Getting opinions on your book before you publish is essential. As many eyes on your manuscript as you can get will (hopefully) correct any plot holes, typos, and character problems.

Getting opinions on your book before you publish is essential. As many eyes on your manuscript as you can get will (hopefully) correct any plot holes, typos, and character problems.

I have used beta readers for nearly all my books. Finding them isn’t always easy, though. Usually, the best place to find beta readers is from people who already read and love your work — your newsletter subscribers, people who follow you on social media, and people you know in real life. One caveat to that, is to be careful that none of these people are simply telling you that your book is fabulous and perfect because they like you and/or want you to like them.

Family can be the best and the worst beta readers. Some will tell you that your writing is perfect. Either they don’t know any better or they love you and don’t want to hurt your feelings. Others will be brutally honest. Try to take all they say as constructive criticism because they do care.

Newsletter subscribers and followers on social media are good, but you need to be careful. They may just be volunteering to get your book for free. They may also fall into the category of not telling you the truth because they want you to like them.

Frequently, the best beta readers are other authors in your genre, but asking them can be embarrassing because you know how busy they are! However, if you’re a member of a writer’s organization that may be a great place to find willing readers who will truly give you good feedback.

Now here’s the real sticking point: What if you are asked to read a book you really don’t like? How honest should you be?

Well, just think about how honest you’d like another author to be with you — and then soften that a touch because you may have a thicker skin for criticism than someone else.

Always remember to put in good comments with the bad. And do word your critique carefully so that it comes across as helpful and not just critical. “I hate this character” really won’t work as well — nor be as helpful — as “I really couldn’t connect with this character. Let me tell you why.” The more detail, the better.

My greatest problem when I beta read another’s work is that my editor brain switches on and I start to line edit. I have to sit on my hands to get myself to stop! Most authors want the big picture problems — plot holes, confusing actions, or how you reacted to the characters. If they tell you that the work has been edited already and you find a ton of typos, you should definitely mention that. But frequently what you’re going to get is a rough copy that hasn’t been edited at all. Make sure you’re clear on where the manuscript is in the process of getting published.

Having your work read and reading that of others are kindnesses by others for you and by you for others. Remember that and accept all feedback in that light.