Readers are a crucial part of the editing process, as they help you identify blind spots and understand how people might interpret your story and your characters. While they all provide valuable feedback, they serve different purposes at different stages, which we’ll delve into below.
Alpha Readers
Alpha readers provide feedback at an early stage to help you identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as significant plot or structural issues. They’re often critique partners or peers who enjoy your genre and can provide constructive feedback to guide your revisions before moving on to beta readers.
It’s important to note that a reader is not there to point out small mistakes or stylistic errors, and what they’ll provide will not be as extensive as a full edit; they might tell you what’s wrong but not necessarily how to fix it.
Beta Readers
As alpha means “first” and beta means “second,” they’re typically involved in that order. An alpha reader tends to read an earlier draft, while a beta reader comes in after more refinement has taken place.
Similar to alpha readers, beta readers approach your manuscript with the mindset of a general reader. Hiring beta readers helps you understand how the public will perceive your book when it’s published. They’ll comment on what they like and don’t like, what intrigues them and what loses them.
Each time you receive feedback from an editor or reader, you should use their feedback to revise before proceeding. Self-editing along the way is crucial in creating a manuscript that resonates with readers. You can hire readers before or after you hire an editor, though hiring readers first can help you save on editing costs.
Editing Process
Professional editing is the next stage in the process. A developmental editor will assist you with the big-picture aspects of your novel, such as structure, pacing, development, and characterization. They’ll provide comprehensive feedback to assist you in your revision process.
This is followed by line editing (style), copy editing (mechanics), and proofreading (final check for errors). If you’d like to learn, check out this article on the stages of the editing process.
Advanced Reader Copy
ARC readers come a little later, once your book has been edited, proofread, and formatted. They read a pre-published version of your book and share their thoughts in the form of a review. These readers are meant to generate excitement before your official release by leaving reviews and promoting your book.
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You don’t need to hire every single type of reader, but the more you invest in the process, the more your manuscript will benefit. Hiring readers can also be a great way for a writer on a budget to refine their manuscript before sending it to an editor.
You can also find readers on the EFA directory, Reedsy, and other forms of social media. I personally recommend reaching out to my partner, Steph, at Twin Booked Media for all your beta reading needs.
Let me know if you have any questions about how readers can help you develop and refine your manuscript.
Cypress Editorial 
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