I have an amazing critique partner. On a very lucky day in my life, I connected with her on a beta readers and critique partners Facebook Group. We swapped our stories and shared feedback. And while we could have stopped our partnership there… we didn’t. It just kept going and growing.
Over the next four years we became more familiar with each other’s writing style, author voice, comfort level, crutch words, and so much more. I know when I ask her to beta read, I will receive genuine, critical (but kind) feedback that will make my story better. My critique partner didn’t just teach me how to tell stories better, she taught me how to beta read, too.
Based on this strong partnership, I’ve compiled a list of things I’ve found along the way that can really help an author after a beta read:
1 – stream of consciousness thoughts. If you’re beta reading, tell the author what’s going through your mind as you read through each scene. React to the text. Are you confused? Did something surprise you? Did a character do something that was out of the norm? Was the description accurate or too detailed? It’s really important for the author to know how readers react, especially if it’s a high-intensity scene. Don’t be afraid to leave a comment with just your reactions. They’re helpful!
2 – answer the specific questions the author has. I wrote a blog several years ago with a long list of specific questions an author can use to solicit feedback from a beta reader. If an author asks you to read and pay attention to something specific, please do it. Follow their guidance and help answer the questions they have.
3 – correct typos and proofread. We all miss things. It’s human nature. If you see a typo or something grammatically incorrect, point it out. Even the very best editors and proofreaders can miss small things. The more eyes on a page, the cleaner the final draft.
4 – keep an eye out for repeated words or phrases. I don’t think I can ever use the phrase: “his Adam’s apple bobs as…” because oh my goodness, the second my critique partner pointed out how many times I’ve use this description, I laughed so hard! As a beta reader, you have a fresh lens and can pick up nuances the author cannot. Do not be afraid to draw attention to any overused phrases, words, or even descriptions.
5 – watch for continuity. When I’m writing, I’m mostly focused on what a character feels in a given scene. I write about their emotions and how those emotions make them feel in a given moment. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook what actions a character makes. For example, if the scene started with the main character seated at the dining room table wearing tennis shoes, they suddenly can’t be in the garage wearing flip-flops. Keep that eagle eye out for continuity in the story.
6 – be critical (in a kind way) of dialogue. If something sounds weird, earmark it. Dialogue can be challenging to write, but it’s also the bread and butter of storytelling. If something hits your ear wrong or you have to stop and reread for clarity, note it. Chances are, you are not the only reader who will have that opinion. Dialogue can easily be smoothed. Point out the spots in a story where a massage is needed.
7 – be wary of name over usage. Some of the best advice I ever received was to write dialogue how it’s spoken. We typically do not use another person’s name in conversation unless we’re seeking their attention. As you’re reading, note the places where names can be deleted if they serve little purpose.
8 – help out with dialogue tags. If dialogue tags are not used effectively, it can get confusing, particularly in scenes including same-pronoun characters. If you don’t know who’s speaking, another reader will not either. Point out those places of confusion because they can be easily modified for clarity.
9 – pause to think about pacing. As a beta reader, you’re oftentimes the first person to read the holistic story. If the story speeds too quickly or if you’re falling asleep in places, don’t be afraid to tell the author. You have a fresh set of eyes and can offer really valuable insight into where the story experiences a pacing problem.
10 – tell the author they did a good job. I’m 100% certain the story you just read was not perfect. It was never going to be perfect on the first read through. And where you can offer your comments, thoughts, and objective opinions on how to improve, be sure to deliver your critique in a kind way. Tell the author they did a good job. Be kind. Your purpose is to help improve the story and share your insight, not to tear down the author. Balance your feedback and remember that you’ll never regret being kind.
And there you have it! Ten tips to improve your beta reading effectiveness. If you have more to add to the list, drop them in the comments below!