Not all writers use beta readers, and not all writers offer their services as beta readers, but both of these things can serve as a huge help in our writing. Looking at it from the writer’s side first, it’s important to know what it is that you’d like your beta reader to do for your story, if there is anything in particular that you do want. Don’t be shy to ask if you suspect a weakness in any area.
In general, as well as glaring plot holes and so on, your beta reader will spot things like continuity problems, or hair that started out blonde and suddenly changed to auburn half way through the story. These are big deal issues for your future readers and often things that we miss because of our closeness to the story. For the same reason, we may leave out crucial descriptive passages or backstory because we know what’s going on. Beta readers could help you find typos and grammar gremlins too if that’s what you want and they’re so inclined.
When looking for beta readers, firstly look for those who enjoy reading the type of book you’ve written. A sparkly vampire book will probably not appeal to someone who thinks that Dostoevsky is the greatest thing since cream cheese. Be wary of those who are blatantly overcritical online. Some people just enjoy finding fault, and that’s not who you’re going for. Other writers generally make the best beta readers, because they know how to write, and mostly they’re kind too.
Be grateful for the service they’re offering you. Beta reading requires more than just reading a book, and all writers are busy bunnies, so giving you their precious time is a favour indeed – try and return it if you can, but even if you don’t, always appreciate it.
Don’t take all input to heart. Any critique can cut like a knife, but really make sure that you never, ever react to any of it with aggression. By the same token, you don’t have to agree with it, or implement any changes suggested if you don’t think that they fit your story or your particular writing style.
When you are the beta reader, on the other hand, always try and remain neutral when it comes to any of your personal pet peeves. We all have them, and they are most certainly not universal. Some people find particular words offensive. Others demand that NO telling at all be allowed in any tale – it must all be show, and show only.
Be kind. There are ways of critiquing that don’t have to include things like, “Your entire third chapter is a load of codswallop – delete it all!” Even if you do spot glaring and tragic errors and writing that grates on your very bones, be polite when returning your comments, while still remaining truthful.
In the end, remember that when it comes to the flesh of your story, and also your unique writer’s voice, you do not have to change any of it. Be open though, to the advice of those who don’t have a vested interest in your scribbles, and just take a deep breath or twenty, and try and take it for what it is – help.
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Lit World Interviews 
Reblogged this on Jo Robinson.
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Excellent advice. Thank you.
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Thanks for the advice. Before I read your post I thought a beta reader was some kind of computer programme. How would I find a beta reader?
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Beta tester and beta reader, everything is a beta something lol :). Good question on where to get beta readers, I know some authors ask their blog followers to do it.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Jo Robinson on Lit World Interviews with a post about Beta Reading.. a great honour with responsibilities one of which as an author is to be constructive not destructive – head over and read the whole post and please reblog from there..
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Reblogged this on jbhenry.com.
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Great advice. I love my Beta readers input on my work. We all met at evening writing courses at the adult education college and have kept in touch.
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Thanks for this post, Jo. Good idea to test the (reading) waters before publishing. Good beta readers are treasures. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Gonna reblog, this is a great post!
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Important post, thank you!!
IMO Beta readers can be invaluable, not just for their criticisms and compliments, but also for making you THINK about your work.
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Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Such wonderful advice. I wish someone had taken my comments on their book with grace. Unfortunately I commented, briefly, kindly and not in detail on one person’s work and they lost the plot at me! This is great advice to both beta readers and the authors , thank you :).
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Excellent post my friend. 🙂
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Hello Jo, great post, and so necessary for those of us passionate about writing at our highest potential. I would be lost without all the beta readers who have helped me craft my novels – and I wonder if you know of any way one goes about recruiting fresh ones? What I mean is that there are many who enjoy critiquing works-in-progress – how does one get in touch with them, would you happen to know? What I do is just ask those I think might be interested in my work to take a look – and sometimes it works out well and sometimes not….
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Excellent post. Beta readers are incredibly generous of their time and talents. I’m grateful to every one of them!
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Reblogged this on Notes from An Alien and commented:
I almost did a post today about IndieAuthorFringe; but, upon examination found it pandering to “commercial success” — However, whether you crave “success” or not, getting a bit of help from early readers can be Gold — hence, this Wonderful re-blog 🙂
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My beta readers are the writers in the group I belong to. Not only do we read to each other as we go along but we give completed manuscripts to any or all who volunteer to look at them. It is a great help and we trust their comments.
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