Y,all…if you don’t know anything about me, you should know that I’ve got a stubborn streak. I will be the first to admit that.

Let me give you an example. I have had enough people over the years tell me that in order for me to burn my stubborn belly fat, I have to really streamline my diet. Like only allow myself pizza once a month as opposed to once a week. Or, drink my coffee black instead of with dairy creamer. But, I will look at people who have the figures, or belly, at least, that I want and swear that they are still enjoying some pleasures of life like creamy coffee and a supreme pizza. Then I rationalize that they are doing some other kind of diet fad to get results they have.

So over the 15 year span of my publishing career, I have heard about writers using beta readers to get timely feedback on their work long before they publish their work. But I was too fearful of criticism to try this.

When I was writing my novel, Unfinished Business, I had friend of mine reading and she was nothing but encouraging. She never said anything remotely negative or critical of the story I was writing. And, of course, as the author, I loved that! But in retrospect, although the story is good, I should have gotten more opinions before publishing. It could have been even better than what it was.

The problem with using family or friends to read your book for reader opinion is their true opinion of your work can be skewed by the excitement about that fact they you’re writing a book in the first place. Their love for you can make them hold back from telling you what you really need to hear.

That’s where beta readers come in.

They are independent readers who beta read for their love of reading, and maybe a little compensation, too, if they’ve made a business out of it. However, there are still plenty of people who do it free of charge.

But let me tell you this…whatever fee you pay for a beta reader will be far less than what you will pay a professional editor for developmental editing. I can attest to that!

Back in 2021, I decided to use a developmental editor for my third novel. The editor was extremely thorough, which I loved. Her notes were extensive and detailed. From storyline, character arc, plot holes, and character development. I was very appreciative of all of her comments and I used all of it as I commenced rewriting.

But I paid a hefty price for that extensive critiquing! And now, the same editor is line editing the revised manuscript.

More money. More money. More money.

While I appreciate the developmental edit and have no regrets for the experience, I could have saved by letting beta readers guide me from the reader perspective, which is really the opinion that the author wants to capture!

Now, I won’t say that I would never do a developmental edit again. But before I get there, I will definitely employ a team of beta readers during the first and second drafts as a start.

Recently I put out a call for beta readers for a short story I’ve written. So far, I have two. I’m looking forward to their reviews.

Til Next Time,

L.A.