The Difference between Beta, Alpha, ARC Readers & Critique Writers.
“Salvation is certainly among the reasons I read... Stories have given me a place in which to lose myself. They have allowed me to remember. They have allowed me to forget. They have allowed me to imagine different endings and better possible worlds.”
Let's start with definitions:
What's a Beta Reader:
* Beta reader (n.) A beta reader is a test reader of an unreleased work of literature or other writing (similar to beta testing in software), giving feedback with the angle of an average reader to the author about REMAINING issues.
What's an Alpha Reader:
* An alpha reader is that FIRST person you share your self edited (draft) manuscript with.
Which comes first, Alpha or Beta?
* Alpha reader comes first! They seek out plot holes, inconsistencies, and overall pacing and story details. Basically, the first people to rip your hard work apart! Alpha comes from the perspective of a writer. Helping to increase, cut out, and assist building your story.
Vs
Beta Readers take the role of causal readers. They also look for inconsistencies, pacing, and plot holes BUT beta readers come from the perspective of a reader. You ask beta reader questions such as, did you enjoy the story, favorite characters, did you understand the plot and the story, etc.
KEYNOTE: If you've ONLY self-edited your manuscript once then your manuscript ISN'T beta reader ready. What you THINK is your final draft is what you should send to beta readers. Betas are there as cleanup crew....NOT builders.
What are ARC Readers:
*ARC stands for Advanced Reader Copy. ARCs are copies of an unpublished book offered to reviewers in exchange for an honest review. Thus an ARC reader is the person who reads the book pre-publication and posts a review before or immediately after the publication date.
You use ARC READERS 2-3 months prior to your release. Some would even say 1 month before.
Lastly, what is a Critique Group:
* A writing critique group might be defined as consisting of three or more serious writers who meet regularly to read one another's writing and offer constructive criticism, with the collective goal of improving their craft. Usually Critique Groups include other authors and take the perspective of developmental editors. (They DO NOT replace developmental editors.) But BEFORE you spend money on an developmental editor, make sure you consult an Alpha, Beta, AND a great Critique Group. All of these steps come BEFORE hiring an editor.
Alpha Readers, Beta Readers, AND Critique Groups ARE FREEEEE!!!
Even though you can pay for them. A paid reader has motivation to finish your manuscript and give you feedback in a timely manner. A volunteer reader lacks that motivation and can stop reading your manuscript and/or not give you great feedback. There will be a lot of trial and error when finding great volunteer readers, but they are out there!
ONCE YOU’VE COMPLETED THE CRITIQUE PROCESS, you’re back at editing. Editing is a never ending process, but bare with it. The more you do it, the better it gets and the cleaner your manuscript will be. Take time to go through all the feedback and figure out the things that stick. With my first debut book, I had to edit, revise, and even rewrite at least seven times. That might be extreme to some, but if you want your book to shine, you have to go through the muck and make it work.
