Comments on: How Beta Readers Might Save Your Book from Disaster

By: Kim Stout

Kim Stout — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 18:41:36 +0000

In reply to Suzy Vadori. I am nervous about sending a digital copy to Beta readers, but at that point, I need to do it. Were you nervous about releasing copies of your treasure?

By: Suzy Vadori

Suzy Vadori — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:14:46 +0000

In reply to Liz. Awesome! Congrats on sharing with beta readers! Even if they have suggestions, hear them now and not after it’s published!

By: Suzy vadori

Suzy vadori — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:13:10 +0000

In reply to Shannon. Thanks Shannon! Yes, make it as simple as possible to get the best feedback!

By: Suzy vadori

Suzy vadori — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:11:42 +0000

In reply to Diane Rinella. Yes! I usually have to ask specifically what their least favorite parts are, or I get “it was great”!

By: Suzy Vadori

Suzy Vadori — Wed, 10 May 2023 15:09:40 +0000

In reply to BECCA PUGLISI. Yes! When we expect readers to edit, they can’t enjoy the story and give you the valuable feedback you really need!

By: BECCA PUGLISI

BECCA PUGLISI — Wed, 10 May 2023 12:34:15 +0000

I love this simple explanation of what beta readers can do. I think writers can get confused about the difference between these readers and critique partners; this definitely clears the air.

And good for you for listening to all the feedback and making the difficult choices. That’s the hard part, isn’t it?

By: Diane Rinella

Diane Rinella — Wed, 10 May 2023 01:18:10 +0000

Beta readers are really worth their weight in gold! I always encourage them to share any and all reactions, good, bad, or indifferent. If something jumps out, please tell me. If you think I might not have properly resolved a plot point, PLEASE tell me! It’s hard to find people who will constructively tell you like it is. I’ve been looking for new ones for a while. It’s hard to find people willing to rattle your chain when you’ve dropped the ball. 😀

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 09 May 2023 20:56:06 +0000

I think it is a great idea to have a questionnaire for your Beta readers and what a game changer for feedback. So many people are not sure what to write after they have read the book, with questions to answer it takes away the fear. Take away that fear and you get a more honest response to your book. Also, your idea of giving it to adults as well as your intended YA audience is a great idea. Loved the article and the one linked to it helpful and a great read.

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 09 May 2023 17:16:42 +0000

Love this! I was so scared to send my book to Beta readers at first, but found their input to be so valuable and I was really happy to have it. Next time I’m definitely going to use some more targeted questions like you shared though- I can see that making their input even more valuable!

By: Suzy Vadori

Suzy Vadori — Tue, 09 May 2023 15:47:39 +0000

Hi Angela, yes! I am so blessed to have teen readers who tell it like it is. And it hurt, but I knew what I needed to do. Readers are the only perspective that matters! <3

By: ANGELA ACKERMAN

ANGELA ACKERMAN — Tue, 09 May 2023 15:30:45 +0000

So interesting the different perspectives you got on that one scene, and I’m so glad you listened to your target audience. As adults, we forget the emotional volatility we all felt as teens, and so it’s good to be reminded of it. To us, at our age, a scene might have just enough dramatic punch, but to others in a different stage of life/age, it can feel too much or too little. So good to get other perspectives!