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You finished your draft! The story is done! It’s time to … let someone else read it.

Sharing a manuscript and asking for feedback can be daunting, but when you have the right beta readers, you can gain insights that will help you improve your manuscript exponentially. This stage of revision allows you to learn where your story can improve, what you are doing well, and if your manuscript is coming across the way you intended.

Many writers hesitate to reach out to beta readers because we are uncomfortable with the emotional risk of sharing our work. Whether it’s fear of judgment or some other internal dream assassin at play, this workshop empowers you to overcome mental blocks that are standing in the way of progress.

First, we’ll tackle how to find the right readers for your specific project. The first step here surprises most writers, because it’s so simple—and simultaneously a huge author achievement unlocked once you do it. Learn where to connect with potential readers online or face-to-face and how to ask for their input—plus we’ll investigate the pros/cons of paying for beta reader feedback.

We’ll also discuss how to expedite the beta reader process by learning when it’s time to find readers, how to estimate turnaround times, when it’s time to talk about feedback, and when it’s time to step away.

Because beta reading is a collaborative process, this webinar digs deep into both sides of the relationship. And like all healthy relationships, managing expectations with your readers is key. We’ll show you reasonable expectations for feedback from a beta and clarify how this differs from the notes you would receive from a critique partner or professional editor.

As the author it’s important for you to coach your readers through the best way for them to help you. You’ll get step-by-step guidance from the initial ask to the feedback process, and even delve into the extremely rare occasions when you may want to “break up” with a reader.

The last portion of this class considers the relationship from the reader’s perspective—when you are asked to be a beta! Learn about how to opt out of a project you don’t want to read, the types of notes that are helpful to the author, and more. 

Step away from the workshop knowing:

• The differences between a beta reader, critique partner, and editor
• Ideal beta reader qualifications
• When it’s time to find a beta reader
• Where to find beta readers
• The (not as scary as you think) way to ask someone to beta read
• Time guidelines (saving yourself time and realistic turnaround requests)
• Using electronic vs. paper-based feedback
• How to provide clear instructions for your beta reader
• What to expect from a beta reader (sample feedback)
• What to do with beta reader feedback
• How to continue an ongoing beta reader relationship
• Making graceful exits          
• Some of the major beta reading platforms
• Considerations if you should/want to pay for beta readers
• How to respond when you are asked to be a beta reader

After class you will receive: (1) a list of places to look for beta readers, (2) clear instructions to share with your beta readers, (3) scripts and sample language to ask for (and break up with) beta readers, and (4) recommended follow-up reading.

Who should take this class

• Writers of any book-length genre who want to learn what a beta reader does and the basic process of working with a beta reader
• Writers of any book-length genre who have a completed manuscript and would like reader feedback
• Writers of any book-length genre who are currently drafting and are interested in using beta readers in the future

Who should NOT take this class

• Writers who are only producing short works, including children’s picture books
• Writers unwilling to revise based on beta reader feedback
• Writers who are already comfortable or successful using beta readers

What’s included in all of Jane’s classes

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Thursday, April 27, 2023
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
• Registration fee: $25

The webinar is broadcast via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use Otter AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

Testimonials

All students receive the following

• Access to the 45-minute live class. After roughly 45 minutes, the instructor will take questions using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 60 minutes. If we can’t get to all of the questions live, the instructor will answer them in writing and you’ll receive the answers with the recording.
• A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
• Presentation slides. All participants receive the slide presentation in PDF form.
• Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.
• Additional handouts. After class you will receive: (1) a list of places to look for beta readers, (2) clear instructions to share with your beta readers, (3) scripts and sample language to ask for (and break up with) beta readers, and (4) recommended follow-up reading.

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.