complicated, and you might be unsure about hiring a beta reader: not all feedback is helpful. The wrong beta reader might give you feedback that is too vague or even untrue, they might discourage you by being overly critical or nit-picky, or they might be trying to overstep into an editor’s role.
So in this post, you’ll learn:
- What a beta reader actually is (and isn’t)
- Where to find beta readers for your book
- The 7 traits of a great beta reader
- Red flags and what to avoid
- How to prepare before sending your manuscript
Let’s get right into it.
What Is a Beta Reader?
A beta reader is someone who reads your unpublished manuscript and provides feedback from a reader’s perspective. Think Youtube reaction videos but remove the exaggerated, over-the-top performances. A beta reader is a reader who gets early access to your work and report their honest reaction to the author.
Think of them as your test audience. They can give you honest, constructive feedback on the plot, pacing, characters, dialogue, overall first impressions and reactions, you name it.
A good beta reader will tell you:
- Where they were hooked to the story/character/plot twist
- If they got confused during certain parts
- Which characters they loved, hated or forgot about
- Did the characters do anything that felt out of character
- Was the plot too predictable or if the twist felt plausible
- Whether they felt bored, hooked, or emotionally affected
Vague feedback helps no one, so your beta reader should always be able to give you reasoning behind their thinking. It doesn’t have to be too deep or complicated, but when you know the reasons why your beta readers felt something wasn’t working, it’s easier for you to fix the problems before you publish your book.
What a Beta Reader Isn’t
There’s a lot of confusion about the role of a beta reader online. It seems to me that both the writers and the beta readers can go wrong, so clear communication is absolutely necessary to ensure that the beta reading phase is a success and actually helps you and your story.
- They are not editors, so their job is not to proof read, fix grammar, typos or rewrite your work.
- They are not mentors or story consultants, so if you need a writing coach, hire one!
- They are not guaranteed to be your target audience, so remember that your beta reader’s reaction is just that: a single reaction to your story
Some beta readers may try to give you suggestions for rewrites. Some authors may like that. Another writer wants the beta reader to just read and submit a reader’s report. Some beta readers may feel like they want to do more.
Do you see how there are many ways this could lead to confusion, collision and conflict? This is why it is critical to set clear expectations and go through the roles before starting the process, and in order to find the right beta reader for your manuscript.
Where to Find Beta Readers
There are many ways to find beta readers for your horror, sci-fi or fantasy book. Here are the most effective places to look:
1. Writing Communities and Forums
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/BetaReaders and r/DestructiveReaders
- Absolute Write, Scribophile, Critique Circle
- It might help if you’re ready to swap critiques. Don’t just take cookies from the jar, put some new cookies into the jar!
2. Facebook Groups
To make the most out of Facebook groups, search with specific keywords, such as “beta readers and authors”, “horror authors and readers”.
Remember to read the rules of each group before posting, and also, read the room. Don’t be a spammer.
3. Twitter/X and Instagram
There are multiple ways you can use X and Instagram to find beta readers. You can post your own content (snippets and samples, WIPs, calls for beta readers). You can also use and search targeted hashtags.
Remember that you can also utilize your stories!
Post snippets, WIPs, or calls for beta readers using hashtags like:
Pro tip: Always, and I mean ALWAYS, include your genre in your posts. It helps everyone and saves a lot of time and trouble.
4. Beta Reading Services
If you want to skip the uncertainty and avoid low quality, or even worse, ghosting, you can hire a beta reader who is interested in/specializes in your genre. It may be tempting to find free beta readers, and they can be great as well if you find the right fit. But I strongly recommend that you think about this: when someone helps you out by using their time and skills on your project, consider compensating them for their efforts. The benefits of paid beta reading services include:
- Clear expectations, professionalism and good communication
- Detailed, honest feedback
- You both understand that the goal is to ensure that your book is the best it can be
- You’ll know what you get and when you get it (faster turnaround times, yay)
Just make sure that you communicate your expectations well and get a feel for the beta reader’s feedback style. It is important that you communicate well.
Pro tip: when money changes hands, there’s skin in the game. No more vague, empty words, time for real feedback!
5. Your Email List or Newsletter
If you have an email list (which you should have), you can invite your audience to become your beta readers. Your subscribers are already interested in you and your works, so they just might be the next best beta readers for you. Don’t overlook this opportunity, especially if you have a list with high engagement. Perhaps you’ll find beta readers from your own list.
7 Traits of a Great Beta Reader
Here’s some more tips on how to find high-quality beta readers:
1. They Read (and Enjoy) Your Genre
This is non-negotiable. A horror writer won’t benefit much from feedback by someone who only reads romance. But remember: an average reader can and will do just fine, as long as they understand the role of a beta reader and are able to give honest, constructive feedback with clear, understandable reasoning behind their thinking.
