- We recently had a situation
where the author of one of the books that we were working on
disagreed with us about who the audience was for the book.
So rather than keep arguing, we brought in
some beta readers to see what they thought.
Now if you're wondering what the heck a beta reader even is
or what they do and whether you need them for your book
well stick around because today's video is for you.
(upbeat energetic music)
Hey, I'm Julie the book broad
an award-winning author and the founder of
a fantastic company called Book Launchers.
We're your fabulous professional self-publishing team
helping you write, publish and sell non-fiction books
that will grow your business and make you money.
One of the superpowers of our company is how much we care
about our authors' books.
I've been very fortunate to attract people who are not happy
until a book is as good as it possibly can be.
Most of the time my team can come together
to find solutions to the challenges a book faces
or together with the client they find a way to tackle
an issue that's preventing a book from being its best.
But every once in a while, we know the book
is missing the mark, and just needs more input
or a fresh perspective.
And that's when we call in the beta readers.
So what is a beta reader?
Usually it's an unpaid, non-professional person
who will read your book and give you some input.
A critique, if you will, prior to your book being published.
People are brought in as beta readers
at different phases of the book process.
You might bring them in at first draft
or in mid-edit, or maybe in pre-publication.
Each phase would have a different objective
for bringing in beta readers.
First draft is more of a proof of concept.
So you're asking your beta readers whether this message
has hit the mark for the audience.
You might say, what can be done to address the flaws
or maybe the weak areas of the book.
Mid-edit is probably for more eyes to catch
smaller issues with the book around
how things are explained, or whether they keep the audience
engaged from story to story and concept to concept.
Final draft, well the beta readers at that point
would be an extra set of eyes to catch any errors
before it goes to print, and probably boost the confidence
of the author that it's good enough to publish now.
Some recommend only working with other writers
while others suggest your beta readers would be
selected from your target audience.
I think it depends on what kind of feedback
you're looking for, and what your goal is
in having beta readers.
So if you're thinking of maybe getting beta readers
your first task is to figure out what is your goal
in bringing on beta readers to your team?
Spell it out, do you want eagle eyes to catch
final errors in your proof before you
sign off on it to go to print, or are you looking for
the wisdom of a targeted audience to find
where your book may be dull or confusing.
Write that down so you're clear.
And me, I write it down in the form of questions
for the beta reader, so it's instructions
and I can be sure that we're getting the input
that we need from the book.
Because if you just ask somebody to read the book
and give input, you're gonna get information
all over the map, and it might not actually be useful.
So when I was looking for beta readers
for one of our clients, this is what I wrote.
Specifically I said, "It's not gone through
"any edits yet so it's still raw."
"We're looking for a few readers to read some of it
"scan the rest, and really give us a feeling for
"one, what do you think the book is about?
"Two, who do you think is the most likely
"audience for the book?
"Three, what do you like about the book?
"Four, if you could change something about the book
"what would you change?
"We're not looking for editing of any kind
"and do not expect anyone to read the entire book
"because it's long, and we really need your input
"in the next 10 to 14 days."
So I was super clear, and that is what I shared
with each beta reader.
Now, you need to think about who is going to be the best
and most likely to help out, and do it within your timeline
'cause heads-up, a lot of people are gonna say
they're going to do this, and a lot of people are also
not going to get it done. (laughing)
When it comes to non-fiction, I think you're generally best
to go with people who will be in your target audience
for input, but fellow writers in a similar space
can be invaluable too.
For the project mentioned above
I posted on a couple of writing forums I'm a part of
and gave a couple of generic subject matters
that the book involved, in order to make sure
that people would be somewhat interested
in this book to begin with.
From there I had five volunteers
so that's what we went with.
Once you have the beta readers on board
send them the manuscript and the timeline
and expect that you may have to follow up
to make sure you're getting the input
in the timeframe that you need it.
When I did this for my books in the past
I had five beta readers and only had
the complete manuscript reviewed by two of them.
The other three had the best of intentions
and started the book but didn't finish.
So just know that if you think you really want the input
of three people, you probably should ask five or six.
Finally, while beta readers are rarely paid
for their service, it's still a service
so I recommend you do something in thanks.
Whether it be a small gift card
or some other service in kind
if they provide you with decent input
that took time and effort, and deserves a thank you.
At the very least, send them a nice thank you note
and a copy of your book when it comes out.
Now the reasons I actually don't recommend beta readers
most of the time is beta readers have the best of intentions
but the best of intentions doesn't always translate
into clear, actionable advice that will improve your book.
(laughing) Sometimes it can confuse it and make you doubt
yourself or your book when you shouldn't.
Also, beta readers slow down your book process.
I was demanding and asking that these beta readers
turn it around in 10 days, but I also wasn't asking them
to read the whole manuscript
or go over it with a fine tooth comb.
I was looking for high level general input.
And finally, beta readers can also give you
overconfidence in your book.
I've seen this way too many times.
Too many people have friends read their book
and they believe them when they tell them how amazing it is.
I know, because so many authors bring us manuscripts
that they say they've had glowing feedback
from early readers and we read it and wonder
who the heck was telling them such falsehoods?
Strangers will be more honest most of the time.
When I bring on beta readers for our clients
they don't meet each other, they don't know each other
so there'll be more honesty.
Now I'm curious, have you used beta readers for your book?
How did it work out for you?
Please share in the comments below
and when you comment the day a video is released
you'll be entered to win some sweet Book Launcher swag.
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I've been told coffee tastes better in it. (laughing)
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Big virtual hugs to you for your likes, shares and comments.
All right, so up next I highly recommend you watch
this fantastic video on hiring great editors
because beta readers are not a replacement
for a brilliant editor, but if that's not your jam
or you watched that one already
this fabulous little writing tip
right here is also a good one for you to watch.
Guaranteed enjoyment and education or your money back.
(laughing) It's free to watch, get it. (laughing)
All right, see you at the other video.
(upbeat energetic music)