Why Authors needBeta Readers

Qualities needed ina Beta Reader?

 1.    A Reader. An avid reader is important. Onebook a year is not an avid reader, and an author won’t receive the feedbackneeded.

 2.    A Reliable Reader. An author can’t wait for a reader to read theirmanuscript over several months before receiving feedback. Beta readers mustcommit to the time it takes to read and return feedback.

 3.    Authors need beta readers to be honest. It’simportant for the author to receive honest feedback from the reader’sperspective.

 4.    Beta readers should read the genre the authorwrite. If a beta reader offers to read a genre she isn’t familiar with, how canthere be constructive feedback. 

Authors and the Beta Readers

1. Beta readers should have knowledge of your genre

Your beta reader should read and enjoy books likeyour book, otherwise, the reader will not be able to give honest feedback.

2. Confirm a deadline with your beta readers

3. Most beta readers appreciate knowing whenyou expect feedback from reading their novel.

4. Feedback

All feedback should be considered carefully. Ifseveral beta readers make the same remark, then it obviously a signal to stepback and rethink an issue.

How many beta readers do you need? 

No magic number forbeta readers. Some authors like three to five, while other like more. But don’task too many or you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by all the feedback.

Do Beta Readers Get Paid?

No. It’s a good idea to keep track of your beta readers to thankthem when they finish. Some authors send a published print copy to the readersto show appreciation. 

 

Ask a few questions tohelp readers in their feedback (you may have more questions that pertains toyour story)

1.       Was thestory compelling?

2.       Did youfeel confused or unsure about a scene while reading the story.

3.       Were thecharacters interesting?

4.       Did youfind gaps in the story that needed clarifying?

How can an Author Find Good Beta Readers?

Obviously, with friends, colleague, acquaintances, and familymembers. Also, online communities you belong to. These are probably the easiestto find, but remember you want them to be brutally honest.

Writing communities: 

 

1.    Beta Readers and Critique PartnersFacebook Group  

Thisis a private group with over 7,000 members, you’ll have to request to join. 

2.  15of the best online writing communities for aspiring authors: Here

3.  Goodreads:  this Goodreads Beta Reader Group is a valuableresource

4.  Your Author Website: sign up as a beta reader, use your newsletter to ask forbeta readers

I'm in need of another beta reader.

My Women’s Fiction, YaYa House is in need of a Beta Reader. If you’reinterested, I’ll send you a copy. Please email me at judybakersugg@gmail.com 

YaYa House  

Friends throughoutthe decades, four women decide to be adventurous and move eight-hundred milesfrom their family, causing chaos.

    

In a blink, you’rethere. Where? Living the last chapter of your life.

Widowed for two years, Annie made aspontaneous decision to buy a house eight hundred miles from her adultchildren. Feeling youthful, again, Annie moves into her dream house on a cliffoverlooking the ocean in Oregon. Never dreaming her new adventure would takeher to the doorsteps of contentment, especially when her YaYa Sisters come tovisit and make their own decisions in becoming part of the YaYa House.

Will Annie’s daughters forgive herfor being independent, or will their emotional rebellious attitude go as far asto declare her incompetent? Will Annie have to compromise and leave her sistersin her dream home by the ocean?

What about her charming neighbor? Is it possible at this point in her life for a romantic relationship at her age?

           I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year ahead. 

Judy