Notes from the Beta Read

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

I recently sent my newest book, The Caddywampus, to alpha and beta readers.

It was…an experience.

During the massive highs and lows of this endeavor, I realized that anytime I’ve read writing advice, the “beta read” phase of writing a novel is almost always, if I may use a Seinfeld reference, yada-yada-yada’d over. You’ll get something like:

• “And then I got feedback.”
• “I sent it to readers.”
• “I sent it to my good friend, Wenceslas, for his perspicacious insights.”

I mean, it’s nice people mention it, but I’ve never seen someone address the violent emotional rollercoaster that is the beta-read experience.

So, I wanted to talk about it.

The Beta Read

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, the beta read is the phase when you send your manuscript to readers for their thoughts and feedback.

I used to move straight from drafting, to a beta read, then to final drafting, however, in my older, wizened state, I’ve added an alpha reader layer into the mix. So, for me:

• I draft the book, revise it, and get it to the point when looking at it makes me want to vomit.
• At the vomit stage, I pass it on to my alpha readers…