How do you keep beta readers engaged and motivated?

[Fiza]

Hello, Peter.

This is a really good question, especially for those who, as you mentioned, don’t have meaningful money to spend on their books. Finding free beta readers feels like pure luck these days, and as someone in the freelance market, I kind of get it. When money is involved, it gives readers the motivation because they know they are being compensated for their time and effort. But for free beta readers, it’s more about whether the manuscript keeps them hooked and invested in the story. Even then, their feedback might not be as detailed.

That said, one thing that consistently works better for authors looking for free feedback is critique swaps with other writers. It follows a similar mindset to what you mentioned—You work for me, I work for you. This way, both authors have the motivation to put effort into the feedback, making it a much more practical approach. Of course, it has its downsides, like taking more time and requiring authors to invest in the process, but when it works, it’s a solid way to get constructive feedback.

Fiza - The PenPal

[Alex]

Here's the thing. If your beta readers aren't staying engaged with the book, that is telling you something about the book. When you give them the book, ask them to mark where they quit reading if they don't finish. If possible what made them stop. That is part of my 'tell me what you don't like' attitude toward beta reading.

It is hard to ask for negative feedback, but that is what is most useful to you as an author. The parts your readers don't like are what need to be fixed. (In general, there are times when you don't fix things.)

If you are paying someone, they are obligated to finish and critique your work. But volunteers are different. As I said, the most you can ask is where they stopped and why.

This is why I don't look for beta readers until I've done several revisions looking at plot, character development and more. I want the book to be as close to publishing ready polished as I can manage before I ask people to read it.