I give them four chapters at a time. One question I gave my current beta readers is:
“What do you think will happen next?”
It lets me know if they’re following accurately, thinking about possibilities, and also will tell me if they’re following clues accurately, or bought the red herrings in later chapters.
They like it. I think four chapters feels bite sized, not too much to overwhelm them. I didn’t want them to read the whole book and say “it’s really good, I liked it” having forgotten their feedback on the first half.
Also, one of them predicted I would make a mentioned side character a bigger part of what’s ahead, which was incorrect, so I am reducing some of his references at parts.
Thank you! I've been sort of sending out my book to people in my life blindly because I wasn't sure who to ask. It's hard because a lot of the writers in my life genuinely don't have time to read it. But I have been lucky enough that a few people in my program have been willing to read which is super nice. I like the idea of asking people who would help me purely in a professional sense (as in they aren't my friends and close colleagues), but I'm not sure how to find those people. Do you have any tips for how to find beta readers that aren't already in your circle of connections?
The online writing community is great for this! Keep engaging with writers on Substack and see who you feel a connection with, who may be able to help out. Also I found Writers' HQ invaluable for making brilliant writer friends, and they have a beta matching service. Or there are plenty of writers who offer editing and beta services for reasonable prices (hello, it's me!) You know you'll definitely get helpful feedback if you're paying for it!
I found this very helpful, Katie! Thanks for sharing your insights about beta readers ☺️ I would be interested in seeing a general list of questions you send them too.
I give them four chapters at a time. One question I gave my current beta readers is:
“What do you think will happen next?”
It lets me know if they’re following accurately, thinking about possibilities, and also will tell me if they’re following clues accurately, or bought the red herrings in later chapters.
Ooh interesting! I've not considered that approach. How are they responding to that?
They like it. I think four chapters feels bite sized, not too much to overwhelm them. I didn’t want them to read the whole book and say “it’s really good, I liked it” having forgotten their feedback on the first half.
Also, one of them predicted I would make a mentioned side character a bigger part of what’s ahead, which was incorrect, so I am reducing some of his references at parts.
Sounds helpful!
Thank you! I've been sort of sending out my book to people in my life blindly because I wasn't sure who to ask. It's hard because a lot of the writers in my life genuinely don't have time to read it. But I have been lucky enough that a few people in my program have been willing to read which is super nice. I like the idea of asking people who would help me purely in a professional sense (as in they aren't my friends and close colleagues), but I'm not sure how to find those people. Do you have any tips for how to find beta readers that aren't already in your circle of connections?
The online writing community is great for this! Keep engaging with writers on Substack and see who you feel a connection with, who may be able to help out. Also I found Writers' HQ invaluable for making brilliant writer friends, and they have a beta matching service. Or there are plenty of writers who offer editing and beta services for reasonable prices (hello, it's me!) You know you'll definitely get helpful feedback if you're paying for it!
Thank you! That's super helpful!
I found this very helpful, Katie! Thanks for sharing your insights about beta readers ☺️ I would be interested in seeing a general list of questions you send them too.
I'm so glad this was helpful! OK, watch this space! 👀