Sarah Jules Writing

Now that YOU NEED TO LEAVE is with my wonderful beta readers (thank you Auntie Julie, and Mum!) I thought we’d do a post about beta readers. I know there’s a lot of confusion about what they are, and what their purpose is.

What are beta readers?

A beta reader is a book-lover, friend, or fellow writer willing to read your manuscript and provide feedback. 

Is beta reading the same as editing?

No. A beta reader is a reader from your target audience. While they may be a fellow writer (or even an editor) this is not editing. It is not a professional service. A beta reader is providing feedback as a READER. A professional equivalent would be a DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT or MANUSCRIPT REVIEW.

What does a beta reader do?

A beta reader will provide feedback on your manuscript. Usually, an author will share a questionnaire with the beta reader to fill in after they’ve finished reading. You can find typical beta reading questionnaires online for free.

How much does beta reading cost?

A beta reader should be free. It is something undertaken voluntarily by readers who enjoy the genre or wish to support certain authors. That’s not to say a beta read isn’t incredibly valuable, but there’s a lot of confusion around whether it is a professional service, like editing. Editors would view the manuscript from a different perspective than a beta reader.

How do you find a beta reader?

Beta readers might be fellow authors, friends or family who read a specific genre. If you don’t already have connections, you can join author communities on social media (or even in person). You can even offer to swap – beta read for beta read, if you’re struggling.

Do you need a beta reader?

Not at all. However, it can be a really useful tool to find areas where your manuscript is lacking. When you’re in the trenches of writing and editing, sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees (if you’ll pardon my mixed metaphor).

When should your manuscript be beta read?

Once you’ve finished all the stages of self-editing. The manuscript should be as good/finished as you think you can make it.

Author friends: Do you use beta readers? 

Reader friends: Would you consider beta reading?