I finished my novel last year and mid-September is now staring at me, such a nag is the fall when it comes to writing and getting back on track. I mean, seriously. I know I have fifty pages of comments and issues to address before passing my manuscript to my agent.
My baby is going on submission in October.
Since January, I’ve been sorting through feedback from beta readers—volunteers who provided feedback on my book. Also known as superheroes to me. The experience has been all kinds of awesome, as well as terrifying. I’ve had a total of fifteen readers. Their feedback has been invaluable, even if one of my betas hated my protagonist. Regardless, this input helped expose weaknesses in my characters which I have since spent months improving on. Each of my readers have helped sniff out many pertinent issues in some way or another.
Overall, the process of working with beta readers has been smooth and the comments mostly positive. It has identified weak and irrelevant parts of my manuscript that still require work. And work it has certainly been, at times painstaking. But I’m happy to report that I’m almost through the majority of issues…yes, nine months later.
Working with beta readers is important. Below are some things I’ve learned along the way.
- One beta is not enough. Fifteen is a lot! Five betas is a good start.
- Try not to get good friends or family, they’re predisposed to loving whatever you write, no matter how good or bad it is.
- Select members of your target audience, other writers, someone who is not afraid to be honest, and someone who is reliable.
- Find beta readers using social media sites, like LinkedIn or Wattpad.
- Offer format choices: print vs. electronic. Make it as easy for your betas as possible.
- Don’t give your betas a shitty draft. Make sure it’s a polished copy that has been thoroughly proofread.
- Provide your betas with clear instructions of the feedback you’re looking for. A checklist is handy, but nothing too complicated or they won’t do it.
- Try not to be too protective of your work. Don’t take the feedback personally. Remember, you asked for it!
- Set a deadline of when you’d like comments and don’t let it drag on too long.
- Always thank your beta readers. Consider swapping services or giving a small token of appreciation. Perhaps even thank them in your acknowledgements when your book is published!
Remember your goal is to make your book better. You don’t have to accept every piece of feedback you receive, but if you’re getting similar comments, there might be something you need to take a closer look at. No story is perfect. More revisions will always be possible. As writers, we are blind to our weaknesses. Where beta readers aren’t. Like I said, superheroes.
Best lesson of all? It’s not about me. It’s about my book.
Andrea
bjas
Sharon
Maria
Restless Writers 
Good insight – it’s about the book! I’m working on a book myself – I’m only finally getting comfortable saying I’m even working on writing a book. It seems like such an intangible thing to do sometimes. But my confidence is growing!
Thx for the comment. It certainly takes time and courage to share with the world, but you’ll know when you’re ready. Good luck and keep writing!
You have to know the novel written work rules,You should be clear about the motivation behind this diligent work, as well. Yes, there is cash to be produced using composition fiction, however in the event that it’s cash that inspires you…well, we should simply say there must be less demanding methods for turning a buck. The same thing goes for pursuing fame.The best explanation behind composing is to do it for its own purpose. Compose a novel in light of the fact that you need to compose a novel. On the off chance that you go ahead to offer it, that is only the what tops off an already good thing.