Finding and Working With a Beta Reader - Deepstash
Finding and Working With a Beta Reader

Finding and Working With a Beta Reader

Curated from: shutupwrite.com

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What is a beta reader?

What is a beta reader?

  • Think of beta readers as the test audience for your book.
  • It’s not a beta reader’s job to provide grammar and style edits, or help you restructure a tricky plot arc.
  • A good beta reader will offer overall impressions, emotional reactions, and other feedback that will help you understand how a casual reader might react to your work.

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How much does beta reading cost?

  • Beta reading is most often done for free as a favor to the author.
  • Many writers offer free copies of their finished books to their beta readers, or acknowledge this favour by thanking them in another way.
  • Your beta reader maybe lucky to read your work for free but in return you are lucky to get a fresh perspective from someone to help make your story better

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How do I find a beta reader?

  • Many authors start their search by asking friends and family.
  • It’s important that your beta readers approach your work with fresh eyes, with no previous knowledge about the story except a blurb
  • Joining a writing community to find people for beta reading

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Where to find a beta reader online

  1. Goodreads group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/50920-beta-reader-group
  2. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1782619931753141/
  3. Critters Speculative Writers Workshop: http://critters.org/
  4. Writing.com: http://www.writing.com/

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How many beta readers do I need?

  • It’s a good idea to line up multiple beta readers.
  • Keep variety in mind when you search for your readers.
  • Based on the subject matter of your draft, you may also want to consider seeking out a sensitivity reader.
  • A sensitivity reader is a specialized beta reader who looks at your draft with an eye toward cultural stereotypes and other problems with bias or representation.

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How do I work with a beta reader?

It can be really helpful to write down a list of questions for your readers to answer about your piece. Like,

  • Did they find your story exciting, or did they fall asleep reading it?
  • Did they solve the mystery before your detective had a chance?

Also, set a deadline. You can't wait forever

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My beta readers are done. What now?

  • When you receive your readers’ feedback, carefully consider their comments, and decide which comments will become action items, and which are less helpful.
  • Their collective reactions should give you valuable guidance on both the negative and positive in your draft.
  • It’s time to go back to your draft and incorporate the things you learned from your readers.

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growthaprentice

she/her | Cybersecurity Professional | Writer | Sharing what I learn to help others :)

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