The Importance of Beta Reading

The

Importance

of

Beta
Reading

I'd like to start off by saying that you cannot truly complete a book without Beta Readers. My thoughts are you should have at least five. In my experience since starting writing though it has ranged from one to three. My suggestion is to join a writers group or forum and offer to read their first drafts in return. You want critical and honest feedback in as timely a manner as possible from them and you. I should probably define what a Beta Reader is before continuing. Its someone who reads and gives feedback on every thing from plot, to story, to characters, and if you want, grammar. 

Before ever sending your chapters to beta readers, whether one or more at a time, make certain the first draft is done. In fact, finish the first draft, take a two week to a month break then come back and do a second draft. Once that is done approach the writers group. If you are a part of the Writing Community on Twitter, which you should be, try there for beta readers. Remember. Please be polite.

Life is busy for both the writer and beta reader. So if you feel on edge after a whole week from sending those chapters, give a nudge. Do it politely and with understanding because you'll want the same in return. You may not want to make the changes they suggest. I will tell you that not all suggestions should be taken as scripture. But if enough people find the same problem then make a change. Minor changes from individual beta readers are important too. It will ultimately be up to you to make the final decisions. 

After everyone has read the book in its entirety continue drafting until you are satisfied. There is a chance you may or may not be, but don't hold onto it for years. I'd also recommend finding a critique partner or partners to help with grammar, sentence structure and punctuation. They can function just like beta readers, but from what I'm told they focus more on I said in the previous sentence.

Now its your turn to beta read. It will with no doubt slow your current and future manuscripts. You as a writer must try to make time. Again, regular life will also be a part of the struggle and you will want to give in. You must not and cannot give up. If you are just starting out I promise that over time you will learn to read faster, type faster and write in good form. Beta reading helps both you and the writer learn what to do and not to do. Take your time but remember that the writer is just as nervous and anxious as you. Please don't be over critical because things can be fixed. I have a great attention to detail and that is why my notes for writers are ten notebook pages long or more. 

Both as a beta reader and a writer you will improve with practice until one day all of it is a bit easier. There is no truly easy life for a writer even after publication. To truly be frank, the best stories come from those that work the hardest. So please give beta reading your all and find a way to balance everything else. Its up to you alone. I wish you the best of luck as a writer and beta reader. Remember, that they are your colleagues. You alone are the competition.