My Struggle With Beta Readers

One week ago, I put out a call for beta readers. And I received an overwhelming response. You see, I’ve put out calls and requests before, but rarely do I get more than a few positive replies.

Once upon a time, the topic of beta readers confused me. The people who used the term seemed to make it synonymous with editors or critique partners. This confused me for years, until I figured out my own definition. To me, they are the test audience.

If I want in-dept critique, I’ll send it off to my critique group or writer friends I trust and respect. If I just want reactions, I’ll ask for readers.

I want broad feedback because I’m looking for what works and what doesn’t. I don’t need to know why that doesn’t work for someone, unless of course they want to tell me. If someone has questions or confusion, I want to know that. Even if they just tell me they liked it, or they couldn’t finish it, I need to know.

It always amazes me how much I can figure out about the story from general feedback like that.

Though if anyone opts to give it a more in-depth critique, I will happily take it. And I might even get that from a few of those who volunteered (I hope I will). But getting the story in front of people, getting their gut reactions, is my priority with this draft.

One more week of typing to go. Wish me luck!

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