Guest Post: Bountiful Betas: Benefits of a Beta Reader and Tips for Finding One

Bountiful Betas: Benefits of a Beta Reader and Tips for Finding One

By: Melanie Faith

Beta readers offer a fresh set of eyes on your manuscript to give insight into both what resonates with readers and what could be developed more. 

Beta readers can provide a big-picture overview. Does the plot make sense? Do the protagonist’s actions in chapter 10 make sense according to how she’s developed as a character in the previous chapters? Are there any plot holes or not enough dialogue or unrealistic dialogue? Beta readers can flag any of these concerns and more.

Beta readers may also note passages that are unclear or confusing. 

Beta readers also get to point out the meaningful passages that endear the characters to them, that make them want to fling something at the antagonist, that make them shiver in the mystery or swoon at the flirtation or laugh at the wit you’ve written.

Some beta readers are also willing to answer questions, such as if a specific chapter, passage, or character resonates for the reader. 

While most betas email or text feedback, I’ve heard of some beta readers who are open to online or phone conferencing. 

Think of a beta reader as a second (or third or fourth) opinion on your work. Like any opinion, the ultimate decision on what to change or what to keep in your manuscript is up to you. At the same time, beta readers can save authors a lot of time and frustration trying to figure out elements of our own work that can be hard to pinpoint—such as why a certain character feels flat or why a scene that started so well deflated within a few short paragraphs. 

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Great news: if you’d like to work with a beta reader, there are many ways you can connect with one. There are two options: unpaid and paid beta readers. 

You can find unpaid beta readers in many places. Have a friend or family member who reads a bunch but maybe isn’t a writer? An ideal first beta reader, right there, to offer a few sentences or even paragraphs of insightful feedback. 

A few words about non-paying betas: even though friends, family, and colleagues usually don’t expect anything in return, it’s kind (especially if your manuscript is over 50 pages or more) to offer a small treat for their time, such as: a gift card, a certificate to their favorite bookstore, or lunch. If you’re not remunerating someone for their time (and even if you do), do not expect pages upon pages of detailed feedback, which is what editors give—graciously accept however much feedback your beta has time to offer. 

Any amount of advice gives perspective and possible new ideas to strengthen your work.  

What about if your friends aren’t big readers? No problem. I’ve had students who found beta readers in creative writing classes, readings, or through writing workshops. If you’re both writers, consider offering to beta for them when they have a project ready. The literary barter system is a beautiful thing. Just give an equal measure; if you send them a 265-page novel and they send you 20 pages, make sure to critique much more of their work on other days or to offer a gift card for the extra time they’ve spent reading your work.  Agreeing on an amount of pages to swap before sending can be a great idea. 

What about if you’re not enrolled in a writing workshop or class or don’t know readers who have the time and energy to offer feedback? Again, there are numerous options. 

You could find a beta reader through social media posts (authors often post shout-outs, thanks, and links to betas, both of the non-paid and paid variety) or through other online resources, such as through review sites like Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show_tag/beta-readers  . Join free social media associated with writing, writers, publishing, or books to see whose feedback everyone is raving about. Check Acknowledgments pages in both self-published and traditionally published books as well. 

Ask writing friends and/or teachers or librarians who they would recommend or to help you network. For instance, many creative writing students have great analytical skills and would love to beta for a small fee and perhaps a recommendation for their website and social media.  

You can also do a search online to find a beta reader. There’s a variety of price points, based on such things as project length and how long they’ve been a beta reader, so check their websites’ stated rates or email to ask. 

When searching online, use keywords that match your genre, such as “beta reader for contemporary women’s fiction,” “poetry manuscript beta reader,” or “beta reading YA fantasy novella,” since most beta readers prefer to read particular genres.  

If you find a beta reader who doesn’t have a slot open at this time, ask if they have colleagues they’d recommend. 

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Whichever method(s) you use to find your beta reader, know that beta readers are a wonderful addition to your writing and editing processes, supporting both what is already written well and offering insights on what could be written with more clarity or attention to detail.