Reader Advice

[Catherine]

Advice on being a better reader, beta reader or alpha reader should be posted here.

[Maria]

When you're beta-reading, I think close attention to detail helps a lot. You appreciate the writing more, understand the dialogue and thus the characters better, and may even spot a typo or two. And of course, maybe easter eggs to be revealed later! It's just more fun that way.

Secondly, practice honesty but give justification and be respectful. Maybe you think, "I hate the book." That is ok because it's genuinely how you feel. But the words are not helpful. Translate that into constructive feedback. Why did you hate the book? What, specifically, didn't work or could be different? It's the details that help. The more specific and honest you are, the more valuable your feedback becomes.
Also, do balance it off with any positives you came across.

Then, note it all down! I believe in sharing every point that can prove helpful. And if there is something that might not but you feel strongly about it, I suggest you share that too. Do disclose any preconceived biases you have that may be relevant, but at the same time, don't dismiss your entire opinion of the book because of it. Every reader counts.