You’ve just written a book, now what? The next step is to start sharing it with readers, but who? And how do you find them? Here I go over the type of readers you need to make your book a success on book launch day.
ALPHA READERS
Sometimes working on a book alone can be like beating your head against a wall. Having Alpha readers look it over can bring back your enthusiasm and help you keep going.
If you work with a writer’s group (in person or online), you might show them a rough draft of something you are writing to get feedback. The same could be true if you are working with a developmental editor to help you cement some of your ideas, such as worldbuilding or characters that don’t seem to be working together.
When choosing Alpha readers look for super-supportive people who know what type of feedback you are looking for. It is not the time to have a lot of criticism because you are growing the your baby book at this stage.
My Alpha Reader is my husband who gives me immediate feedback on what he is liking. However, he is not very critical which is good because at this stage I need encouragement to keep going.
I’ve also selected a few faithful readers see the book in this raw stage but it is a very select group. There was about four people who got to see A Spell of Rowans and about five who saw the first five chapters of Breathings of the Moon.
When to use Alpha readers
If you are uncertain about the book and need guidance try working with a book coach or developmental editor at this point. When you have a character or scene that is not working. Often getting feedback or having someone to discuss this with can give you a breakthrough.
Remember, the farther you write into a book, the harder it will be to change things so getting input before chapter five or ten would be best.
When working on Breathings of the Moon I worked with a developmental editor that saw my writing unfold as the story progressed. This was the first time I’ve ever done this and it was interesting and fun because I picked a great person to work with.
In summary, some writers don’t want anyone to see their work until it is perfect. I personally think this is a mistake as having feedback before you get too far into writing a book that simply isn’t working helps you manage your time better. On the other hand, you need your must trusted people to be Alpha readers because it is YOUR story and they need to provide guidance or feedback in a sympathetic, but realistic way.
BETA READERS
Beta readers are volunteers that will read your story and provide feedback. If you are fortunate, these beta readers will leave the first reviews for your book once it is published.
It’s best if they are not friends and family because they may hesitate to voice their feedback, worried you might be offended by their criticism.
Remember, you don’t have to take all of their advice, but you do need to listen with an open mind. On Never Date a Siren, I got some feedback that made me change a character because, after thinking about it, I saw what they were trying to tell me. Other times I’ve said “thanks, but I’m going to stick to my vision.”
The more books you write the more you will know if a Beta reader is accurate in their criticism or not. I have one Beta reader who is always tough, but she finds things that need to be fixed and it is better to do it BEFORE you publish rather then after when reviews will tear you to shreds.
Beware! There does seem to be a trend for some author service groups to say they will be Beta readers and CHARGE for this service. I would personally pass on this service. If you want to spend money, pay for a book coach or a developmental editor who has training in editing and book publishing, not someone who just loves to read.
Do you need a specialized Beta Reader?
When you feel unsure about your level of knowledge about a culture or a minority, find a beta reader to help you.
Sensitivity readers – will review your book and see if there are problems with minority representation. Sensitivity readers can also give you feedback on LGBTQ or disabled characters and their representation in your book. Never underestimate the difficulty of writing a character who comes from another group which you have no familiarity with.
Language or Cultural experts: If writing about a country you aren’t familiar with, having someone local on the ground really helps. I’ve had specialty beta readers who lived in Germany (for the College Fae YA fantasy series); and Irish beta readers for Wicked Wolves of Windsor and other Fairytales.
These are one type of Beta reader that I think is well worth the money.
Where do you find Beta Readers?
Beta readers are only one of the many reasons to start your newsletter because it is through your subscribers that you will find the best Beta readers. Those people like what you’re writing and want to see you succeed.
I’ve been lucky enough to put out a call through my social media and located some very good ones. However, if you are starting from scratch there are places you can go and put out a request. Just be aware you want readers who are familiar with your genre and who like reading what you write.
- Your personal followers – via your mailing list, social media, and website.
- Local writing critique groups – join your local Facebook groups, especially local libraries and find out if they have a meet-up for authors. I’ve also used the Meet Up app for this.
- Goodreads – Look in the group sections and search for Beta Readers.
- 15 places to find Beta Readers article with links.
- Beta Book article with links to sources.
- Another perspective on how to develop beta reader relationships.
Just my opinion poor places to look is in Facebook groups. I’ve seen some announcements about looking for beta readers made by authors and they are almost always ignored.
Think about this when using Beta Readers
Beta readers are a mixed bag. Some will read it and say “that’s good, thanks!” Others will pick it apart until you feel like the vultures have done you. The best you can do is let them know up front what you are looking for and the type of feedback you want.
Don’t expect Beta readers to read a poorly written manuscript. Give them a finished piece from start to finish. If you can’t do that, you aren’t ready for Beta Readers. Go back to Alpha readers.
If you are new to having Beta readers you could build loyalty with them by offering them an Amazon gift card, a print version of your final book (autographed, naturally!), or some other goodies. I’ve given away scented candles for example. Understand that these gifts are for BETA READING, not for reviewing. Make sure your readers know that. You cannot give gifts or money for reviews as that goes against Amazon’s policies.
Understand that Beta readers will come and go. I’ve had some from the very beginning of my writing career who are still with me and others who have had to take a pass because life keeps them busy.
