Acquiring and Accurately Utilizing Alpha and Beta Readers as a Writer
Knowing what each type of reader is and how to properly utilize their skills is important
When it comes to the editing stage of your book, the greatest assets available to you are alpha and beta readers.
Why? Because these are your first readers, the readers who will be able to tell you what does and doesn’t work with your story. By enlisting these readers to read your work in its early stages, you ensure that your book becomes the best version it can be.
However, not many writers/ authors know where to find these readers and how to utilize them to the best of their ability.
What is the difference between Alpha and Beta readers?
Alpha Readers: These are readers who are reading the first, second, or even third draft of your manuscript before professional editing. They will provide both grammatical and developmental editing notes in their feedback.
Beta Readers: These are the readers who receive a polished and professionally edited version of your book. During their time with your book, they will answer any final questions you have about your story and provide you with last-minute advice on developmental aspects of the story.
Where do you find Alpha and Beta readers?
This is the most asked question.
Where can we find people willing to read pre-published versions of our books and provide us with feedback on how to make them better?
And unfortunately, when we manage to find readers, they don’t always work out.
Because many times, writers/ authors have people volunteer to read their books and find that some readers either take too long to read and provide feedback or don’t get back to them at all.
So, where do we find these types of readers?
Friends and family
Other writers/ authors
Readers of your genre in reading groups
Writer groups
There is always the possibility of you asking outright on social media.
If you choose to ask on social media, be sure to:
Have a short synopsis of your novel prepared
Comp title and tropes in your novel
Sensitive content or trigger warnings
How to contact you if someone is interested in being an alpha or beta reader (DM, email, etc.)
How do we properly utilize alpha and beta readers?
Once authors/ writers have managed to build a list of readers together, now is the time to iron out a few important details.
Know when you will need their feedback and set a deadline date. (Be sure that it’s achievable considering the type of feedback they are providing you.)
Prepare a list of questions you have regarding your story to ensure that you receive feedback on areas you the author/ writer are unsure of. (These can range from how strong the opening of the book is to asking for advice on how a specific scene is paced as well as wanting to know how characters’ dynamics are to the reader)
As difficult as it is, ask your readers to tell you one thing they did like about your book and two things they didn’t like.
Once you have gotten all of this information in order, send them an email and tell them you appreciate their time.
Alpha and Beta readers provide invaluable advice for the book and help it get to the best version possible.
Once they have helped you with the book, there are a few ways you can say thank you:
Give them a shoutout on social media and tag them.
Provide them with a free copy of the book after it’s released.
Place a special thank you in the back of the book for them.
Going the extra mile for these readers shows how much you appreciate them and in turn, may make them want to return to help you again in the future.