So You've Been Asked to Beta Read

If you're friends with any writers, there may come a time when you're asked to beta read their book. Maybe you're a writer yourself, maybe not, but either way beta reading is different from reading a typical book. If you've never beta read before and don't know how, this post is for you! Here are five steps for how to beta read.

Step 1: Upfront Questions
Before you agree to beta read, ask the writer some key questions. Your goal is to determine if you're the right audience for this book. Ask for: genre, age group, word count, brief pitch. 

• The genre and age group will tell you quickly if this book might be for you (or your children.) It will also set your expectations for word count, themes, etc.
• The word count helps you determine if you have the time to read this. Do not commit to beta reading if you know you will never finish reading it. As a point of reference, To Kill a Mockingbird and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (3) are both close to the 100,000 word mark. 
• The brief pitch allows you to determine your interest level. It may also help you step aside if the book contains something you are not in the mental space to handle at the moment, such as a loved one's death or a specific traumatic event.
• Don't be afraid to read outside of things you're familiar with. Sometimes a writer needs an outside perspective. A romance reader can help a fantasy writer with a romantic subplot, a mystery writer and help a sci-fi writer craft a puzzle to solve, etc. 

Step 2: Set Expectations
After you agree to beta read, ask the writer what their expectations are.

• Do they want line edits (things like fixing commas and spelling mistakes) or do they only want big picture (character arcs, pacing, etc.) or whatever you can catch? Some writers may supply you with a list of questions at the end of the novel, or even after each chapter.
• What's the timeline? If you're in a writing group, the deadline for feedback could be a specific meeting. If not, the writer may ask for feedback within a certain time period. If it's left up to you to decide, try to take no longer than 2 months per 100,000 words.

Step 3: The Read
Now you're ready to read.

• If using Microsoft Word, click the Review tab on the toolbar ribbon and select track changes. This allows the writer to easily keep track of any changes you make, such as deleting a comma or fixing spelling. If using google docs, find the button on the tool bar that says Editing and select Suggesting to allow similar tracking. Both programs include a comments button, with which you can leave notes or questions.
• During the read, keep in mind the expectations of the author. It is a good idea to note things you think ought to change as well as things you're enjoying. Even short reactions like "lol" tell an author that a joke landed well.
• Do not feel pressured to read the project in one sitting unless it's a very short work. Take breaks, and either bookmark or leave a note to yourself so you're able to find where you left off, should the program not automatically mark your place.
• For large projects, consider pacing yourself. If there's a deadline, divide the number of pages by the number of days you have left to get a sense of how much you need to read daily. You can always read more, but the minimum helps you stay on track for your goal.

Step 4: Summary
After your finish reading, you may have some overall thoughts to put together in a summary.

• These could be repeated comments you already left, or comments that didn't quite fit in place, but affect the entire project. This includes things like characterization problems, worldbuilding questions, or story arc issues. Write up these thoughts at the end of the project or in a separate document.
• One common practice with critique, especially on such a large project, is the compliment sandwich. Start by telling the writer what you liked or loved about the read, transition into suggestions/questions, then end with another compliment.
• It is vital to be honest with the writer, even if most of your feedback is about things to change. The writer didn't ask for your help just to hear it was fine, they want to improve!
• Struggling to write a summary? One trick is to finish the novel, then leave yourself some bare bones notes for the summary. Take a few days away and then return to your notes. If you still agree, keep the comment. If you think something wasn't that important to mention, delete the comment. If something else has occurred to you since you finished, add it.

Step 5: Letting Go

• After you send your feedback to the writer, they may have questions for you or they may just say thank you. If it turns into a conversation, absolutely keep emailing back and forth.
  
• Be sure to send all of your feedback at once or in clearly labeled parts (for example, an email titled "Feedback Part 1 of 2"), because you don't want to keep emailing the writer for months saying "and one more thing..." because this may prevent the writer from knowing if they're really done revising or if they're waiting for more information.
• Another aspect of letting go: if the writer disagrees and doesn't incorporate your feedback, that's okay. Your critique is your opinion and the writer has the choice to take it or leave it--which has nothing to do with how they feel about you as a person. Just because they disagree with you about a plot point or how to describe a character doesn't mean they didn't appreciate your time and effort.

Ready to go beta read? Have more advice for beta readers out there? Let's discuss in the comments!