things to know before sending your novel to beta readers

Saturday, May 21, 2016
This past April, I did a very scary thing. A scary thing that proceeded to make me shake and cringe whenever the topic came up. It involved my writing. It involved other people. Put those two together, and it involved other people reading my writing. Beta readers.

UM. OKAY. NO BIG DEAL. *heart attack*

I am not a big fan of people reading my writing. It sounds silly -- I know. Because don't writers write stories for people to read?

Yes. But. Still. That's scary. :P

I have learned things through this beta process. And since many of you might go through the beta process eventually (it's something you really, really should do), here are some things to know before handing your baby off.


betas are nice. 

Even though I was scared to death of sending my manuscript to betas, after the first few comments came back, I started to relax. (A little bit.) No one was sending my angry emails of how awful it was. They handled critique kindly. They flailed. They told me how they couldn't wait to read the sequel. From every comment I walked away feeling encouraged and ready to make my book better. That's more than I could've asked for.

give your betas more time to read than you'd think.

Most of my betas said that they would be able to give me feedback within a month, and only half actually fulfilled that. (this isn't to make anyone feel bad -- just passing on information that can help others in the future :)

Life happens. Most of my betas had their own books to write and edits. I completely understand! (Gosh, I'm just happy that people signed up and are excited.) But for you writers who want to have feedback returned by a certain date... make sure you allow time for betas to fall behind and take longer than expected.

Even if you don't need feedback by a certain time, deadlines are good. Then betas won't get into the thinking mentality of "I can always do this later -- there's no time I need to get my critiques sent in by."

say YES to all the betas.

Originally -- as in a couple months ago -- I expected to have around 7-10 betas. It's a good, average amount of betas, but I had to factor in several things:

// some of my betas might become busy and won't be able to finish it in time.
// some betas may never even start my book.
// not all of my betas will stick around or be able to read the sequel. 

So, since I had almost 40 people sign up, I said yes to all of them. Only half of them returned feedback (20), and I'm guessing only 15 of those will end up reading the sequel. So while 40 originally sounds like a lot, it was actually nowhere close to that.

betas will catch even the smallest of mistakes. 

I assumed that betas would catch mistakes in my book. I mean, that's what they're for, right? But I didn't know that they were so good at catching mistakes. 

My fantastic betas realized that I skipped from chapter 25 to chapter 27. They found character inconsistencies and places where I'm missing a word. They caught everything. Though it's overwhelming to have all that feedback thrown at you, I couldn't be happier. Because ultimately my book will get better because of this. *confetti*

questions are a very good thing.

Instead of leaving it up to your betas to send in feedback, have a list of questions for them. This was extremely helpful, and betas went into tons of detail. (I practically received a whole novel of feedback through the forms. Like, almost 15k words. o.O)

I asked seven questions and had a space where they could leave general thoughts. Be sure to ask about characters, plot, and confusing parts. That's where I got the majority of my critiques.

I used a google form which worked nicely for having everything in one place, but you could always attached a word document of questions or even paste some into an email. Do whatever works best for you.

have something you can work on while you wait for feedback.

THIS IS A THOUSAND TIMES IMPORTANT. In a matter of moments after I sent off my book to beta readers, I started brainstorming my Camp NaNoWriMo novel. A day later I started my Camp NaNoWriMo novel. So it worked out where I was I doing something while people attacked my novel. 

I could've gone crazy without keeping myself busy. I would've turned into an obsessively checking email monster. And instead I turned into an obsessively insane zombie writer. Not the greatest alternative, but I'm a writer, so what else do you expect?
- - -

// katie grace

Have you given your novel to beta readers? What did you learn?
Or are you planning to give your novel to betas eventually?

62 comments :

  1. I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND YOUR BETA READERS AND YOUR BETA READING STAGE AHHH! (Seriously. Reading this made me so happy and proud and inspired.)

    about a million people know I haven't ever even edited a single book yet, so I guess the beta reading stage is really far ahead of me. Or at least a year or two. I'll keep this post in mind though when I do get to this part of the writing process!

