When is the best time to work with beta readers?

A question fiction authors often ask me is: When should I get beta readers involved in my process? Before or after editing? Early on in my drafting process or just before publishing?

(For the uninitiated, a beta reader is someone who reads and gives feedback on your unpublished work. It’s a sense-test for how your novel will be received by your ideal audience.)

For the most part I’m a bit of a fence-sitter in my replies, because I don’t think there’s one right way to work with beta readers, just as there isn’t one right way to write a book.

Bu-ut … I do have some thoughts that might be helpful to keep in mind if you’re considering working with beta readers. Here’s my two cents.

There is such a thing as ‘too soon’

If you’ve just finished a first draft of your story you might be feeling excited or anxious to get an outside perspective. You’ve been deep in the weeds with it and you want to know now before you go any further if you’re on the right track.

The trouble with sending your work out to beta readers at this stage is that you can end up thoroughly confused by their responses. If you’re not sure yet where your story is going, your readers won’t be either, and they’re more likely to give you unclear or random feedback that has the potential to muddle your vision.

While beta readers are sometimes writers themselves, it’s not necessarily the case, and they may not have the language or knowledge to express why something feels off in your story.

My advice is to hold off on beta reading until later in your process when you’ve locked down the big-picture elements and you can articulate specific areas you’d like reader feedback on, such as pacing, plot predictability or character relatability.

If you do want that early reader input, consider working with a critique partner (for example, a fellow writer who understands the conventions of plot and character) or joining a writing group or course, where you’re more likely to get targeted, useful feedback.

Choose your beta readers wisely

If you’re writing in a specific genre, it’s important to connect with beta readers who regularly read and enjoy that genre. These are your ideal readers, the people who are likely to buy your book when it’s published.

That might sound obvious, but consider this scenario: one of your good friends is a big reader and you really respect their opinion, so you’ve shared your manuscript with them. But your friend is a fan of crime and literary fiction, and you’re writing romance.

If your beta readers don’t understand the conventions of romance or enjoy the type of story that has a happy ever after, your novel’s plot might not engage them and they could suggest changes that aren’t suitable for your genre or trope. Worse, you might end up feeling crappy about your story just because it didn’t hit with someone outside your target readership.

Take your time responding to feedback

When you receive feedback, take the time to let it sink in before you make changes. As writers we can doubt our own decision-making and defer to others’ opinions, but making knee-jerk decisions based on an array of responses can end up giving your manuscript a Frankenstein feel.

If, say, you receive feedback that one of your characters is annoying and unlikeable, consider how you might respond to that. Should you remove the character? That’s an option – but what flow-on effects would that have?

Perhaps the feedback is really telling you that your character needs more development on the page so readers can understand what’s driving their behaviours.

The same goes for plot points that beta readers might flag as dull – rather than cut or replace them, how could you raise the stakes and tension?

Commonalities in beta readers’ feedback are worth noting, but don’t feel compelled to respond to every quibble your readers have raised. Remember, as the author, you know your story and characters best. Take what resonates and feel free to disregard what doesn’t.

I’d love to know – do you work with beta readers? What tips would you give other authors?

If you enjoyed this post, sign up to my newsletter! Every fortnight I share tips, advice and thoughts on writing and editing with my community. You’ll also receive my free guide, How to Know You’re Ready for Editing.