All blog postsInsights from the Frontlines
Ever wondered what it takes to become a trusted beta reader for authors? I reached out to one of my experienced (and favourite!) beta readers (@bethgreenbooks) to shed light on the process, responsibilities, and rewards of this crucial role in the writing community.
How did you first become interested in becoming a beta reader for authors?
I was lucky enough to join a local SFF writing group that focuses on respectful critique. As a writer myself, I understand how crucial it is to get feedback from beta readers. I then expanded to beta read for other authors all around the world as opportunities became available.
How do you typically find authors who are seeking beta readers for their manuscripts?
My Instagram connections are my main source for finding authors looking for beta readers. I am careful to only pick projects that sound like a good fit for me, though I have occasionally taken on other genres when someone I previously beta read for then referred their author friend to me.
Can you share any tips for aspiring beta readers on how to get started in the role?
Connect/engage with authors you want to read for. Know yourself as a reader and ask critical questions of the project. Pick wisely based on genre, writing style, content triggers, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask for a small sample if you aren’t sure it’s the right fit for you. You will not be a good beta reader for an author if their work does not interest you. Don’t overcommit and communicate promptly when/if something changes in your circumstances that prevents you from following through on your promise to beta read.
What qualities do you believe are important for a successful beta reader?
Attention to detail, kindness, respect, and specificity!
What is the process like for beta reading a manuscript? Do authors usually provide specific guidelines or expectations?
Most authors do (and should) provide some basic guidelines for how you will receive the manuscript, how you will provide feedback and what kinds of comments they are looking for. Sometimes it is a list of questions up front, a feedback form after completion, or sharing an online read-only doc where you can make comments directly into the pages. Some authors are grateful for line edits (pointing out a confusing sentence and offering an alternative) while other authors just want high level feedback on theme, plot, characters, etc.
How do you approach providing feedback to authors after beta reading their manuscript? Do you have any strategies for delivering constructive criticism?
Authors are looking for you to point out any sections that sound confusing, plot holes, etc, but you should comment on these things in a kind, respectful, and constructive way. Balancing negative feedback with positive encouragement is very important. If a humorous moment made you laugh out loud, a plot twist or cliffhanger hooked you to keep reading, or if there was a moment that warmed your heart, make sure you comment and say what exactly you connected with. In contrast, when/if your kneejerk reaction is “I don’t like that” piece of dialogue, plot twist, character, etc. I recommend you take time to figure out what is bothering you, what you expected to happen instead, etc. Don’t write feedback that tells the author how to write the book differently, but provide your feelings and reactions alongside why you felt that way, based on prior behavior of the character or an expectation you had based on prior events. That might point out an inconsistency to the author that they need to address.
Have you encountered any challenges or difficulties while beta reading for authors? If so, how did you overcome them?
Not often, but I have sometimes had a second email exchange or video chat with an author to clarify a piece of my initial feedback that they found confusing. If I have a chance to respond to their reaction to my feedback, I often can reword my comments in a way that makes things clearer to them. I typically contact the author when I am finished (separate from any online form they require) to say thank you for the opportunity to beta read, to apologize up front for any comments where tone of my comments might have accidentally sounded blunt, and to offer that they contact me any time in future to discuss my feedback in more detail or to clarify my comments.
What do you enjoy most about being a beta reader? Are there any rewarding aspects of the role that stand out to you?
As an author myself, I need beta readers for my own work. I know how critical it is to have other people point out areas for improvement. We authors can picture everything and we love our characters, but if the writing on the page didn’t bring that dream to life, we need to get back to work until it does. I love helping other authors. I love reading an ARC and seeing the changes and improvements from that beta round draft I got to read. I squeal with delight at new interesting scenes or just seeing some rough edges smoothed out. It is rewarding to know that my feedback helped turn a solid draft into an amazing finished product!
Can you share any advice for authors on how to effectively work with beta readers and make the most of their feedback?
Dear brave and creative authors, please provide a polished version of your story to your beta readers. I know you will send it to an editor later, I don’t care about the occasional typo, and I’m not the comma police, but the manuscript you share needs to be as clean as possible (grammatically and in terms of digital format) so readers can get into an easy flow of reading and know your general writing style. Please also provide a realistic timeframe for readers to read and comment. Some authors have shared a desired date (in the not too distant future) that they “must” publish the final book before even starting beta feedback. That approach puts unnecessary pressure on beta readers and the author. Beta readers are taking time to read, think critically about the work, and write down their feedback. When the author puts a time crunch on readers for feedback turnaround, and for themselves for editing time, then I tend to feel like my time and feedback is not being as valued and respected. It can sour the whole beta reading experience if it feels like the author doesn’t have much time to read the feedback, digest it, and edit the book before meeting that publishing timeline. It can give the impression that the author wants their story published “soon” more than they want to take time to assess the work to be done to make their story become the “best version possible” before future publication.
I absolutely ADORE Beth’s answers; thank you so much for taking part in this interview. Inspiring authors, take note! In conclusion, beta reading is a collaborative process that benefits both authors and readers. I can honestly say having beta readers be a part of my writing journey has been one of the best things I have ever done. Communication is key! So do your research before hand. And, as usual, if you have any questions always feel free to get in touch!