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Why You Need a Beta Reader

A beta reader is an individual who reads an unpublished manuscript and provides feedback to the author on whether or not the book as a whole is working. You can think of a beta read as a manuscript evaluation from the point of view of a reader. This is a 30,000-foot view of the manuscript, entirely separate from the book's eventual marketability.


As you might imagine, the quality and practical helpfulness of the feedback is directly proportional to the beta reader's identity!


Many ask friends and family—your inner circle—when there's no financial ability to pay for the service. But this exchange is unlikely a true beta read.


These readers may not be truly committed (or qualified*) to helping you. They may also be afraid to deliver the critical feedback a writer needs from the reader perspective.


Such an exchange helps no one.


Similarly, you can find individuals advertising their services on Fiverr and Upworks and other similar sites for ridiculously low amounts of money.


Buyer beware: you usually get what you pay for. How close a read, and how thorough an editorial letter, can you expect to get at a "bargain" rate of $100 for 70k words?


Quality beta readers need to be able to explain to you, clearly and with authoritative examples and improvement suggestions, what works in your draft and why, and what does not work in your draft and why.


If this sounds like a fun size candy bar version of a developmental edit, that's because, in a way, it is just that.



Image: man reading a book


If you can afford to, pay for a professional beta reader.


Communicate with them to make sure it's a good fit. Understand the contract they'll have you sign—it protects both parties.


Beta readers are invaluable for pinpointing holes in a narrative, confusing plot points, unnecessary or wooden characters. Best of all, they can offer you clear direction on where you need to focus your self-editing. If your topic is tricky or triggering, such readers are doubly important to hire if you're serious about reaching an audience.


*No educational certification exists for beta reading. Being qualified means the beta reader reads wisely, reads a lot, and knows the genre well. The ability to respond intelligently with specific positive and negative examples and suggestions is a must have. And a genuine commitment to helping the manuscript succeed is a no brainer.




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