Why Authors need
Beta Readers
Qualities needed in
a Beta Reader?
1. A Reader. An avid reader is important. One book a year is not an avid reader, and an author won’t receive the feedback needed.
2. A Reliable Reader. An author can’t wait for a reader to read their manuscript over several months before receiving feedback. Beta readers must commit to the time it takes to read and return feedback.
3. Authors need beta readers to be honest. It’s important for the author to receive honest feedback from the reader’s perspective.
4. Beta readers should read the genre the author write. If a beta reader offers to read a genre she isn’t familiar with, how can there be constructive feedback.
Authors and the Beta Readers
1. Beta readers should have knowledge of your genre
Your beta reader should read and enjoy books like
your book, otherwise, the reader will not be able to give honest feedback.
2. Confirm a deadline with your beta readers
3. Most beta readers appreciate knowing when
you expect feedback from reading their novel.
4. Feedback
All feedback should be considered carefully. If several beta readers make the same remark, then it obviously a signal to step back and rethink an issue.
How many beta readers do you need?
No magic number for beta readers. Some authors like three to five, while other like more. But don’t ask too many or you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by all the feedback.
Do Beta Readers Get Paid?
No. It’s a good idea to keep track of your beta readers to thank
them when they finish. Some authors send a published print copy to the readers
to show appreciation.
Ask a few questions to
help readers in their feedback (you may have more questions that pertains to
your story)
1.
Was the
story compelling?
2.
Did you
feel confused or unsure about a scene while reading the story.
3.
Were the
characters interesting?
4.
Did you
find gaps in the story that needed clarifying?
How can an Author Find Good Beta Readers?
Obviously, with friends, colleague, acquaintances, and family
members. Also, online communities you belong to. These are probably the easiest
to find, but remember you want them to be brutally honest.
Writing communities:
This
is a private group with over 7,000 members, you’ll have to request to join.
2. 15 of the best online writing communities for aspiring authors: Here
3. Goodreads: this Goodreads Beta Reader Group is a valuable resource
4. Your Author Website: sign up as a beta reader, use your newsletter to ask for beta readers
I'm in need of another beta reader.
My Women’s Fiction, YaYa House is in need of a Beta Reader. If you’re interested, I’ll send you a copy. Please email me at judybakersugg@gmail.com
YaYa House
In a blink, you’re
there. Where? Living the last chapter of your life.
Widowed for two years, Annie made a
spontaneous decision to buy a house eight hundred miles from her adult
children. Feeling youthful, again, Annie moves into her dream house on a cliff
overlooking the ocean in Oregon. Never dreaming her new adventure would take
her to the doorsteps of contentment, especially when her YaYa Sisters come to
visit and make their own decisions in becoming part of the YaYa House.
Will Annie’s daughters forgive her
for being independent, or will their emotional rebellious attitude go as far as
to declare her incompetent? Will Annie have to compromise and leave her sisters
in her dream home by the ocean?
What about her charming neighbor? Is it possible at this point in her life for a romantic relationship at her age?
I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year ahead.
Judy
