What is a Beta Read?

A beta read is the first step in the process of preparing your written work for publication. Beta reads occur prior to professional editing, and they consist of a hired or volunteer reader that scrutinizes elements of your written work to improve its quality and comprehension.

Why Do I Need a Beta Read?

While we’d like to convince ourselves that our work is perfect after we type “the end,” the harsh reality is that our manuscripts are constantly in need of revision.

Beta reads typically focus on big picture elements in written works, such as:

• Character development
• Consistency
• Pacing
• Structure
• Plot holes
• Any specific detail the author requests

Catching these errors in the beta read phase decreases the chance of having to hire a developmental editor, which can be costly.

A beta read also provides the first reaction to the story. The beta reader may offer their opinion on the entertainment value of the book and which characters they liked and disliked. (Note: Remember, no two readers read the same story identically, so take opinions into consideration.)

Who Do I Get to Beta Read my Manuscript?

Family and friends may seem like the perfect people to beta read your novel, especially if they’re free, but trusting someone familiar runs the risk of receiving false praise. Instead, it’s suggested that you hire an outside source who will have no emotional attachment to you as the author.

Reaching out to another author can be a great way to find a beta reader. You can offer to trade manuscripts and beta read for one another. Asking a fellow writer outside your genre is a good idea, too. Often times, beta readers who double as authors in your genre will see right away what you’re trying to convey, whereas a reader who rarely or never read your genre will be exploring and understanding for the first time.

Hiring a seasoned beta reader is ideal. They will likely view the story from a more critical and less opinionated lens. In all honesty, we as authors don’t want our beta readers to respond with, “It was good!” We want the truth, “It wasn’t the best it could be, and here’s why…”

For best results, hire 2-3 different beta readers.

Where Can I Find a Beta Reader?

Writing communities online are a great source for finding beta readers. Send out a “Beta Readers Wanted” Tweet or DM bookstagrammers on Instagram and Tik Tok.

Fiverr is my recommended source for hiring experienced beta readers. You’ll be able to select a beta reader based on their reviews, response rate, and their pricing. Just be sure to DM the beta reader before submitting an order to check their availability first.

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A beta read is one of the most critical phases of your book’s journey to publication. Remember, you don’t want the ego-boost feedback, you want the constructively critical feedback. Don’t pay an overpriced beta reader to do a half-invested job. And offering a beta-read-for-beta-read boosts your networking for sales.

Good luck out there! Thanks for reading!