So you wrote something and know you want that something to be published. You want readers, fresh, delicious readers! But what about beta readers? What is beta reading, why do writers need it, where to find beta readers, are they any good? So many questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grab a beverage of your choice and stay a while, in this guide, I’ll explain what beta reading is, why it’s essential for horror, sci-fi, and fantasy writers (for all writers, really<\/em>), and how to find good beta readers who focus on the same goal as you do: making your story the best it can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn’t make a difference if you’re an aspiring author working on your first novel or a more seasoned author, you need real readers and real feedback for your writing, so this is a step you don’t want to skip<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n Beta reading<\/strong> is the process of having someone read your manuscript before it’s published. No need to overthink it, it’s just getting someone to read your book. When to use beta readers in your writing process is entirely up to you, but usually it is done at the final stages, before professional editing takes place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of your beta readers as your early testers, not your judges. Their job is to help you spot mistakes and\/or problems that might have slipped under your radar. So in a way, a beta reader is looking for bugs in your manuscript, reporting them to you and you decide what you do with that information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Writing feedback that beta readers typically offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta reading services should also include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A beta reader offers an honest, emotional reaction to the story<\/strong>, which is exactly what every writer should look for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason why I got into beta reading was that I have a tendency to give very detailed feedback on the books I read to my husband. The poor thing rarely reads the same books that I do, but he has to listen to my ramblings all the same. I notice details and inconsistencies in character’s actions, sometimes I get very irritated if I don’t understand the plot and pointless dialogue is just… pointless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s an unfortunate misconception that beta reading = editing. A beta reading service can include that, if the author and the beta reader so agree, but it’s not a given. A beta reader is not necessarily a proof reader, but focuses more on the big picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta reading is really more about just being a reader for the author’s story. Think early access. Writer’s look for manuscript feedback in order to convey the story in a way they intended. Thus finding an excellent beta reader can be invaluable for a writer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, let’s be honest here: you become blind to your own work at some point, no matter how experienced you are. Writers also have one advantage over the average reader: the story has lived in their head for who knows how long, so they know every point of the story inside out. They even know the stuff that isn’t written on any of the pages. The average reader or the beta reader does not have the ability to read the author’s mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your lore is confusing or if you’re writing horror and your scares aren’t that scary, your beta reader should let you know before you publish your book. A pair of fresh eyes can do wonders for your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I already touched on this subject when I talked about beta reading vs editing. Remember, your beta readers are only human, and so are you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The key to finding a good beta reader and making the most out of the beta reading service is good communication. Specificity is key here, for both the author and the beta reader. Vague directions and vague feedback serves absolutely no one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for beta readers who are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can guide your beta readers by giving them clear instructions on what you’re looking for. Or you could even list some questions that you want them to answer as they go through the task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great beta reader also understands that their opinion is just one opinion (pro tip: the author should understand this too<\/em>). That’s why it might be a good idea to get a few beta readers to read your manuscript. This ensures that you get diversified feedback, and not just an echo chamber of friends and family telling you everything is great. Opinions are just that: opinions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You as an author should preferably know what kind of feedback and communication helps and serves you the best. If you want brutal honesty, let your beta reader know. If you want honesty delivered as neutrally as possible, let your beta reader know. I can’t stress this enough: communication is key!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I’d like to say that it has never been easier to find beta readers, but then again, it might feel difficult. There’s an abundance of options. Some work for free, some don’t. It’s up to you if you decide to pay for the service or not. Just allow me to say this: if someone provides you with a service you need, consider compensating them for their time and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are just a few places where you can start looking for your next beta readers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beta reading bridges the gap between your final draft and the final version. It gives you authentic reactions and reader insight that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s a powerful way to test your story before it goes public and to fix any plot holes or mistakes that might have made their way into the final draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The right beta readers can help you turn a decent manuscript into a great one. You can also get a feel for what types of feedback and reviews might await you once your book is published (no guarantees though, because once again, we’re all individuals).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you should have a better understanding of what beta reading actually is. Finding a good beta reader is also a great way for writers to practice being able to receive feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll find beta readers that work for free and beta readers that charge for their time and expertise. So the answer is, it depends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s entirely up to you, but aim for anywhere between 2-5 to get a variety of perspectives and reactions, without getting overwhelmed yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s entirely up to you, but aim for anywhere between 2-5 to get a variety of perspectives and reactions, without getting overwhelmed yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019ve self-edited your manuscript and feel it\u2019s close to final, but before professional editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, beta readers do not have to be writers.<\/strong> Their job isn\u2019t to edit your work (unless agreed otherwise) \u2014it\u2019s to react to it as a typical reader would. An avid reader can make a great beta reader. Your beta readers are simply average readers with early access to your story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for patterns, but watch out for overly positive\/critical or very vague feedback (“It was good”). Good feedback is specific, constructive and balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you encounter conflicting opinions take note of them, but trust your gut. Again, look for patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider creating a questionnaire or a feedback from for your beta readers, so comparing the feedback you receive is easier. Some beta readers also provide you with a reader’s report (psst, this is a good sign)<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" So you wrote something and know you want that something to be published. You want readers, fresh, delicious readers! But what about beta readers? What is beta reading, why do writers need it, where to find beta readers, are they any good? So many questions! Grab a beverage of your choice and stay a while,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[13,12,6],"class_list":["post-54","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-guides","tag-beta-reader","tag-beta-reading-services","tag-what-is-beta-reading"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":104,"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions\/104"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lindasauna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Is Beta Reading?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Beta Reading vs Editing: What’s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Writers Need Beta Readers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Makes A Good Beta Reader?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Know what you need before you hire a beta reader!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where To Find Beta Readers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Final Thoughts: Don\u2019t Skip Beta Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQ: Beta Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do beta readers get paid?<\/strong><\/h3>
How many beta readers should I use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How many beta readers should I use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When should I send my manuscript to beta readers?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do beta readers have to be writers too?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do I know if feedback from a beta reader is good?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n