When I posted a notice in my ezine asking for volunteers to be beta readers for my new book, Write Your Book in a Flash I was thrilled to have 10 people respond!
Upon further reflection, I was surprised that 10 people actually knew what a beta reader is!
If You Are Writing A Book, Or Plan To
Write A Book, You’ll Want To Read This
Brief Introduction To “Beta Readers”
Beta readers are volunteers who read a draft of a book and give their honest feedback on what works, what doesn’t work and what is missing. They are not copy editors and they aren’t looking for typos.
When I wrote books for Wiley, my editors suggested I send the books to experts for “peer review.”
Instead of peers, I’m sending my book to people who are my target readers – people who want to write books.
Beta Readers Provide An Invaluable Service
To Authors Because They Offer Unique Perspectives
The Author Doesn’t Have
The author, after all, isn’t the target reader. The author knows it all – or seeks to find it.
The reader, on the other hand, wants to learn and have their questions answered. If they don’t understand something, they will highlight that flaw in your manuscript.
For example, the author might assume that everyone knows terms like plagiarism, call-outs and forewords.
I realized that I needed to define every term because people might not know the most rudimentary terms.
In The Process, I Learned Too
For example, a “foreword” (not forward) is written by an outside expert, while a “preface” is written by the author.
While the majority of my book shows how to write a book quickly, editing and revising a book is part of the writing process.
Therefore, my book includes a section on how authors can find beta readers and how to work with them.
After all, readers need to know what info you want from them.
My book also provides sample letters and forms covering the care and feeding of beta readers.
I hope this information helps you write better books!
BTW, I’m Humbled (And Relieved) That
The Feedback I Received From
My Beta Readers Was VERY Positive
They loved the book – and they found items that they loved – and items that needed work.
They saved my neck!
They even found a couple typos.
All the more reason to consider book coaching, developmental editing, and ghostwriting.
I was honored to be one of your beta readers, Dan! Your content is fabulous.
As a speaker, trainer, and blogger, I am no stranger to writing, but writing a book that people will want to read has a lot of moving parts. Your approach builds confidence (and reduces the fear!) by tackling the process in a humorous, informative, and relatable way. Aspiring authors will achieve a finished product they can be proud of if they use your approach. I can’t wait to get this book in its final form.
Beta reading your manuscript was a great experience for me and has encouraged me to tackle a manuscript of my own!
Thanks, Dan!
Kelly,
Thank you for being part of what we are doing and for your friendship and support!
All the best,
Dan