Are You Tainting Your Betas?

Wish there was a way to preview what your reviews for your book might look like? That’s where betas come in!

Beta Readers Defined

NOTE: Some writers call readers “betas” no matter what version of the book they are receiving. You are welcome to do the same! I just want to clarify that I see alphas and betas as two different entities who are part of two different undertakings that happen at two different places along the book development process.

Betas are just people who have agreed to read a nearly-finalized version of your book and give you feedback on it. That’s it! Unlike alpha readers, these people aren’t looking to help you repair your early / rough draft of the piece. They want a mostly polished piece to review so they can then share their reactions with you.

It’s most helpful to have people reading your work who are fans of that genre or at least read it regularly as part of a more eclectic personal library.

For example, if you are writing a book about using plants to regrow teeth after the age of 50, you wouldn’t want betas in their teens and twenties. That’s not your target market.

The Beta Reading Process

1. Prepare your manuscript.