Finding Beta Readers

Every so often, I get asked about finding beta readers. This is my take:

Step 1: Decide what you want from a beta reader.

Some writers want (and need) encouragement—the proverbial “five pages of closely reasoned praise.” Other writers want something specific; they want to know if their characters are realistic and consistent, but not whether their worldbuilding is inaccurate or unbelievable, and they certainly don’t want to know about comma splices, typos, grammar, syntax, etc. Still others want anything and everything that could make their story “better,” whether that’s fixing typos or flagging major plot holes. And still others need someone to bounce ideas off of, or to listen to them complain about the horrors of the literary life.

When I was an unpublished beginner, I knew that I wanted feedback that would make my story “better,” but I had no idea what that might look like. I just wanted to make my story “better.” That was enough for me to be going on with at that point.

If you are extremely reluctant to show a work-in-process to anyone, if you are the sort of writer whose work sets up like concrete shortly after it is written, or if you already know (or discover while getting your first few comments) that you have a horrible reaction to any critical comments whatever, you probably won’t find beta readers useful unless you are also in either the “wants encouragement” or “wants someone to complain to” categories.

Step 2: Ask around.

Anyone who reads is a potential beta reader. Articulate, knowledgeable readers are, in my experience, the best for the kind of comments I want. Other writers, especially those who have had experience with critique groups, often make for excellent beta readers, and one can offer to trade comments (which makes it feel less like one is taking advantage). They are likely to understand the jargon, so you won’t need to explain what a beta reader is or what you mean by worldbuilding or head-hopping or infodumping. Other writers are also among the best at understanding the horrors of the literary life if you want someone to complain to.

Limiting one’s beta readers solely to other writers is unnecessary, and often inadvisable, as it can result in an echo-chamber effect. Three of my best long-term beta readers are non-writers. One is on exactly the same wavelength as I am, and makes an excellent sounding board for bouncing ideas off; one is a gamer, who approaches every plot from a “how can I turn the gamesmaster/writer’s plans against them?” angle, which is great for plot twists; and one has mad pattern-recognition abilities, and spots, well in advance, any plot or character relationships that are the least bit predictable or clichéd.

In either case—writer or non-writer—it is a good idea to look for people who a) read a lot; b) read/write the kind of thing you are trying to write; and c) talk about books (and other sorts of stories) a lot. Talking about books is particularly important. Most readers are accustomed to saying “This book is good; read it” or “I didn’t like that one,” and that’s it. Neither comment is particularly useful to a writer. People who go on enthusiastically about what they liked or disliked about the eighth book of the Goldfish Detective series will at least have more to say about your manuscript.

If no one in your current social circle seems like a possibility, you can try some of the online critiquing communities, or check local community education centers, libraries, and other public notification boards (on or off-line) for people trying to start a book club or writer’s crit group. Or put up your own announcement.

Step 3: Be clear about what you want from your beta reader.

Whether you are asking your mother, your best friend, or a casual acquaintance, what you say is something like this: “I have a favor to ask. I’m writing/have written a novel/story; would you be willing to read it and let me know what you think?” If the person you’re approaching is also a writer, the last bit goes “I’m looking for a beta reader for my work-in-process; would you be interested in trading comments? Or do you know anyone else I could ask?”

If they say “Yes,” you make arrangements to exchange manuscripts. Then comes the “be clear” part. If your beta reader is another writer, you begin by asking how soon they would like their comments, and whether there is anything they’d like you to focus on (or not). You then give them the same information. Common stipulations range from “Mark/don’t-mark typos” to the general “Tell me what you want to see more/less of” to “I’m particularly worried about the believability of the art theft subplot/the battle scene in Chapter Nine” to “Let me know wherever you laughed out loud/started skimming.”

If your potential beta reader is an expert in something you specifically are worried about—say, you have a military hobbyist whose opinion you want on that battle scene—point them at that specific thing, and maybe add “…and if you notice anything in the rest of the story, that would be great, but it’s really the battle that I’d like your comments on.”

Step 4: Say “Thank you” and don’t argue.

Remember that providing you with comments took time and work, even if what you get back from a beta reader is minimal. Don’t argue if you disagree; it’s your story, you can ignore the comments if you want. If you’re not satisfied, say thanks and ask someone else for their reaction next time.

If your beta reader is a non-writer friend, take them out somewhere, your treat, to discuss their comments (at least the first time). If it’s a short story, maybe just coffee; a novel definitely rates a meal. If you are exchanging comments with a fellow writer, don’t put your part off. Read their stuff, mark or write up your comments, and get them back to the other person promptly. Coffee or meal is optional, because you’re exchanging comments.

If the story or book eventually gets published, it is polite to give the beta readers a signed copy.