Beta readers are essentially test readers. They read with the perspective of an average reader who may be reading your work for enjoyment or to learn something new.
Volunteer Beta Readers vs. Hired Beta Readers
I recommend sourcing volunteer beta readers if you:
- Are on a tight budget (spend that money on editorial services instead!)
- Have a wide circle of well-read friends and acquaintances whom you can trust to provide honest feedback
I recommend paying a beta reader for their services if you:
- Just finished your first draft and are feeling confused about where to go from here
- Are working on your first novel and need someone to point you in the right direction
- Have specialized or niche knowledge of the subject(s) you’re writing about and want to make sure your content is accessible to the average reader.
The primary benefit of paying for professional beta reading services is the guarantee that your beta reader will have the professional knowledge to guide you and your novel in the right direction. If I notice plot inconsistencies in your story, for example, I can refer you to a developmental editor to assist with revising those elements of your work. Or, if I have concerns about your depictions of marginalized identities, I can recommend a sensitivity reader who will review your work and make the appropriate suggestions.
Emily Vance Brown 