Reaching the Beta Reader Stage

The ramblings of a writer actively perusing her dream for her debut novel

Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

You did it! You did the thing! You wrote an entire novel. Your very first manuscript! You sent it to your alpha reader — or in my case — alpha readers. You got the feedback of those trusted few, recognizing their insight for the gold that it is —

And now it’s time for the beta readers.

How can something be so exciting and so terrifying at the same time!?

Strangers.

You are sending your manuscript, your book, your baby, your darling, your sweat and blood and tears, your heart — to strangers. Yes, ideally, people in your demographic, but strangers! *Gasp!*

If you publish your work, isn’t it the goal to share it with others?

When I first wrote this book, it was a ‘pantsed’ fever dream to help me escape. I wrote it for myself and myself alone. Somehow, one day, it became more than that. I want to help others escape, too. I want to write a series… I have two nearly complete manuscripts now, and I am writing an urban fantasy on this platform episodically, sharing my first draft. If I am so nervous, why would I do such a thing!?

Because the dream is bigger than the nerves, it has to be. It must be. I refuse to let something like fear stop me. Writing makes me feel alive. To push forward is the only way to improve — and improve I must!

Every step of my writing journey with my debut novel — Dominion of Flame and Sorrow — seems to be this way: I write the thing. I’m terrified to show it to people but very excited to simultaneously. Then I am shocked when anyone says anything nice about it! Oh, hello imposter syndrome!

So why would Betas be any different?

I do not expect them to all like my work. In fact, I need their honesty! I am determined to make my manuscript the best possible version of itself.

I’ve researched what to look for in a beta reader. What to ask and not ask. What to expect and not expect. The opinions are vast. Sometimes conflicting. It makes the task feel…daunting.

Ideally, I want experienced beta readers. People who read and enjoy paranormal romance and are okay with dark themes. I want people who will actually finish the book. And if they tear my soul to ribbons, at least I will get something valuable out of the shredding.

This is not my usual article. It’s late. I’m writing it in dark mode on my phone in my bed when I have to wake up well before 5 am. I am not one to struggle with sleep, but here I am. I haven’t officially announced my search. Haven’t officially posted my sign-up page. But it’s happening this weekend. This moment, really.

I hope to have them sent out this June.

And once I find my lucky five, I’ll be one step closer to a huge dream being realized. I will not stop. I will not, I will not.

What was your first experience going through the beta stage like? Do you have any advice for me?

I believe how we spend our time is very important. Thank you so much for taking some of your valuable time to read my article.

If you would like to read the blurb for my debut novel, along with trigger warnings and tropes, you can find that information along with a Beta sign-up form here: