Beta-Readers for your Book Before Publishing?

       Before we dive into the pros of a beta-reader, let's define this term first.

​    Bookwritingbusiness.com describes it as, "Beta readers are non-professionals who read a manuscript prior to publishing or read a pre-release of a book. If a beta reader is provided a manuscript they’re often asked to read for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. They may comment on parts of a story that are confusing or things that don’t make sense." In July 2017 I completed my novel, Our Father and since then I have edited it myself about four times. In the first week of September, I reached out to some people on Goodreads to become Beta-readers for Our Father. It's exciting to know someone else is going to read your story, but also nerve-racking because it special to me and I don't want them to think it sucks. We have the agreement of weekly updates so they will send me notes on the chapters they read. Right now I have two beta-readers, and two other ones that have fit me into their schedule for December. My first book, Illuminate my World was self-published with Createspace, but this time around I am going the traditional route.

       So why use beta-readers?

1. They are writers and/or readers themselves
2. They love to help
3. It is not costly (though some do charge)
4. It's an informal, more comfortable setting
5. Readily available

      Having fresh, willing eyes to read through your manuscript allows you to go back and fill any plot holes, add more description, or remove scenes that aren't necessary before sending off to publishing.

       I am also a Beta-reader for another writer, so that experience is very interesting. I try to say as much as I can so I can help the writer. Being honest even if it sounds a little harsh (but I try not to be harsh) is necessary. This is an important project for the writer, so taking it seriously is a must.

        I will give an update next month some of my betas get back to me.
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*​Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash