In this blog post, we will be looking at what a beta reader is and how they can benefit you and your novel. A beta reader can be very useful to offer a reader’s opinion on your book and give you detailed notes on how you could improve it before publication, especially if you pay for a professional one. However, there are also some drawbacks to having a beta reader, which we will look at in my next blog post.
The purpose of a beta reader is to give you an idea of what a reader will be thinking as they go through your book. From this, they can tell you what works best about your manuscript, what needs improving and what should be cut. They can also give you tips on how to improve your writing and anything that they would like to see more of. Essentially, having a beta reader is like having a test audience, allowing you to make changes before you release it for sale.
The beta reader should provide you with detailed feedback on your work, including an overall analysis and possibly one at the halfway point. They will also comment on individual sections, paragraphs and sentences, pinpointing problems and letting you know what needs revision. They may also be available after they have read your book to discuss it with you, especially if you are doing it as an exchange with another author.
Feedback
Naturally, the prime advantage of beta readers is that they give you feedback on your work. If you read your work, you may be too critical, or not critical enough, or simply not notice problems because you have spent so much time with your manuscript and know it so well that these issues don’t register. A beta reader is a blank slate – they have never read your book before, so it is easier for them to spot problems.
Feedback should help you grow as a writer, highlighting weaknesses and letting you use your strengths to the best advantage. Ideally, your beta reader will provide constructive criticism, giving you advice and suggestions on how to improve your writing.
Outsider’s Perspective
Naturally, one of the key things that you expect from your beta reader is that they will give you an outsider’s perspective on what you have written. If you read your own book, it is very difficult to remain neutral when you are debating what works in your book and what to cut. Your favourite parts and characters might not appeal to readers, and vice versa. Likewise, getting a family member or friend to read your work might not get a true opinion, as they may say what they think you want to hear.
However, a beta reader should be more objective and be able to point out problems, while still noticing and commenting on anything that is particularly well-written. This avoids your own bias and that of anyone who knows you well. Having a neutral point of view is invaluable to help you grow as an author and improve your writing, correcting mistakes and learning how to avoid them in the future.
In addition, a beta reader is most likely to represent what a reader will think about your book. Presumably, the vast majority of your readers will never have met you, so they will not be able to take into account your knowledge and experiences. A beta reader will look at your manuscript as a new reader, noticing anything that doesn’t make sense, whereas as you could miss things because you know your manuscript so well.
Encouragement
A beta reader can also be a source of encouragement for you. It is challenging to stay motivated as an author working alone, so having a beta reader can help you to stay on track. Once you have completed the first draft, it is only the beginning of the writing process and you will need several more drafts before you can focus on publication.
A good beta reader, as well as offering constructive criticism, will also draw attention to the parts they liked and what worked really well. This can help to keep you going and feel positive about your writing. You may also be more motivated to continue once your beta reader has given you an idea of where to start.
Beta readers can also just be a supportive person for you to discuss your work with. Writing can be lonely, so if you have a beta reader as an exchange where you will be reading their work, you may find yourself talking with them about the difficulties you have faced.
Wrapping Up
I hope that this helps you if you are thinking about having a beta reader. If you are still undecided, my next blog post will be looking at some of the limitations of beta readers, so come back in two weeks for that!
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