This post will focus on how incorporating critique partners and beta readers into your self-publishing process can assist you in bringing your best work to readers.
Peer and Reader Critique
Critique partners (CPs) – read manuscript and offer advice.
Edit and rewrite if needed based on CP advice.
Beta readers
Edit and rewrite if needed based on beta reader feedback.
In the master checklist, I lump critique partners and beta readers in the same section, because they are both processes that function as editing, but they should be done separately.
I suggest you use critique partners before seeking beta readers.
Critique Partner (CP) - Someone knowledgeable in your genre, usually another author, who reads and leaves detailed critique in every chapter of your book. CPs will often swap documents and critique each other's manuscripts.
I have four critique partners, and they were INVALUABLE in helping me get my book ready for publishing. Some left higher level feedback, while others left editor-level feedback. As long as you and your CPs are mutually benefitting, then all is well.
This process is based on a peer-to-peer relationship. This is not a teacher/student or expert/learner situation. You are both providing feedback and there should be mutual respect.
Where do you find critique partners?
I found all my critique partners in a fantasy writing group on Facebook. An admin posted a thread about looking for critique partners, and that's where I found my first one. Then, as I built relationships with other authors over several months, I asked if other authors would like to swap their manuscripts with mine. You can do this anywhere, and since publishing I met many authors I would work with across multiple social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
Make use of chats and groups on social media. You will find your community.
If you write fantasy, some of my favorite Facebook groups are:
Please note that I am not an admin in either group. I just enjoy taking part and have found a friendly community in these two places. Make sure you follow the rules closely if you join.
Once you've received feedback from one or more critique partners and you have implemented changes to make your manuscript as strong as possible, it's time for beta readers.
Beta Readers - People who read your entire book and provide feedback on how they enjoyed it or didn't like it.
Note: it is better if your beta readers are not all fellow authors. Why? Because authors tend to be more opinionated and will critique as a writer instead of as a reader, and you need to know how readers respond to your work in this case.
I suggest you upload your manuscript into a separate google doc for each beta reader, so you only get their authentic feedback and ideas don't piggyback too much. Worried about security for your manuscript? There are a lot of things you can do to protect your work, but that's beyond the scope of this post. Comment if you'd like me to go into more detail about privacy and safety later.
How many beta readers should you have?
At least three, but not so many that the advice becomes overwhelming. I personally think five to ten is ideal. Ask ten to thirty people during your search, as it is common for less than half to read the manuscript, and even fewer actually finish.
Where do you find beta readers?
I got beta readers in my author groups, beta groups, and by making beta requests on TikTok. I suggest you skip the author groups for beta readers, and use those instead for critique partners and advanced copy readers (ARCs).
Reader groups are your best friend. A group on Facebook I suggest you look into is:
There are so many more. Please experiment and find what works for you.
Tips for getting beta readers
Share your cover if you have it. If not, share something visual to grab people's attention.
Include a blurb or short summary of the book to hook potential readers.
Tell readers how many words the manuscript is (ie 60k), how it will be delivered (ie Google doc), what kind of feedback you want (plot holes, characterization, etc), and how long they have to read it. (It should be a minimum of three weeks, four or five is better.)
And that's it for this week! Check back next week for suggestions on professional editing for the indie author.
Comments