What is Beta Reading?
If you’re an author looking for external assistance on your manuscript or if you’re an avid reader looking to help out your favourite author(s) then beta reading might be something worth looking into.
Simply put, a beta reader receives a manuscript from an author and then provides feedback based on several important factors such as plot, character construct, pacing and overall readability. A beta reader is important because they can point out any glaring flaws within the manuscript and provide personalised feedback for the author to implement into future re-drafts.
If you’re an author, you might want to work with a team of beta readers and allocate each person a certain feature to focus on (for example, person A is in charge of reviewing the characters and whether they feel authentic, and person B is in charge of plot and pacing to see whether things are moving too fast or if anything is left out or doesn’t quite make sense). If you’re working with a team of beta readers, it allows you to focus on one thing at a time instead of fighting through pages of feedback and getting overwhelmed. However, it is perfectly fine to go with one person you trust and know can provide constructive criticism.
You don’t need any specific qualifications to be a beta reader, however, an author will ideally look for someone who reads regularly and understands the components of what makes a good book. Therefore, you might want to start by seeking authors who write the genres you are most comfortable in as you can provide a perspective of familiarity. You should be honest with your feedback, the author has tasked you to help them find any flaws so they can fix them, if you are unsure about something then query it in your notes so the author can take another look at it and provide clarity.
If you want to be a particularly helpful beta reader, you can reach out to an author who is writing a book set where you live to provide context and make sure descriptions of the area are accurate. Another way you can help in a specific way is by beta reading a particular book if you have specialist knowledge in the subject matter, that way the author might value the support of an expert opinion.
How to find beta readers/beta reading opportunities
Facebook groups (there are networking groups specifically for beta reading!)
LinkedIn (albeit very professional, there are lots of opportunities on there.)
Twitter
Instagram
Workshops/seminars
If you’re an author, make sure you vet potential beta readers to make sure they are genuine people and they won’t steal your work. If they have beta read before, ask if they have any reviews/testimonials from other authors. If you are working with a new beta reader, ask if they have a Goodreads account or any proof that they regularly read and provide constructive feedback.
Lauren Ternent | The Editorial Geordie