Beta Readers, Part Two: How to Be a Beta Reader

A couple of days ago, I wrote a post about selecting beta readers.  Obviously, this post was aimed at writers wishing to get feedback on their pieces.  However, many writers are also asked to be beta readers, and it's just as important for a beta reader to know what he or she is getting into before that manuscript arrives, waiting to be read.  So there are a few things you should remember, dear readers, as you accept the invitation to be a beta reader.

Beta readers are not editors.  Though you may be asked to proofread or double-check continuity or other tasks that editors often undertake, you are not actually an editor.  Don't assume your writer will take all of your suggestions (and yes, they are only suggestions, not directions or commands) to heart.  All editing decisions, at least at this stage, are ultimately in the hands of the writer.  Make suggestions, but don't take it personally if, when you read a revision of the manuscript, something you suggested be cut is still in the story.  After all, the piece is the writer's vision, not yours.

Beta readers should be very clear about what the writer expects.  Does your writer want you to simply read through the manuscript to make sure it flows well?  Does your writer want you to mark every misplaced apostrophe?  Perhaps it's something between the two?  Whatever your writer expects of you should be made clear in the beginning of the process.  In writing, if possible.  It can be upsetting, after all, if your writer wants to make sure the plot flows and gets a manuscript back that looks like it's bleeding because said writer hasn't edited for grammar and spelling yet.  And along those lines, once the expectations are set by the writer, stick to them.  Don't assume you're doing the writer a favor by editing grammar if he or she has asked you to focus on the setting.

Beta readers are not all about glowing praise.  Every writer likes to hear that a reader enjoys his or her work, but the purpose of a beta reader is to help improve the piece.  In order to do that, you have to be honest about it.  If you read the manuscript and something doesn't work, let the writer know it doesn't work.  (If you have a feel for why it's not working, all the better!)  If a character feels flat, tell the writer.  Perhaps he or she just hasn't spent as much time developing that character and it's an easy fix.  But if these comments aren't expressed to the writer, the piece will never be it's best, and you and the writer will both have wasted your time.  If you like something about the piece, be sure to express that, too, but don't be afraid to share your concerns.  Writers should be able to take criticism, after all!

Being a beta reader can be a very rewarding experience.  You're involved in the writer's creative process, and if the piece you read is published, you can know you had a hand in it.  However, it is a relationship that involves a lot of communication, a lot of patience, and even more than that, a willingness to be open to the personal creativity of another person.

If you're asked to be a beta reader, remember that it is something that should be taken very seriously.  If you can't take it seriously, thank the writer for asking, but suggest they choose someone else instead.

And happy reading!