Before you all rush out to volunteer, here's what I look for in a beta-reader:
- First and foremost, the beta-reader should be willing to read a whole book, unless they find it so unbearable that they cannot finish. Then they should have the courage to tell me that and give specifics.
- The beta-reader should be honest and specific. "I hate this book" may be honest but not specific. "It's a nice book" is neither honest or specific. "I like this book" is honest (I hope) but not specific. "I loved finding out that X ..." (no spoilers here) is honest and specific.
- The beta-reader doesn't have to be a copy editor or proofreader. If they want to point out the extra period on page 53, that is fine, but that's not what I expect.
- The beta-reader should focus on:
- Readability -- Are the words too big? Are the sentences incomprehensible? Does the book bog down in places? Does the reader get lost? Does the narrative "flow"?
- Characters -- does the reader identify with the characters? Believe in the characters?
- Plot -- does the reader follow the plot? Is it confusing? Is it internally logical?
- Finally, the beta-reader should not be afraid to hurt my little fee-fees. As long as you don't say "This is the worst book I've ever read" (which is not specific and hopefully not honest), I can handle it.
The benefits of being a beta-reader:
- You will be named in the acknowledgements.
- You will get a free autographed copy if I ever publish.
- You will have read the book before anyone else has.
- Although you will not get paid, you will have the satisfaction of helping make something happen.
Now, do you want to be a beta reader? Find me at lleachie (at) gmail.com
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