All About Beta Readers

Today I am very pleased to welcome guest blogger and author Laurinda Wallace. Laurinda has some very wise words on using Beta-Readers, what they do and what you need to know. Enjoy!

What's a beta reader? That question has been asked plenty of times when I mention the term. So here's the definition: a beta reader gets to read my manuscript after I've finished the revisions and before my editor gets her hands on it. Betas offer input on everything from the plot, to characters, to settings---everything. Nothing is off limits. My readers are six women who've agreed to give me honest feedback about each book I write. All were handpicked by me because they meet the qualifications below:

1. They love to read and know a good story a mile away.
2. They know and like me well enough to give honest opinions.
3. Each has a different perspective to offer and they're creative.

The betas have improved each book with their insights, corrections, and sound advice. Although I haven't taken 100% of the recommendations offered, the majority of comments have been incorporated into the manuscripts. This part of the editing process is indispensable to prepare for the editor and to polish the book.

Because beta readers are entrusted with an unpublished manuscript in electronic form (which tends to be extremely portable), I've developed beta reader guidelines, which clarify responsibilities and expectations. I strongly recommend doing the same with either your current beta readers or for the group you may be forming. If you are serious about writing as a business, procedures for your business practices are fundamental. A great deal of trust is placed upon the beta readers, which is one of the reasons I choose readers I know and give them guidelines, so there's no guessing.

As a courtesy, my beta readers are contacted before a manuscript is ready and are asked for participation. Everyone's schedule is busy, and I never want to obligate/overload a beta reader. They are much too valuable for that.

Speaking of value--beta readers as a rule are not paid, but I always send a token of appreciation. A copy of the final product is always welcome.

A sample of beta reader guidelines is provided below.

SAMPLE BETA READER GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES

Thank you for agreeing to be a beta reader for Your Publishing Name. We LOVE readers and we’re happy to have you as part of our team. Your input is essential to us in producing outstanding books for readers and it’s our intention to make this process interesting and fun.

How Beta Reading Works 

1. Your Publishing Name does everything electronically. Manuscripts and your comments will all be by email.

2. You will receive the manuscript as a Word file. A deadline will be stated in the email. Deadlines are generous and will usually be about four (4) weeks.

3. Comments should be made using the insert comment feature in Word. Please do not worry about punctuation, missing words, or other mistakes in the copy. It is a draft and will be professionally edited before publication. We do endeavor to give you a clean copy so that typos, etc. are not distractions.

4. Once you have completed reading the manuscript and have made your comments, email the copy back to the author by the deadline.

5. You may be asked to read the book once more after the editing has been completed.

6. Beta reading doesn’t make you any money, but you will receive a token of our appreciation in your mailbox.

The Kind of Comments We Need 

1. Characters – like or dislike and why.

2. Plot – too predictable, too slow, not enough action, or an absolutely fabulous plot.

3. Inconsistencies, errors about characters i.e. tall, dark, and handsome in one scene, short and geeky in another.

4. Is the story visual? Can you see the characters in your mind? Are the places descriptive enough? Is there too much description? Are there scenes that are confusing?

5. Is the dialogue natural or stilted?

6. What you liked and disliked about the book. What you’d do to make it better.

7. We want HONEST feedback. Please do not be a softie and like everything. Authors must have tough hides. Every story can be improved and we’re counting on you to help us do just that. Readers are discriminating, sophisticated, and know what they like in a good book. We want to provide that product and your help is vital.

After the Read 

You have a special place of trust in being a beta reader. You’re getting the first peek at a book before it is published. The manuscript you are entrusted with has not been through the formal copyright process, although the copyright is technically in place when fingers hit the keyboard. All titles will be officially copyrighted before publication. Please adhere to the following “Do’s” and “Don’ts.”

After you have finished reading the manuscript and have emailed it back to the author, please DO delete the file completely from your computer. This means the trash basket on your desktop too.

Once you have received confirmation that your comments have been received by the author, DO delete “Sent” emails as well.

DO NOT share the manuscript with friends or family. We are in the business of selling books and would love to have them buy the title when it’s published.

DO brag about being a beta reader. Let friends and family know when a book is coming out. Word of mouth marketing is a powerful tool and we need your help as our business gets underway. You played an important part in the book birthing process, so don’t hold back.

DO have fun as a beta reader. We’re readers ourselves and have spent many happy hours in the pages of a book.

What's Needed From You 

1. Contact information: Name, mailing address, email, and phone number.

2. Honesty, sense of humor, and some of your time.

Thank you Laurinda, that is excellent advice! For more information about Laurinda you can visit her website at www.laurindawallace.com

A graduate of Houghton College, NY, I've been writing for magazines and websites on a variety of topics since 2005. Throwing caution to the wind, the real fun began when the Gracie Andersen mystery series was conceived. With plenty of canine antics and a good mystery in the quirky town of Deer Creek, there’s something for everyone. The Time Under Heaven, a contemporary Christian novel and a 30-day devotional, Gardens of the Heart were written along the way as well.

When I'm not at my day job or writing at home, the gardens around Casa Wallace and hiking in the Huachuca Mountains keep  me busy. Many times what's happening in my flower gardens or those spectacular views in the mountains inspire devotionals and new stories. While life is full of unexpected twists and turns, my foundation will always be the One who created the roses in my garden and the mountains I love to hike. He is my source for everything.   

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

---