2. They’re Honest but Constructive
Sugar coating is bad, but being overly critical or nit-picky isn’t good either. You want someone who can tell you when something isn’t working and why it isn’t working, without being mean or cruel.
Look for readers who can balance critique with encouragement. And stay away from beta readers who only feed you vague feedback!
3. They Notice The Details and Ask Questions
A good beta reader won’t just give random opinions. They read actively, notice little details and ask questions that challenge you to think deeper about your story and your decisions during the writing process. Remember: your beta reader can’t see the story that lives inside you, they can only read what ends up on the paper. This leads to stronger revisions and more clarity in your manuscript.
So instead of just saying “It was okay” or “This didn’t work for me”, a good beta reader may ask a questions such as “What’s at stake in this scene?”
4. They Follow Through
Look for someone who commits to your timeline and delivers on their promises. You don’t have time for flaky beta readers or ghosters. It’s a total waste of time for everyone involved.
5. They Know How to Give Feedback
Not everyone is good at articulating what worked or didn’t. You want someone who’s thoughtful and specific—“This scene felt rushed because…” is more useful than “I didn’t like this part.”
The more specific the feedback is, the better. Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions if you need more clarifications.
6. They’re Not Too Close to You
Friends and family are probably the worst beta readers you can get, unless you’ve been blessed with a hidden gem who can separate your personal bond from the task.
They don’t want to hurt your feelings and they want nothing more than to cheer you on. This is why their compliments can actually hurt you.
Your readers are likely to be strangers anyway, so try to find beta readers that aren’t too close to you.
7. They Respect Your Vision
A good beta reader gives feedback within the story you’re trying to tell. They don’t try to rewrite it into their version. They trust you as the writer and understand that they can’t see the vision you have within you.
What to Avoid in a Beta Reader
The wrong beta reader can hurt and slow down your progress.
1. Genre Mismatch
Someone who doesn’t understand horror pacing or sci-fi worldbuilding will likely misinterpret your creative choices. And let’s be real: epic fantasy stories are boooooring to those who don’t enjoy the genre.
2. Vague Feedback
If a beta reader says, “It was good,” and nothing else, that’s not helpful. Look for thoughtful, articulate beta readers who have more to say and aren’t afraid to voice their opinions and the reasoning behind them.
3. Overly Critical or Harsh Tone
Some beta readers justify being mean by telling that they are just “brutally honest”. Feedback should challenge and question you, yes, but it should never be personal or discourage you.
4. Trying to Rewrite Your Book
Some suggestions and ideas here and there are fine, but it’s a major red flag if your beta reader is constantly telling to “do this instead”. The beta reader is not your editor, mentor or story consultant. And they most definitely aren’t your ghostwriter either. Your beta reader should trust your vision and respect the fact that you are the writer, not them.
5. Disappearing Midway
Life happens, but beta readers that are more slippery than a fish straight out of a river are a waste of your time. Good communication is, once again, the key here: agree on deadlines and check-ins, and then follow through with them.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Beta Reader
Now that we’ve looked at the good and bad qualities of a beta reader, and perhaps you’ve manged to find beta readers that seem like a good fit, let’s look at some questions you can ask before choosing a beta reader and handing over your manuscript.
- Do you like reading, how often do you read?
- What genres do you usually read?
- Are you familiar with [insert your genre]?
- What kind of feedback do you give (big picture, line notes, etc.)?
- Can you commit to reading by [insert deadline]?
You can also send them a sample chapter to see how they respond before giving them the full book. This will help you both decide if you are a good fit to work together.
Build Long-Term Beta Reader Relationships
The best beta readers are the ones who stick with you long-term. When you find a good match:
- Thank them personally
- Give them a referral if you know someone who could use their services
- Credit them (if they’re open to it)
- If your beta reader is a fellow writer, offer to beta read in return
Mutual trust is the strongest building block to a long-lasting relationship that benefits you both.
If you find a keeper, keep ’em if you can!
Now Go Find Beta Readers!
Whew, that’s quite a lot to take in. Finding the right beta reader may feel like a daunting task, but if you have clear goals and expectations for your project, it shouldn’t be too difficult. Just remember to openly communicate! Don’t settle for vagueness or readers who don’t actually read.
Vet your beta readers carefully, provide clear instructions and treat the process professionally. Then, if you find the right beta reader for you, it could be the start of a long-term professional relationship that benefits you both.
Read More
What Is Beta Reading? Everything You Need To Know