Before tackling this subject, I’d like to point out that I have nothing against beta readers. In fact, I encourage my clients to make use of beta readers before sending their manuscript off to be edited. It helps the author to get an understanding of how readers view their work and the areas they can improve upon. Although this should go without saying, beta readers are not a substitute for editors. Unfortunately, not everyone views it this way. They believe a set of good beta readers and self-editing is good enough before sending their manuscript to a publisher or self-publishing. Friendly Note: If you’re looking for a beta reader, some great places to find them are Goodreads, WattPad, and Facebook groups. It's always good to remember to prepare yourself and your manuscript before sending it to a beta reader. There is an excellent set of tips on this process at The Book Designer. I'll also be gathering a set of highly recommended beta readers later. While I do offer free beta reading, it is dependent upon my schedule. Reason #1 This isn't their job. Beta readers are most often not being paid for their work. They are usually volunteers who make time to critique your manuscript. Although most take this task quite seriously, there is little chance they will have the time needed to go over it in such depth. Some may not be taking notes of events in the first chapter that conflict events midway through the novel. Even if they do, they simply won’t have time to fix every error, provide feedback for all plot holes, point out character development issues, and so forth. That being said, there are paid beta reading services. If that is the option you choose, keep in mind you are paying for a beta reader. They are by no means obligated to go over your manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, so to speak, and provide you with in-depth feedback. While I do love the beta reading community, editing is not their job. They may not have experience in the area. Of course, a good beta reader should be able to tell you what makes a great story, what areas they didn’t enjoy, ways one might draw the reader in, and even point out a few grammar and syntax errors. There’s a plethora of beta readers seeking a free read or an opportunity to discovering a new author. They are readers, first and foremost. Keep that in mind. Reason #2 Their purpose is to prepare your manuscript for the editor. Think of beta readers as a critique group. If you’ve ever been in a writing workshop or taken a creative writing class, you know exactly what I am talking about. In my first writing class, we would print out copies of our work for our classmates, critique each other, and make adjustments accordingly before submitting our work to the professor for grading. It didn’t mean our work was going to be ready for publication. Not at all! It was ready to be graded by the professor – who pointed out even more areas to improve upon, the reasons why those areas needed to be worked with, and how we could go about making these adjustments. Beta readers prepare your manuscript to be sent to an editor. Editors prepare your manuscript to be sent to a publisher (or uploaded onto Amazon, etc. for those of you who self-publish). Reason #3 You can't get beta reading feedback and then self-edit. Okay, so some of you are probably thinking – like many new authors do – why can’t I just edit my manuscript myself? It’s the same reason even the best writer needs an editor. We don’t see our own mistakes. Sure, you’ve got some great feedback from your beta readers, colleagues, or even friends and family. Authors outside the indie community do the same exact thing! They share their work with those around them, seeking feedback and ideas. Some of these people have graduated with English degrees. I don’t care who you are – and yes, I am including myself here – when it comes to writing, most of us can’t spot our own mistakes. It’s not that we’re prideful. Oh, no … We writers tend to tear ourselves down during the editing and revision process. The problem is, we’ve been reading this manuscript for too long. We’re too used to it. In the case of fiction, as the author, there are areas that you feel make perfect sense, because you know the characters better than anyone else. The reader doesn’t, though. The reader still needs you to show them things, and an editor will guide you through that and more.
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