Sure, there are times when a specific plot element doesn’t work, but there is a fine line between pointing that out and changing the story’s trajectory. Having a beta reader “re-write” your story is about the worst feedback you can possibly get. Why? Because writers are in the business of storytelling, and we all tell stories in different ways. Some writers avoid using other writers as beta readers. Ideally, you want someone who has read so much in your genre that they have internalized its structure and rules then, if something feels off, they can point to it (even without knowing how to fix it). If you choose a beta reader who generally reads thrillers and your book is a character-driven literary novel, that reader will probably be impatient with your descriptive imagery and itch for more action. When I wanted feedback for my novel, Thieving Forest, I knew I needed someone who understood both historical novels and women’s fiction, since Thieving Forest straddles both worlds.

It’s very important to find beta readers who like to read books in your genre. How do you know which person will give you the most valuable feedback? First, look at what they read. I believe that the key to using a beta reader successfully is twofold: one, approach the right reader(s) and two, be clear on what kind of feedback you want. But I’ve also had the experience of a careful reader giving me misleading (even hurtful) feedback-who hasn’t?īeta readers can be your friends or colleagues they can even be the very agents or editors who will eventually work on the finished manuscript. They read with more distance than you do, and because of that they often point out problems or inconsistencies you’ve missed. The result: he’s more confused than ever.īeta readers-those readers you trust your manuscript to before sending it out to an agent, editor, or publishing house-can give valuable feedback. Someone in my writing group recently sent his first chapters to five different people … and got five very different responses.

Thieving forest by martha conway