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    1. AWWW YOU'RE SO SWEEEEET. <3

      I hope you can eventually get to the stage, though! I'm sure you will. *nod* In the meantime just enjoy writing/editing. It's a lot less stressful. xD

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  2. It's helpful to have this inside information. :) I've never written a book (I'd definitely like to one day though), but I wouldn't mind being a beta reader for someone one day. And this post was great from that perspective too. :)

    Also, how exciting that your novel is getting closer to becoming the next bestseller! XD

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    1. Yay! Thank you for reading! :D I'm usually the beta reader, so it's kind of cool being on the other side. (and scary. ha.)

      Haha, thanks! xD

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  3. I am glad to be a reader for you! Could I add one more thing from the point of a Beta reader that could help future beta readers: let them know that you are happy to have anything, anything at all pointed out (even the tiniest things) if they want to, not that they have to but if they want to. Because sometimes they will only point out really big things (and things that annoy them most) because they are not sure exactly what you want or if you are happy with getting every little piece of feedback. And of course if you don't want minute details pointed out then let them know that so that those readers that may be happy to go to the trouble for you don't.
    Because as a beta I am often thinking. Ahh do I point this out or not, are they happy with every bit or only more major parts?

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    1. Ooh, yeah. That's definitely important. You wouldn't want to be line editing when they are just looking for plot structure feedback. :P

      I think the safe route to go is just point it out? The writer can always do what they please, but it's good to have the extra information. At least I'm always thankful for as much feedback and critique as I can get. xD

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  4. Ooh! This was really interesting! I loved finding out how you felt about all the beta reading idea, and the critiques you go back. So glad to have helped out! And I can definitely say that I am really looking forward to when you've got the sequel up for beta-ing.

    I'm actually slowly approaching a time when I may start thinking about beta readers for this novella of short stories, but I'm still yet to finish the last story and then I've got to do my own editing. But when I think about it, I'm not far off. EEK, terrifying thought!

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    1. EEK! It makes me super happy that you would be willing to beta the sequel. *so much excitement* Sighhh I need to get working on that. :P

      OOH REALLY? Wow, that is terrifying. And exciting. But... scary. :P

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    2. *whispers* Jane, you might need beta-readers sometime? Ooo ... if it works out, could I possibly be one?

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    3. Sure! If/when I get to that stage I'll be happy to get as many beta readers as I can. Technically the short stories are aimed for primary/middle school but all my family loves them too. It'd be awesome to have you read it. (Terrifying. But awesome) :D

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  5. I have, and I learned to wait before editing, then edit multiple times because you love it at first, change little, then send it off and hate it.

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    1. Nuuu, don't hate it. ;) Hopefully the beta readers encouraged you?

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    2. They did! But...I'm re-writing yet again. *cries*

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  6. IM STILL SCREAMING INSIDE but this makes me feel tons better, seriously. I'm honestly only expecting a small handful of betas since I don't have a huge blog audience but I'm hoping this all works out? *tries not to die*

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    1. IT WILL BE LOVELY AND YOU'LL FEEL BETTER ONCE PEOPLE ASSURE YOU THAT IT'S GOOD. <3
      Yesss I will offer all the feedback I can and I'm sure Aimee and Hannah will be super helpful too so yaas. *celebrates*

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  7. This is super awesome, I am sending mine out to some people soon and this is good advice.

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    1. EEEEP REALLY? That is so exciting. Are you trying to get it ready for Realm Makers?

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    2. Yes. I am probably rushing with the whole editing but it could be a one time chance so I figured why miss out. Chances are it'll stink and I'll learn and make it better

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  8. THIS IS VERY HELPFUL AND YOU KNOW WHY
    *screams*

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    1. YES I VERY WELL KNOW WHY AHHH.
      *also screams*

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  9. I really need to do beta readers when I finish my novel....agh...

