Musings on Betas and CPs

This is going to be a bit of a gushy blog post. Mostly because I feel like everyone should gush about their betas and critique partners. There’s so much that they do to help build up your manuscript to its best level that they deserve endless praise.

For those that don’t know, a beta reader is someone who offers their time and opinions to review a freshly finished manuscript or set of revisions to see if you have accomplished your goals.

A critique partner is someone who you swap manuscripts with to go through with detailed notes covering everything from what works to what doesn’t (among many other cheeky comments to boot).

Every time I have given my manuscript over to readers, there’s a certain amount of anxiety before the intense trepidation begins once they have the story in their grubby hands. I’m always petrified about what people might say. Mainly “I hate this”. After the fear subsides, I am constantly amazed by the skill and adept eye for detail these readers come up with. Sure they find problems I had noticed myself, but other times they pick out holes I couldn’t see or mistakes that never caught my eye.

Ideally, you want to find someone who enjoys the genre you wrote so they don’t feel burdened to read as if the story is a chore. Sometimes the fit isn’t right so try to see if your prospective readers fill these 3 categories:

1-      They enjoy reading your genre

2-      They are part of your target audience

3-      Their goals and intentions for your MS match your own

And when you locate that special person to fill beta or CP shoes, it’s honestly magical. I love each and every one of the readers that have helped me in the past and those who intend to help in the future. My manuscript(s) wouldn’t be even half of what they are without you!

How do you feel about betas and CPs? Share your experiences!