So, you have written a book. Congratulation!

You have done what 80% says but doesn’t do. You have finally typed-written it!

I know what you are thinking “Wow! This is a masterpiece” and you start imagining yourself on New York Times Bestseller, let me give you a reality check.

You need a Beta Reader!

I know what you are thinking “I have already read it 20 times. I know the back, mid and the last. I spell checked it! My mom and my best friend are raving about it!”

That’s great! But let’s be honest here. Your mom thinks everything you do is amazing and your best friend doesn’t want to ruin the friendship by telling you that Chapter 6 is like a sad opera soap.

So, you need someone to tell you what is actually wrong or what could be improved before hitting that publish button. That’s where Beta-Reader come.

Also Read: Top 10 Literary Agents In India to Book Publish Traditionally

What is a Beta Reader?

There are a “Test Audience” before the actual picture. They read your book and give unbiased constructive feedback. Beta- Reader can be a professional reader or a reader who has experience reading your genre.

Why are beta readers valuable for writers?

1) You are too close to your story

You might be writing your story for the past month, year or years. You know everything about it. The plot, subplot, the teaser in Chapter 2 (which you gave intentionally) which has a meaning in Chapter 11.

You understand it, the catch is your reader might not. For your reader, it might be something confusing. So, your grand entry becomes a NO entry. With the help of Beta Reader you will be able to detect and correct it.

2) They detect things you don’t

You might have written something deep and emotional. Which you think it is. But, your reader might find it hilarious. Try thinking, that your main character dialogue is soo dramatic. That your reader burst out laughing. Which would break what your intention was. A line should be toed. Beta Reader will point out if it’s actually “gritty and tough.”

3) They are able to catch repeats

Every writer has a habit for repeating some words. Here and there. Like your characters might “sigh” every other paragraph or he might have “ran a hand through his hair” so much that there might not be a hair left on him. These mistakes are often silly and overlooked. Your Beta-Reader helps in telling you where it’s ok to repeat and when it is getting too much.

Surely good writer aka experienced writer who already have published doesn’t need them?

I will tell you a pesky secret. Since, you are reading this 😉

All the bestselling authors. All. They have a team of 20-30 readers in their genre. When the first draft of the book is ready. It goes to these team members. A team who gives their different views to the audience. “Test Audience”. The author is able to make significant changes on the basis of advice. Sometimes, we are so much in our story. That we can’t remember small things.

Like the protagonist eye changed from blue to hazel suddenly.

Difference between Alpha Readers vs Beta Readers vs Critique partners?

There is always a confusion between the three. I will clear it right here.

Alpha Reader is someone who is the first reader of your book. Your book might be in an early draft. They read the raw manuscript and give you their opinion on the plot, character etc. Some writers hire experience Alpha Readers. Someone, you are experienced in their genre. They give assessment of what a reader in a genre will think like. Author might jump and start working with a developmental editor after this or they might work with more Beta Reader.

Beta Readers are the normal book reader in your genre. They role is to tell you the experience they went through reading your book as a normal reader.

Critique partners are writers who exchange each other work and provide reviews and critique for the improvement. It has a case of “I will read your book, if you will read mine.” They might be great or a way to a disaster. Sometime no advice is better then bad advice. Publishing a book in India is a major task, but editing is the most important.

How to select Beta-Readers?

When selecting beta-reader, look for reader who has experience reading your genre. They don’t need to be an expert but they really should have an experience. Because then only they will be able to detect what is missing and what is not.

The problem that I often find working with the volunteer is. They don’t have a compulsion to finish the book. Even when you follow up again and again. They take the book and give the review feedback late or in sections. Which is irritating. You need someone who gives you constructive feedback and on a time. So, when you are hiring, you are able to control the wheels.

What’s the meaning of a beta read if you can’t even gain the feedback.

Be aware and caution while hiring a Beta Reader. Not every advice they provide is also not written in the stone. You as a writer have the creative freedom. You must take in consideration of minimum five readers. On the basis of that only you should frame your further edits.

When hiring a beta reader. Tell them, what you want them to focus on, when they are reading your story. Character Development? Plot? Mystery? Thrill? Below I have listed a mini guide.

Questions to ask every Beta- Reader

• How did you feel when you read the first Chapter? Did it grip you?
• Did the story felt slow or lagged in any chapter? Was something confusing?
• Do you think the mood and the tone is consistent? Are they appropriate for this story?
• Was the plot engaging and easy to understand?
• Are there any plot holes? Something that went missing?
• Is the story pacing, right? Which parts felt slow or fast?
• Did the main character feel developed? Do you feel something should be added to enhance it?
• Are there any characters which felt incomplete? Or you didn’t like?
• Did the relation portray between the main character believable? Is it too dramatic?
• Did the world building felt immersive? Where did you feel I should have explained more?
• Is the writing style well? Did it feel repetitive?
• Is my book genre fitting the story? Was there something which stood out?
• Did the ending feel satisfying? Were you able to predict it?
• Would you be interested in reading the next part?
• If you could change one thing about this book, what would it be?
• According to you, who is the best audience for this book?
• Would you recommend this book to others?

Sending questions like this can help your Beta Reader immensely.

Happy Writing!