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    1. ahhh don't worry about it yet xD BETA READING IS A STRESSFUL THING TO THINK ABOUT when you're still on the first draft. I always block it from my mind. :P

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  10. This is really helpful! I've had close friends edit my writing for me, but I've never really done anything like this before. I hoping I will eventually...

    http://andreasscribbles.blogspot.com/

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    1. Sometimes letting your closest friends read your writing is scarier than strangers. xD

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  11. Ahhhhh yes thank you for sharing your wisdom, Katie! *marks post for future*

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    1. *happiness* HOPEFULLY THIS 'FUTURE' IS SOONER THAN LATER BECAUSE I NEED TO READ ITTT.

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  12. "UM. OKAY. NO BIG DEAL. *heart attack*" Oh that is SO going to be my exact feelings when I end up sending out my first novel (novella?) to beta readers.

    AND YES I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE SEQUEL!!! I am SO one of those 15-ish people who is going to read the sequel because I MUST see what happens next!!!

    And for the record, I agree with basically everything you said in this post *nods*. I am planning on giving the novella that I'm working on to betas at some point ... hopefully around September or so (and yes, I'm sure I'll be scared *hides*).

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    1. YAYYY! It makes me so happy that you want to read the sequel because you were seriously so helpful. *flails*

      OOH. SEPTEMBER? CAN I BE ONE??? *screams*

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    2. YESSHH I absolutely HAVE to read it!! Any chance you have a rough idea of when you will need beta readers for it?

      YES you most definitely can be one! :D *screams with you*

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    3. *screams because SAVANNAH I WILL TOTALLY BETA-READ FOR YOU WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY ARISES*

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    4. YAY I CAN'T WAIT. *happy flailing*

      Ooh. Ha. Next year? *cringes* Yeah, since I haven't even STARTED editing it yet... blah. Next year. Hopefully EARLY next year, though. January/february. :D

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    5. *grins* *high-fives Emily* *flails happily*

      I CAN'T WAIT! Ooh dear, you're going to edit *shudders*. Good luck!

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  13. *shivers* I didn't realize having people beta read meant showing your writing so many people that you barely know...and the idea of even showing my writing to my sister makes me want to hide in a dark corner...

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    1. RIGHT?? Beta reading is so scary. xD *hides in the corner with you because writing is horribleeee*

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  14. ermegoodness thank you for posting this. It's so reassuring XD I'll be referring back here whenever I get around to finding beta readers of my own.
    (it probably should be sooner rather than later, actually... *is nervous*)
    But there is a paranoid feeling in the back of my head that they will steal my work. It's probably not a true feeling, it's still there.

    But WHILE WE'RE ON THE SUBJECT did you only have people from the interwebs/people from you blog advertisement? Or did you find in-real-life friends to have them read as well?

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    1. Ooooh, beta readers? SO EXCITING. *flails for you*

      Ahh, that makes sense! It's always hard when people copy you. I doubt that most people will do it, though -- writers know how hard it is to be original. Though I've had some people copy me for blogging. Oh well. :P

      MOST people were from my blog. Maybe, like... two people I knew in real life? I don't like giving it to people I have to see on a weekly basis or whatever. :P

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  15. Aaaah. Beta readers. :-P This is a scary thought. I haven't even finished any stories (well... none that I like), but... Yes. Someday.
    It's both exciting and scary.

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    1. Someday you will finish one and I will be extremely happy and I will beta for you and I will flail and scream and throw orange glitter and it will be wonderfully fantastic. *nod*

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  16. Wonderful things to know about beta-readers. :)

    Eek, Katie, you don't have to worry about me not liking your novel -- I DID; IT WAS SO GOOD! *flailing*

    I still feel that I didn't flail about your awesome book and encourage you enough throughout this process. Because, after all, this was SO SCARY for you. o.o But I loved Song of the Desert! ^_^

    I also was a little afraid that my comments were... offensive? :P It was a little scary for me, too, because I was worried about my critiques seeming harsh or something. I hope they weren't! :D

    And I will DEFINITELY be signing up to read the sequel, if it happens at a time when I can handle it along with life's activities. Because your writing is AMAZING, and the world needs your stories. *nodnod* :)

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    1. NO your critiques definitely weren't harsh. You were just pointing things out and it was fine. xD Thank youu for reading! ^.^

      YAY! I'm so excited. :D

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    2. Oh, good. :)

      YES! I'm excited, too! And then I'll beta-read your other stories when that time comes. *nodnod* :D

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  17. I've found this to be exactly true, so. xD *nodnod*

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  18. Sounds like a scary experience, but ultimately a good one! I totally get what you mean about not liking people to read your writing. I only have one person I ever share my writing with, and she's a writer too, so she GETS ME. XD

    These are such great ideas and reminders! If I ever make it to the beta-reading stage, these will be super handy. ^.^

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    1. YES I always like it when other writers read my writing because they just get it and understand.

