Finding and Working With 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

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/

• 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.

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

• 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.