The Hard Questions To Ask Beta Readers
Because we as writers are so close to our stories and characters, it can be difficult to identify any flaws or inconsistencies in our writing... and this is where beta readers come in. Beta readers–otherwise known as "critique readers"–are incredibly valuable for writers because they can offer their unbiased opinions about our stories.
It can feel like a vulnerable moment to present our raw work that we have poured our heart and soul into for critical feedback, but this will ultimately make our stories stronger. This was true for my own experience with collaborating with betas for the first time many years ago. Initially, I felt a tad off-put by the feedback and found myself defending my work rather than processing the feedback objectively and determining whether I should leverage the critiques or take them with a grain of salt.
I found it helpful to make any major changes I was unsure about in a separate document and then sit with the change for a moment–which more often than not resulted in me keeping the change and incorporating it into my main body of work. Over time, I’ve learned to not only appreciate the more critical feedback but also purposefully seek it out and welcome it with open arms because that’s exactly what my story needs to grow and prepare for either publication or querying.
To get the most out of your experience with beta readers, I have a list of potential questions you can ask them. It’s important to select a few of the ones that will be most valuable to your work to avoid overwhelming your betas.
Your Story’s Opening:
- Did the opening effectively grab your attention? Why or why not?
- Were you immediately drawn into the world or setting presented in the opening?
- Did the opening introduce the main character(s) in a compelling way?
- Did the opening establish a clear tone or mood for the story? If so, what was your initial impression?
- Was pacing of the opening appropriate? Was it too slow, too fast, or just right?
- Were there any parts of the opening that confused you?
- Did you feel the exposition was well balanced? Or was it overwhelming?
- Did the opening effectively set up the central conflict or tension of the story?
- Was there anything you particularly enjoyed or found memorable?
- Based on the opening alone, would you keep reading the story? Why or why not?
Each Chapter:
- Did you feel this chapter advanced the plot? Why or why not?
- Did you find any inconsistencies or contradictions within the chapter, either in terms of character actions or plot details?
- Did the chapter maintain your interest throughout, or were there any parts that dragged?
- Did the chapter effectively balance interiority with action/dialogue?
- Were there any parts that were confusing or an info dump?
- Did the chapter effectively evoke the intended emotions or atmosphere?
- Were there any standout moments or scenes that particularly resonated with you?
- Did the chapter effectively set up future developments or conflicts in the story?
- Based on this chapter alone, would you be eager to continue reading the next chapter? Why or why not?
The Overall Plot/Premise
- Are the main conflicts and stakes of the story clear and compelling?
- Did the plot progression feel organic and believable, or were there any moments that felt forced?
- Did the resolution of the story feel satisfying and well-earned, or were there any loose ends left unresolved?
- Were there any predictable plot twists or developments that you saw coming well in advance?
- Do you feel there was a clear arc for the main characters? Why or why not?
- Which characters resonated with you the most?
- Which characters felt out of place or had no business being in this story?
- What do you wish there was more of in this story?
- If you had to pick out one major flaw in the plot, what would it be?
- Would you recommend this story to others? Why or why not?