      I'm sure you'll make it someday! ^.^

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  19. *bookmarks post* Loved this post, katie! I'm sure this will be super handy for when I finish my book *cough* IF THAT EVER HAPPENS. I think that I would be like SUPER nervous before I would send it to any beta readers. I only share my writing with one of my friends, who likes to write, so, that's okay i guess. But there's this lady I met at the writer's conference I went to in April that wants to start a writer's critique group so PERHAPS MORE PEOPLE SHALL READ MY WRITING. *cringes and hides*

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    1. YOU WILL FINISH YOUR BOOK. IT'S GONNA HAPPEN SO JUST KEEP TELLING YOURSELF THAT. *nodnod* *throws confetti for encouragement*

      Ooooh you went to a writer's conference? How exciting. ^.^ GOOD LUCK WITH THE CRITIQUE GROUP YOU'LL DO AMAZING. <3

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  20. I was so glad to beta read for you, although I am still so sorry that I finished and sent feedback in late *ducks head in shame*. And I totally get how scary it is, I am terrified every time I share my writing. This was super helpful for when I need to have Beta readers of my own one day, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Nahhh, you were totally okay! You let me know and were super helpful so you're awesome. ^.^

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  21. Your book was amazing! And I'll just go ahead and say that I was not one of those amazingly observant readers who saw all those details (I didn't even notice the missing chapter... maybe because I had to stay up late and finish the end, so I wasn't totally coherent??)
    Anyway, even though I was not one of those detailed betas, I'm definitely one of those 15 to read your next sequel if you'll still let me. *holds breath* XD

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    1. Well, I didn't even notice the missing chapter, and I'm the author, so you're off the hook. ;)

      YES I WILL ABSOLUTELY LET YOU. IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY THAT YOU WANT TO AHHH <3

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  22. Ooh yes I'll definitely be having betas when I'm done with my novel (probably in like aaaaaages XD I write slow-ish) so I'll keep this in mind. :)

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    1. BUT YOU WILL BE DONE EVENTUALLY, YES. *has confidence*

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  23. This is such a valuable post! Thank you for writing it!

    I'm nowhere close to this stage, but this was so helpful. It makes the process real and attainable, not just some elusive thing.

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    1. Absolutely! <3

      Yesss. Even if I can't relate to the specific tips in a blog post, it's sometimes cool to get a look into the "inside" process. :D

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  24. This post is so helpful! I'm nowhere near this stage yet but these points are all good to know when I finish rewriting.

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  25. I just got my book back from my betas, and I learned a lot! Mostly, though, that I need to do what you said (google form with questions). That would have made it much easier for all those bigger plot related questions I had that I was having to ask the betas individually. Well, now I know for next time. :)

    Hehe. Yes, betas are nice. Very nice.

    I'm bookmarking this post for future reference! Thanks, Katie!

    Ivy
    www.LakesidePublications.com

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  26. Waiting for feedback is the worst, I get so frantic.

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  27. Love this post! I am doing final edits of my first book at the moment, so it'll be with betas in a few weeks! I'm amazed by how many you had, but the way you put it it does make perfect sense. I guess you didn't feel overwhelmed by the amount of feedback?

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  28. Seems so cool! I should consider this as well... And I wish I was reading your blog when you were looking for beta-readers because Song of the Desert looks sooooooooooooooooooooo good!

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  29. Great tips! Have to keep them in mind for whenever I'm ready to do dis thing.

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  30. Just last week I sent my novel to beta readers for the first time. I sent them a list of questions to answer along with it. I'm so nervous!

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