Before sending off my first book to beta readers this past weekend, I did a bit of research on how to effectively work with them. It wasn’t going to be as simple as dropping binders off to people and picking them up a few weeks later. There was a ton of info out there, but what I found most important was to clarify with the readers what you are expecting of them.
Why Are They Reading?
For my readers, I included a quick note to let them know I would be working with a copy editor to correct any grammar or punctuation. What I was asking them to do was to give feedback on the overall story and how they perceived it.
What to Look For
I included a few bullet points, asking them to note:
- Areas that felt like something is missing or weren’t developed enough
- Sections or scenes that seem unnecessary to the story
- Parts of the story, dialogue, or narrative that you didn’t understand or found confusing
- The flow and pace of the story
Questions for Feedback
I also included some questions for them to review afterward:
- Did the opening scene capture your attention? Why or why not?
- Was there a particular moment when you felt “hooked” and/or excited to keep reading?
- Did you notice any inconsistencies in setting, timeline or characters? If so, where?
- What did you think of the characters? Who was your most/least favorite and why?
- Did the dialogue keep your interest and sound natural to you?
- Was there enough conflict, tension, and intrigue to keep your interest?
- Was the ending satisfying and believable?
- Did this book remind you of other books you’ve read?
So Excited, Yet So Nervous
Okay, I have to note here, I was sick to my stomach when I sent off the manuscript to my readers. In no way do I doubt my readers aren’t going to do an amazing job. I am SUPER grateful to each of them. They are so generous in giving their time to help me.
However, I have to actively not think about them reading it. Author Laura Holmes assures me the frazzled nerves is a very common feeling at this stage. That made me feel a bit better. I’m glad I’ll be starting my outline these next few weeks to help me prepare for NaNoWriMo and the writing of Book 2!
Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels