I plan to release my novella, Sorority Zombies in Space!, next year. To that end, I've been searching for beta readers. It's been a surprisingly difficult process that has taken several months, so I wanted to share some tips and tricks to help streamline the process.
What is a beta reader?
A beta reader is someone who will read your manuscript and offer feedback. A beta reader is not an editor, a proofreader, or a critique partner. A beta reader helps point out errors, inconsistencies, and plot holes while providing an overall reader reaction.
Do I have to pay?
Typically, beta reading is a free service. There are some who offer it as a paid service, though, and it will probably help quicken the process if it's something you can afford.
Where do you find free beta readers?
Beta readers can be anyone: friends, family, strangers. The first beta reader I used for Sorority Zombies was my mom. I think having a friend or family member be the first person to read your manuscript takes some of the pressure off, but you might find that you prefer the opposite approach.
It took a lot of searching and querying, but after scouring the internet, I found three other readers. Here are the places I searched:
Facebook writing groups or beta reading groups
Facebook reader groups in the genre I'm publishing in
Scribophile's beta readers directory
Goodreads beta readers group
Absolute Write Forum
Critique Match
The beta readers subreddit (r/betareaders)
How many beta readers should I have?
I've heard the optimal number is 3-5, and I've had four, but there's no hard and fast rule. As many or as few as it takes for you to feel that your manuscript is ready for the next step: copy editing.
You said something about querying?
When seeking beta readers, be prepared to deliver the following information:
Your story's genre, title, and word count
A quick "elevator pitch" of what makes your work stand out
A blurb
What feedback you're looking for
Your timeline
Here's the query I sent to potential readers:
Hello, I'm seeking feedback for my bizarro sci-fi novella, Sorority Zombies in Space!, a wild ride of satire, dark humor, and outrageous escapades at 41,000 words. Fans of Carlton Mellick III’s Clusterfuck and Gina Ranalli’s All Men Are Trash will enjoy this over-the-top novella, which is gross and violent in equal measure. Blurb: Mars University student and beta bro Todd is attending the ultimate Solar Break party when his sexy classmate Ziffany reveals she's an alien and invites him and a select few to visit her homeworld. Todd and his buddies expect a cosmic rager, but when their intergalactic trip takes a horrifying turn, they’re left to fend for their lives on a hostile planet. I’m looking for readers who enjoy genre fiction, particularly weird fiction. This story does not contain your typical set of likable protagonists and I’m curious to know if readers still want to engage with them. I also want to know if the ending feels satisfying and if Todd’s internal journey feels natural. If you’re interested, I would like to receive feedback within roughly a month. Thank you!
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