What does an alpha and beta reader do?
Let’s be honest: as writers, we don’t have the ability to emotionally distance ourselves from our work to view it objectively.
Great writers have always had help in shaping their stories. We need people to approach our writing with a fresh perspective because it is the only way to know if the vision we are striving to achieve is actually working.
Alpha and beta readers are a valuable source of feedback on our stories.
Please note! Alpha and beta readers do not replace editors, proof readers, or sensitivity readers.
Let’s break down the differences between them and find out what they do!
Alpha Readers
Just as A comes before B, then alpha readers see your manuscript before a beta reader does.
After you have written your first draft, and worked through some self-editing, the time will come when you will need to share your story with someone that you trust for feedback.
Alphas approach your work as a writer-reader, as someone who can help you to identify any holes or missed connections in your story.
They’re looking at the big picture and helping you identify what is working, what isn’t, and what parts of your vision are not yet translating onto the page.
Your alpha/s need to be people you trust – but not just the people who are going to tell you what you want to hear. We want to be able to take their comments seriously.
Alphas are crucial in helping you to build your story and nurture your characters, and they want to help you make your story the absolute best it can be.
That means real talk: constructive, thoughtful, and considered feedback.
(Feedback is a must in writing, even if it hurts to hear it sometimes).
I want to note here that every reader, even professional ones, are bringing their personal experiences, tastes, and knowledge to your book and so it is important to view any feedback through a lens of ‘how well did the reader understand my vision for the book’ and whether their feedback reflects that.
Don’t implement the feedback right away!
Read the feedback and let it wash over you. Think about how this feedback impacts your story and the characters within it. After a few days of thinking about it, you may decide to incorporate it or scrap it altogether.
If your alpha/s suggest making drastic changes that goes against your gut, consider how you can work on that issue to strengthen it, in your own way. Listen to your readers but go with your author instincts and tell your story.
From here, you will revise and rewrite (second draft), keeping in mind the feedback provided from the alpha/s.
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What did you think I was going for?
Did you have any questions once you’d read it?
What’s working here?
What’s not working for you?
Beta Readers
Beta readers approach your work as your future readers would, not as if they were writing the book themselves.
They are generally chosen because they’re part of your intended future audience, meaning that they are likely to enjoy your book.
Beta readers usually come in much later in the book writing process, after you’ve done structural and copy edits, and are engaged by a writer to answer specific questions so that you can be happy in the knowledge your book has achieved what was intended.
A beta reader is going to give your feedback on their experience reading your book – what they liked and what they didn’t.
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What kind of tone did the piece have?
How did you feel reading it?
Did the ending make sense? Did it feel right?
When did you start caring / when did the piece grab your attention?
Did you have any questions once you’d read it? (I ask this of beta’s too because their perspective is a little different)
The more you work with alpha and beta readers, the more you’ll learn what questions to ask them. Remember, you don’t want to tell them what you were trying to do—they need to be able to see that for themselves.
Frequently asked questions about alpha and beta reading:
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You don’t have to pay someone to read your work. You can choose to ask friends or family to be alpha or beta readers. However (generally speaking), these people are less likely to give honest feedback because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. This won’t help you grow as a writer.
Some of the best alpha/ betas you will find are your writing peers because they write, and they read.
Therefore, they will have an understanding of the writing process, and it is likely they have read books in your genre before and will have an idea of common tropes, common pitfalls etc. It is best if your chosen alpha/ beta readers are familiar with the genre you are writing.
We want our readers to be able to offer insight into how your future audience will read your book.
They also appreciate how hard it is receiving feedback and so they’re likely to gift it with gentle honesty and kindness.
Feedback without kindness is just criticism. Anyone can find reasons to criticise, however a good reader will take time consider how you write, and what changes will strengthen your story best.
The best part is being able to help each other out – you might get asked to alpha/ beta read too.
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I recommend seeking out multiple readers if it is accessible to you.
If you’re only relying on the feedback of one reader, it’ll be difficult to decide what’s personal opinion or preference and what’s general consensus.
By using multiple readers, you are more likely to get a wider feel for what’s working and what’s not. If two or more people are saying the same thing, it’s more likely this is how your readership will perceive your work.
If one person disagrees, you can take or leave their thoughts as the odd one out. Think of it as having your personal workshop group.
I highly recommend a mix of professional and peer readers if possible.
And if you’re writing non-fiction (or certain types of fiction). You may benefit from a fact checker over a beta reader.
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Alpha: after you have completed your first draft
Beta: after self-editing (structural and copyedits) and before you start preparing to pitch or submit to publishers, or self-publish.
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When reaching out to potential readers, make sure you give them all the information they will need to make their decision, including your timeline and dates, a synopsis, and the questions you hope they will answer, and what you hope to receive from them in return.
It is important to state your expectations upfront and respect the time and knowledge of the person you’re asking to read for you.
I am so excited to officially offer alpha and beta reading services!
This is something I have done for my 1:1 and group clients already and I can’t wait to do it for you, too.
I come to the reading process with a unique 4-hatted perspective – as a reader, writer, publisher and literary agent!
I will provide you with independent and constructive feedback that is delivered with gentle honesty and kindness.
After reading your manuscript, I will provide thoughtful and considered feedback on possible ways that your story can grow towards being the best it can possibly be. You will receive a detailed report filled with feedback, thoughts, and ideas.
I am open to receiving: Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult fiction (except thriller and crime genres).
How it works:
Please purchase the Alpha & Beta reading package that suits the size of your manuscript.
Please upload any relevant information and documents via the link in the confirmation email (manuscript and questions in a single document please (Microsoft Word format preferred)).
I will contact you within 2 business days to confirm the timeline for completing and returning your reading.
What you will receive:
A multi-page report answering up to 10 questions on your manuscript including feedback, delivered to you via email.