Be A Better Beta Reader Series: So, You Want to Be a Beta Reader...

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the different kinds of problematic beta readers you might find in your writing group. I realized afterward that not everyone knows what a beta reader is or, more importantly, how to be a GOOD beta reader. So this week, I'm taking a tiny step back to fill in those basics.

Why become a beta reader?

Support
Writing can be a lonely job. Beta reading is a way to show you respect what a writer is doing and want to see them succeed.

Reciprocation

In my experience, most beta readers are writers who trade manuscripts with fellow writers. Beta reading is an excellent way to make connection and build relationships within a writing community.

Use What You've Got

Your day job might not appreciate all those college English classes you took, your nose for typos, or the fact that can spot stilted dialogue from across the room, but my Twitter timeline is filled with authors looking for someone with just those talents!

Reading

"I can't spend the day with your crazy Aunt Millie. I've got to finish reading this." Be honest. Who among us wouldn't love a legitimate excuse to stay in and read?

What is a Beta Reader?

Simply put, a beta reader is someone who reads a finished manuscript prior to publishing and provides feedback to the author. Beta readers serve as a sample audience, helping the author step out of her own head and see her story from another perspective. Many common problems--flat characters, plot holes, inconsistencies, etc--are more easily spotted by fresh eyes.

There's more to beta reading than the ability to read and enjoy a good story, however. Beta readers must be able to look critically at a story and analyze exactly what it is that they like or dislike about it. To this end, a beta reader must be

• attentive to details
• knowledgeable about aspects of storytelling
• able to express themselves clearly

Beta Reader Basics:

Many people have written about this topic. I'll share some links to articles and posts I found most helpful. Here's what I've learned in my experiences as a writer and a beta reader:

Communicate clearly.
Make sure you understand exactly what kind of feedback the author needs at this point. Is this an early draft or is it about to be sent off to an agent? Is the author trying to nail down characterization and plot? Or is he looking for a line edit? Having a conversation about these things before you start reading can save you both time and frustration.

Set a reasonable deadline. Let the author know how long you think it will take you to get back to him. (Keep in mind that it will take longer to read critically than it does to read just for fun.) Once you've established a timeline, stick to it. Sending a manuscript out for beta reading is stressful. Don't make the author wait on pins and needles longer than necessary!

Write clear and descriptive comments. Explain your thought process whenever possible.

Respect the author's voice.
Remember, this is not your story; don't try to rewrite the story in your style. Instead, share your thoughts and feelings about the story and allow the author to decide how your responses will influence the story.

That's not to say you can't provide an example or give a suggestion now and then. Just remember that an author's voice is what makes their story unique.

Be honest.

First and foremost, it is your job to be honest. If you see something that isn't working, you must say something about it. Ignoring or sugarcoating problems to spare an author's feelings just sets them up for embarrassment. The agents she queries aren't going to rep her just to spare her feelings.

An author who is serious about being published will thank you for being completely honest. An author who only wants you to say nice things is wasting your time. That's what parents are for. :)

Be thoughtful.
There is a difference between giving an honest critique and tearing someone apart. Make sure that your comments are accurate and useful.

Remember to point out the good stuff. Not only does the occasional happy note make the rest of the critique easier to take, comparing what works to what doesn't work is extremely helpful.

Strong beta reading is built on analysis. Think about your own perspective and biases. Draw on your vast experience as a reader to make comparisons and draw conclusions. Don't just react to the story. Dig into your reactions.

Let it go.
Finally, you have to let it all go after you submit your critique. It is ultimately up to the author to accept or reject your comments. Don't take it personally.

Super Important Beta Reader Reminder:

A finished manuscript represents months, if not years, of an author's life. It is a labor of love and often represents sacrifice and struggle. It is vitally important to respect the author/beta reader relationship. Not sure what that means? Check out this post about the ethics of beta reading.

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Helpful Links:

As promised, here are links to some of the other people who have written about beta reading. I found their posts helpful during my first beta read:

Corrine Jackson's How to Beta Read

Jami Gold's Three Tips for Being a Better Beta Reader

Diane Urban's How to Be a Great Beta Reader and Give Helpful Feedback

Have you found some excellent advice on the role of beta reader? Do you have experiences to share? Leave us a comment!

8 Beta-Reading Tips for Authors

Embarrassing to say... I never heard the term 'beta-reader' before last year when one of our group members said a Twitter follower asked her to beta-read. Being that I am the slightest bit competitive, I jumped at the chance to beta-read for an author whose blog I had found useful, Nat Russo.

Being a beta-virgin, I was a little nervous opening the manuscript document to start editing and commenting. Lucky for me, Nat was prepared and sent all his beta-readers a list of questions to consider as they read. This list helped me focus and gain confidence as I made notes and comments.

Soon after this experience, I attended the Writers' League of Texas Agent and Editors Conference. I'd had a good writing year, I was feeling more relaxed around other authors, more confident in my craft, and I was able to meet several new friends who offered to beta-swap.

Since then, I've read for three more authors; one historical fiction, one MG fantasy and one YA fantasy. I've given my book to five authors to read for me.

This is what I've learned so far:

1. Don't ask a family member to read your book. They may be avid readers and even enjoy your genre, but if they are not in the craft, then they are not beta-material.

2. Be clear about what you want from your beta-reader. Take a cue from the pro-it's okay to give your readers a list of questions or simple instructions while reading for you. They will appreciate it because the work will seem less ambiguous.

3. Grow some thick skin. The best readers are honest readers. Your manuscript will not be perfect. You want them to spot the problems before an agent or editor does. So, when the review comes back, don't panic because there are copious notes. Be happy you have a chance to fix things before finding out there is a difference between peaked and piqued or that your main character's eyes changed color four times.

4. Take a stand. Just because a reader makes a suggestion does not mean you MUST change your story. I found it useful to have several readers and then to compare their notes. If more than one person found a scene troublesome or had a problem with a patch of dialogue, then I knew it was something to put at the top of my priority list.

5. Set a due date. I suggest this because I was just recently a tad long on reading for someone else. Plus, I like to get my stuff back at a set date. It helps to keep me motivated.

6. Pick someone who likes your genre. If you didn't, it would be like taking a blind date to a Hibachi restaurant only to find out he has a fear of fire. No one will have a good time.

7. Root for your peers. I had a humbling moment. A gal I beta-read for a little while back wrote to me to tell me an agent just requested her full manuscript and that my comments and suggestions had been a big help. My first thought was not really kind-I was jealous, and for no good reason. After a few minutes to process, I realized I should feel proud of myself and of her. We both put in effort and her work is successful. I will, however, be looking for a thank you when her book gets printed *grins*.

8. Practice safe reading. Don't go sticking your manuscript just anywhere. Take time to find trusted readers. With the exception of one, I've personally met all my readers and I feel much more at ease knowing who is handling my prose.

If there is a beta, there must be an alpha, right? In my case I have several alpha-readers, those loyal souls who slog through my first drafts and still are kind enough to leave me encouraging comments. Here's a shout out to my alpha-readers!