Back when I first started writing and publishing I found Beta readers invaluable. They really helped me grow my writing and I highly recommend putting together a team. Nowadays, I don’t rely upon them as much and my faithful Beta followers have become mostly typo hunters and semi-ARC readers, although whenever I need great feedback I always call upon my trusted Beta team!
In summary, a lot of newbie writers are afraid to use Beta readers or don’t know how to leverage them to improve their book. I highly recommend forming a team, even if you fumble a bit with them. They are invaluable and can save your book from making big mistakes.
ARC READERS
Free copies are given to readers who are willing to read and review. This is allowed by Amazon and is common practice among traditional, as well as Indie published books.
There are several ways you can do this such as in-house with your own subscribers, or going with a third party. Let’s talk in-house first.
These are pulled from the newsletter list you’ve been building. In the past, I have requested that anyone wanting an ARC should have posted a previous review of one of my books and to send me a link to that review to quality for the latest ARC. It just weeds out people who will never leave me a review.
If you are counting your pennies, do this yourself, but be aware it is a lot of work. This is the schedule I worked out for myself:
- Newsletter and Social Media alert that book launches in 45 days. ARCS are now available to those who have reviewed me before (proof of review link needed) and provide a sign-up link.
- Request fans to put the book on their TBR list on Goodreads, and Wishlist at Bookbub. Let them know that a Goodreads Giveaway will start on X date.
- If the book is in pre-order let them know that buying a copy helps me on launch day.
- 30 days from launch, send out a reminder that the need to read the book before launch day and have a review ready. To all fans, let them know the Goodreads Giveaway has started.
- 2 weeks from launch, send out an update reminder.
- 7 days before launch, send out a coutdown.
- Day of book launch remind them to post review. Goodreads Giveaway delivers ebook to winners.
- 1 month after book launch check review status. If no review, send nice reminder to ARC readers.
- 2 months after book launch, send out final reminder.
- Remove those who did not review from future ARC requests.
To send a physical copy of the ARC to your readers, I prefer Bookfunnel as it is linked directly to my newsletter list.
However, I find managing ARC readers, sending them, and reminding them to review, to be a big pain the patootie. So with my latest book I am passing this job along to a PA (personal assistant) to manage.
NetGalley
There are other services that also manages reviews. One of them is NetGalley. I put some of my books on there through my IBPA membership, but if you search around some book publishing books will offer a special deal to have them on their page. Just check to make sure they are a real business before proceeding.
NetGalley will chase down anyone who said they will read and review for you. You have nothing to do on that end. Just keep in mind NetGalley is rather expensive and reviews there can be brutal as those in the trade (booksellers and librarians) often pick up books there to examine for their organizations.
NetGalley users will often post their reviews on Goodreads or bookseller websites.
Booksirens
Another service is Booksirens. They also send reminders and do follow-up to those who downloaded your book and said they would review. Of all the review sites I’ve considered I do like the set up at Booksirens because it lets you block reviewers and reach out to others.
I’ve put several books up at Booksirens and have had a good enough response that I think it is worth keeping as a tool. Other writers feel they don’t get much out of it. I think this really comes down to what people are writing (are readers interested?), book covers, and descriptions.
Books with a poor cover and that really appeal in terms of plot to the majority of readers will get little interest. Since I don’t write romance, my books definitely don’t get the attention that True-Mate-Wolf stuff does.
As always do your own research and see what works for you, but I think the price is competitive and the company is professional.
Copyright
Generally, I file copyright on my book before I release it to Alpha readers. Yes, in the US, your book is automatically protected by copyright but I file because I want the additional financial protection that comes with it. In these days of piracy I think a writer who wants to self-publish would be wise to do so.
Another reason to file copyright is you are sent a certificate that you can then show Amazon when those book pirates pretend they own your book. Don’t think this will happen? I’ve seen authors wake up to find their book pirated and Amazon saying THEY are the ones who stole it! A quick scan of your copyright certificate emailed to Amazon can sort this out.
At what stage do you use these readers?
Alpha readers can be used from the very beginning. They are your trusted inner circle who you can really cry on their shoulder and who will nurture you. Don’t become clingy, but yes, these are the people who you need in your life to help you stick to writing day-in, day-out.
When to use Beta readers to best advantage comes with practice. Don’t hesitate to start using them so you can understand their part in your writing process. They are especially important if you are not using a writing critique group.
With beta readers, you don’t want to give them an incomplete or confusing story – that will impact how much they can help you. Have at least half the book done; and it is better if they see an entire rough draft. But on the other hand you don’t want the story so “done” that if they give you advice that requires you to re-write the entire book you’ve now wasted time.
By chapter eight I know when a book is not working. Usually by chapter five. Sometimes it is a character who doesn’t ring true, or maybe it is a scene that I feel jars. If I’m really stuck, I seek out a book coach or developmental editor. This takes more help then a casual reader can supply.
In my experience ARC readers are best when you are about two weeks to forty-five days from releasing your book. If you do it too soon, the excitement will fall off. Do it too late and you don’t get the reviews posted at the right time because your ARC group needs time to read the book.
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I hope this gives you some food for thought on how you can use these readers to help improve your writing craft!
Remember, if you are looking for my help articles for authors go right here to Writer’s Life.