Monica Cox

This article was originally published in WriteOn! Spring 2023 edition

Beta readers are an important part of a writer’s revision process. After we draft and revise a manuscript, our characters and story worlds become a part of us. As a result, it can be difficult to recognize when important elements haven’t made it onto the page for the reader. Here is where a beta reader—an early reader acting as a stand-in for your eventual target reader—can help.

Despite the number of people in your book club or social circle offering to read your manuscript, be selective when choosing beta readers. You want actionable feedback. For instance, your mom might be an avid reader, but she’s going to tell you everything you do is wonderful. If you want an ego boost, send your manuscript to her. But if you want constructive criticism to improve your craft, you must be more discerning.

Other writers make great beta readers, and here at WFWA you are in the perfect position to find betas. Offer a manuscript swap in a critique group or follow up with a workshop member who responded well to your story. You can also ask around in other writing groups or approach your local librarian—they may have recommendations or staff members versed in your genre willing to read and give feedback. There are also beta reading services where you can pay to have your manuscript read and receive a compiled feedback report.

To make the most of your beta read, ask your readers specific questions about areas of concern in your manuscript (you know what they are). Some sample questions to ask your beta readers include:

• When did you put the book down?

• Is character X believable?

• Are the stakes clear?

• When did you feel the pace lagging?

• Was the climax inevitable?

• Does the story fulfill the promise of its premise?

• Where were you confused?

Two beta readers are good, three are better so you can break any ties. Two writer friends beta read a recent manuscript of mine and both circled the same paragraph. One loved it. One hated it. Another example of how reading is subjective!

Once you receive your beta reader feedback, look for patterns. You don’t have to, and probably shouldn’t, make every change they suggest, but you should look hard wherever they are pointing out a similar issue or passage. Be open to their feedback. Read all the comments, put them away, then return a few days later. Once you have a chance to digest the feedback, use their responses to make your story, and ultimately your craft, stronger.

We all want beta readers to tell us our manuscripts are perfect, ready to pitch or send to our agents, but use this opportunity for a fair read by your ideal reader. We want to send our best work into the world, and beta readers help us do that.