The Importance of Beta Readers

Writers frequently inquire about my perspective on their work. While I do have my opinions, they are merely one voice in the chorus. To truly understand readers' reactions, it is essential to engage them directly.

This is where the process of beta reading comes into play.

I typically enlist about 12 to 20 individuals who identify as memoir enthusiasts. I reach out to my network of authors, librarians, friends, and writing students who have a passion for reading and providing feedback. These are the individuals who might leave a review on Amazon, so earning their five stars requires genuine effort.

It is crucial that these readers do not know Colby personally—no family, coworkers, or acquaintances. They must serve as impartial judges of his work.

We provided them with his manuscript in Word format, accompanied by approximately ten carefully crafted questions aimed at gathering insights on title, content, lessons learned, comparable books, and narrative voice. I compiled the feedback anonymously to ensure that the author wouldn't know who provided which comment. Our focus is on identifying patterns, and one of the most valuable critiques from several beta readers stood out.

One key question we posed was:

"As a memoir, the narrative is currently chronological. What defining moment in Colby's life could serve as an opening scene?"

At this stage, an author must brace themselves for feedback from 20 strangers on their cherished manuscript. And let me tell you, the responses from the readers were candid.

Here are some insights from a retired nurse in Omaha, a college professor from Boston, an insurance billing clerk in California, a psychotherapist in New Mexico, and others:

• "The reflections on his childhood and their influence on his perspective from a small town are essential. The death of his grandfather and the subsequent responsibilities taken on by his father, along with his mother's departure, are vital to his narrative."
• "For me, the defining moment stems from the struggles of growing up in a small town, coupled with his mother's departure and the desire to escape that mentality."
• "There were numerous aspects of his youth that profoundly affected his development as an adult. His strong work ethic shines through the pages of this memoir. The loss of both his grandfather and mother clearly left a significant impact."
• "While the childhood experiences were vividly portrayed and emotionally resonant, the latter parts felt somewhat unclear or glossed over. The sections about his mother had impactful moments but were often rushed."
• "What was the nature of his mother's relationship with his father? Did she leave without warning? I find that hard to believe. What was she really like?"

The Readers’ Revelations

The passage in the manuscript that triggered these comments read:

"That summer, my mother, unable to envision a future with a husband burdened by business troubles or in a town she had outgrown, left for a new life. First to California, then to Baja, Mexico, she made a clean break. On the surface, I was indifferent about her actions, continuing with my school and work responsibilities as if everything was normal. I remained silent, refusing to discuss her departure with anyone."

Colby had completely overlooked mentioning his mother again in his initial draft.

It was this group of readers who guided him toward a different path in crafting his memoir. They provided him with a new roadmap, enabling him to restructure his narrative around the person and event that held the most significance.

He accepted the critique with grace and got to work. Three months later, he returned with a polished 60,000-word manuscript, stating, "Now I've written the book I wanted to write."

Want a sneak peek?

"I was fourteen years old when my mother asked me to help her leave my father. 'Would you drive with me to California?'"

Finding Beta Readers

In my book, Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing, I detail my beta reading process. Yes, I charge for the time spent developing questions, locating readers, gathering their feedback, and interpreting the results for the author. However, we do not compensate beta readers.

You might encounter individuals who claim to be beta readers and charge for their services. Be wary—they do not represent typical readers. Avoid paying them.

Utilize social media to connect with potential readers and their circles. Approach book clubs (local libraries can assist in identifying book club coordinators within your genre). Collaborate with an editor who can serve as an objective intermediary in this process.

Pose open-ended questions to encourage readers to elaborate, as yes/no inquiries are less beneficial.

Heed your readers' advice. You will enhance your manuscript.

Colby's memoir, the work he aspired to create with the guidance of his early readers, titled Naked Running: Surviving the Legacy of Family in Rural Nebraska, is now available on Amazon.

To engage my services for conducting a beta reading process for your nonfiction manuscript, please reach out via email at [email protected].