Being chosen as a beta reader is awesome. Not only do we get an early peek into upcoming novels, but we also have the unique opportunity to help authors polish their works into something epic.

But beta reading can also be daunting, especially during the early days.

So, let’s talk about the ins and outs of being a good beta reader!

What does a beta reader do?

A beta reader’s function is to read a manuscript before it is published. They provide authors with feedback that will help them identify possible issues with the plot, characters, and more.

If you’re after an in-depth post about the functions of alpha and beta readers, I have a post just for you! I also have a post about sensitivity readers and why they are important.

What if I can’t be a beta reader?

Imagine the manuscript as the writer’s child. If someone asks you to babysit their child and you can’t, you’ll tell that person, right?

That rule must apply to beta reading, too. If, for whatever reason, you can’t read the novel, or you started reading, but won’t be able to finish, say so. Even if you were previously available and your circumstances have changed. You don’t have to provide lengthy explanations, all that matters is honesty. 

No, I want to be a beta reader!

Fantastic! Here are some beta reading hacks.

Don’t share the manuscript.

Some authors will require you to sign a non-disclosure agreement before you receive the manuscript, but even if you don’t, be honourable. Don’t pass it on to someone who hasn’t been okayed by the author, their assistant, or whoever handles the beta process.

Also, don’t post reviews or spoilers ahead of time.

Stick to the deadline.

Have your feedback ready by the deadline you and the author agreed to. If you can’t make the deadline, let the author know so they can extend the reading time or find an alternative.

Notes are your friend.

The writer doesn’t need every note, but they will help you provide clear feedback. What should you be keeping track of?

• Sentences or scenes you loved.
• Sentences or scenes that left you bored and yawning.
• Scenes or events that made no sense or didn’t fit with the overall plot.
• Scenes or events where the characters got by too easily, AKA too much luck.
• Behaviours that seem out of character.
• Wooden dialogue.
• Inconsistencies. A character that had blue eyes two paragraphs ago, but now has green eyes. Or the character was sitting by the fire one moment and swimming the next, without any actions to describe their movement.
• A sentence you had to read twice to understand. A word that shouldn’t be there. Or anything else that made you go huh?
• Some authors also expect beta readers to check for basic spelling and grammar, redundancies, repetitions, or stylistic elements.

In Google Docs or Word, you can pop your notes directly into the manuscript with the comment function. I love having comment conversations with my alpha and beta readers, complete with gifs and memes. Other authors prefer different communication methods. If they don’t specify, don’t hesitate to ask how they’d like you to communicate with them!

Understand critique vs criticism.

(Definitions via Google)

critique

/krɪˈtiːk/

noun

• a detailed analysis and assessment of something, especially a literary, philosophical, or political theory.
  “a critique of Marxist historicism”

VERSUS

criticism

/ˈkrɪtɪsɪz(ə)m/

noun

• the expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes.
  “he received a lot of criticism”

Writers, artists, or anybody asking you to look at their work want critique, not criticism. Critique will help us navigate the flaws of our stories and fix them, so the final product is better. Criticism makes us want to burn the manuscript in a furnace and hurl ourselves in afterwards.

Structure your feedback.

• Your feedback doesn’t have to sound like that high school essay that carried 50% of your grade. Imagine writing a (really long) text to a friend or a letter to your granny. Keep it informal and polite, and you’ll be fine.
• Comment on the overall plot, characters, and the world.
• Be blunt but kind. You were asked for your honest opinion, so give exactly that. Just remember the difference between critique and criticism.
  • Wherever possible, include reasons for your feedback. If the author understands what is off-putting/successful, they can figure out how to fix the problems.
  • Don’t try to hide something that you didn’t like to save the writer’s feelings. They can’t fix issues they don’t know exist.
• Try a compliment sandwich, AKA wedge negative feedback between two positives.
  • For example: ‘I loved the dialogue and the slang you made up because it made the world seem more realistic. I didn’t like the way Lexi spoke, though. She wasn’t consistent, all sweet and girly one moment, but pretentious and moody the next. That made her seem a little manipulative and I don’t understand why everyone in the book loves her so much. But Aaron’s jokes were the best! I laughed out loud at many of his pranks and enjoyed following him around the school.’
• Avoid starting sentences with ‘You should,’ ‘You have to,’ ‘If it were me,’ ‘I would have,’ or anything else that sounds like an order. Assuming you could have done better is hurtful and falls in the criticism rather than critique category.
• Instead of commands, go with suggestions. For example,
  • ‘Maybe…’
  • ‘I would suggest…’
  • ‘You could always try…’
  • ‘In my opinion…’
  • You’ll never go wrong with statements like ‘I loved,’ ‘I didn’t like,’ or even ‘I hated,’ because those sentences stare opinion (and are often the most honest kinds of feedback).
• If something in the novel annoyed or bothered you, but you can’t explain why, mention that, too. Chances are another beta reader picked up on the same problem.
• Sometimes, you can be as gentle as possible, and the writer will still go to pieces over your feedback. In those cases, don’t blame yourself. Receiving critique is a skill one has to learn and hone.

Being a good beta reader isn’t difficult. Kindness and honesty—that’s all there’s to it. You’re going to help the author more than you realise.

Until next time.

Yolandie