Maybe you have a manuscript that you have been sitting on for
a long time. Perhaps you’re still working on your alpha (my term for first rough
draft). Regardless of the stage of your writing, at SOME point, you will want another
pair of eyes to look over your work. Of course, it would be best if the first
person is not a publisher, or agent, but that’s for another discussion. The
focus for today is on those wonderful people known as Beta-Readers.
Why do you need a Beta-Reader?
As the creator of the work, it is rather hard, and arguably
impossible, to remain objective. This can manifest itself in your work in many
ways. One possibility is accidently foregoing information that is needed for
clarity. In that instance it makes sense
to you, as you keep mentally adding information that’s not actually presented. Another
reason is relatability to the characters or story. You may think your
characters’ actions make perfect sense; your readers may not agree and find
themselves confused and unable to connect to these “unpredictable people.” Beta-Readers can help catch these, and many
other issues, while providing valuable feedback.
How do I find Beta-readers?
The best part of this is you may already know people who
would not only be willing, but would rather enjoy getting a sneak peek at your
work. However, a word of caution: don’t look for ‘yes men.’ Generally speaking,
family members, including dear ole Mom, fall into this category. You need help
finding and fixing issues with your story; not getting your ego stroked. That
being said, make sure it is someone you trust. Both to give you honest
feedback, and that they want stab you in the back and try and take your story.
Having a digital paper-trail via emails could help, along with contracts and
all that other mess. Talk with your friends and people you know about what you
do, you never know when you’ll run into an enthusiast.
How do I select Beta-Readers?
Some authors may not even consider this question; I know I
didn’t at first. You may receive a good number of requests to be a beta-reader;
don’t simply accept everyone. First take time and factor the pros and cons of
each and every person. It really helps to know what the person is like. If they
are extremely anal about certain things, take that into consideration. You may
not know that from your very first piece you have others read, but you’ll
quickly learn who has pet peeves that will conflict with your work. Problems
can arise from simple name choice, to even stylistic disagreement. Keep this in
mind, and plan according to their strength and weaknesses. Making and keeping a
file with all the information you find out about your readers can help you in
the future. Certain ones might not be good for your current project, but they
may be excellent for others.
How do I use a Beta-Reader?
The exact benefit you gain from Beta-Readers has a lot to do
with your personal wishes. They can provide a lot of feedback on style, flow,
plot, and errors in grammar and word choice. They also have the tremendous
ability to let you know if your personal vision of the story is getting across
as intended. But, remember one key factor when perusing all of this wonderful
feedback: it’s YOUR book. Yes their feedback should be considered and evaluated
on its own merit, but keep in mind that it should all be taken as “a suggestion.”
Their ‘fixes’ may be changing your stylistic choices, in which case nothing
needs to be ‘fixed.’ It is up to you to decide to make any changes or fix the
issues they bring up.
Beta-Readers are awesome!
They are hard to find, and they should all be cherished.
Remember that they are taking THEIR time to help you make your work the best it
can be. So don’t forget to thank them appropriately!
--Kirk
