Alpha + beta reading:
focus on the reader experience at different stages of the writing process.
How Does it work?
Alpha and beta reading give authors fresh perspective from a reader’s point of view. They help answer the questions authors ask themselves as they write: am I on the right track? Will readers like this? Is this one line in this one scene as funny as I think it is? Is my enemies-to-lovers love interest redeemable? Do I want them to be?
Alpha reading happens before editing, during or after the first draft. My feedback will focus on the big picture from a reader-experience standpoint: where is this going? Are there any major plot holes? How does the pacing feel? What do I hope for more of? Are the characters consistent? Is this what I expect from a book in this genre?
Beta reading happens after initial drafting and first rounds of editing, asking similar questions as those asked when alpha reading, but of a more polished and complete story. Instead of asking where the story should go next, beta reading asks if the journey from start to finish works. Is there anything that’s unclear? What makes this an enjoyable experience, and what could be better?
Your manuscript will be returned to you with comments and questions applied via the Track Changes feature of Microsoft Word.