4 Tips On Getting A Beta Reader

Hey there!
Today I want to talk to you about getting a beta reader. In this article about your prepublication checklist, I defined it as someone who reads your work objectively to point out its strengths and weaknesses. The ultimate purpose of a beta reader is to make your story better. Note that I said to “make your story better”, not you. What does this mean? If you will receive the services of a beta reader, you must be willing to accept criticism.

So how do you get a beta reader?

1. Ask a Writer-friend

Obviously to be able to do this, you need to make friends with writers. A good place to connect with writers is at workshops. So if you attend one, don’t just take pictures, have meaningful conversations that can foster long-term relationships!

Unfortunately, there can be a lot of envy among writers so be sure to choose someone who really cares about strengthening your work. You might be thinking, “How do I know if I’m dealing with an envious colleague?” Good criticism is not attacking.
Good criticism: “Perhaps you should try strengthening the character of so and so by doing this and that.”
Bad criticism: “You obviously did no research before writing this story, you’re being lazy.”

I recommend having writer friends do your beta reading, because not only do they understand the writing process, they are often in a good position to tell you just what you need to do to make your work better.

2. Ask an Editor

One of my beta readers is an editor. I have known her for seven years, and she has critiqued my work from the very beginning. When she gives advice about my work, I accept it as a useful tip from someone who has read a lot of work and has a good eye for weak sentences and plot holes. She suggests edits and when the work is ready, I pay her to edit it. If you have an editor friend, I suggest that you ask them nicely if they wouldn’t mind reading your work. Editors read a lot of work, the good, the bad and the ugly. I think they are in a good position to tell you what needs fixing in your work.

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