Beta Readers, Critique Partners, and Dev Editors

Beta Readers

A beta reader is someone who reads an early (usually not fully edited version of the manuscript.) I have also heard the term ALPHA reader, which refers to someone reading the very, very rough version. Beta readers can also be used toward the end of the publishing process to provide feedback on the almost-finished book.

This person is not necessarily editing or even deeply critiquing. They are approaching the story from the view of a reader. They are going to talk about the story and the characters, and how the book made them feel.

They usually are not deeply immersed in the craft of writing so they aren’t really checking for things like character arc or story structure.

Beta readers can be found in your own personal circle or in online groups, or in book clubs. Someone who is your target audience is always ideal. If you are writing YA and can find a teenager willing to give you feedback, that is awesome. If you are writing Regency historicals, you generally want someone who is familiar with that genre rather than someone who only reads Tom Clancy thrillers.

Sometimes, you just need a person who is willing to read and give you an honest opinion.

If that sounds like something you’d like to do, I’m currently adding to my list of beta readers for my clients!

Beta Reader Interest Form

Critique Partners

A critique partner is usually someone more familiar with the craft of writing (often a fellow author) who also reads early versions of the story, but their goal is to improve it. They are going to give specific feedback on arcs and plots, pacing, and voice, and approach the story with a more critical eye than a general reader.

Critique partners can be found in writing groups. Sometimes online groups. Usually, there is some kind of page exchange system. So it might require you to provide feedback on something for them as well.

The disadvantage of this is that often critique partners are seeing only parts of the story rather than the entire manuscript at once.

For a critique partner, you want to pick someone familiar with your genre and (usually) with some writing or editing experience.

Developmental Editors

That’s someone like me!

Dev editors (sometimes called “content editors”) are focused on your plot, story, pacing, author voice, character voice, conflict, stakes, tension, etc. We are not worried about grammar or punctuation. We’re focusing on the story as a whole.

As I have told many clients, I am not the person you want deciding if that semi-colon should be there, because I assure you, I have no idea.

What I do know is story structure, character arcs, how to strengthen the conflict, how to build tension, and when your point of view starts venturing into head-hopping territory.

My entire goal is to make your story stronger, your characters more authentic, and the emotional connection between your words and the reader more intense.

Why does it matter?

Writing can be very solitary. I have several clients (and know plenty of people who aren’t my clients) who don’t want to discuss their writing with others in their life. For those people, going straight to a dev editor or story coach is the best option.

For writers who are comfortable using beta readers or critique partners, ideally, the story would be read by a few people before going to a dev editor. Sometimes beta readers or critique partners can catch issues first.

I also suggest staggering feedback from beta readers and critique partners. If you have five people willing to read your book and offer their opinion, send it to three people first. Review and implement their suggestions, and then send it to the others. This gives you a chance to get an unbiased opinion on the changes.

Before publishing, it is still important to have a manuscript professionally edited. Even if you have the best beta readers and critique partners in the world, a fresh set of eyes is always a good thing.

Learn more about my services

Ready to elevate your craft?

Check out Ten Steps on the Story Structure Stairway

Do you have all the pieces of a great story, but don't know how to put them together? Does your story need direction? Do you find yourself stalling in the middle? Not sure where to take your next step?

In this hour-long workshop, we will move from the opening hook to the final image with all the steps in between.

Let me help you climb the Story Structure Stairway!

Happy writing!