Editing & Revising

Beta Readers

A sensitivity reader sits in front of a computer making notes in a notebook as they read a manuscript on the screen.
Editing & Revising

What’s a Sensitivity Reader and Where Do You Find One?

Sensitivity writers are more prevalent than ever before, and for many authors, they're an essential part of the editing process. But what do they do exactly? And how do you know if you need one? We've got those answers right here.

Two young men sit on a short wall, discussing the contents of a notebook.
Editing & Revising

How to Use Beta Reader Feedback: The Ultimate Guide

Beta readers are magical creatures who spend hours reading your novel and offering invaluable feedback (usually for free) so you can create a marketable masterpiece. But how do you use their feedback? What if you disagree with it? And what happens if you get contradictory advice? Here's everything you need to know to make the most of beta reader feedback.

The arms of two people who are sitting around a small coffee table. They are exchanging a variety of US dollar bills.
Craft of Writing

No, You (Usually) Shouldn't Pay Beta Readers

Beta readers are an integral part of perfecting your book. So should you pay these helpful readers? Usually not, but in this article, we'll cover why, when you should, and what you normally do to thank them.

A writer sits beside a laptop, resting their chin in their hand and looking directly at the camera.
Editing & Revising

How to Find Beta Readers: What Everyone Else Seems to Know

No clue how to find beta readers? Don't sweat it. As it turns out, potential beta readers are everywhere. Here's how to track them down.

woman reading a book
Editing & Revising

Beta Readers: The Quiet Hero of Your Story

Essentially, a beta reader is an (hopefully) objective third party who will read your novel or story and provide (hopefully) constructive feedback. A beta reader is not an editor, and often they’re not writers either, though there’s a good chance a lot of your beta readers are going to be authors as well.