To reach their full potential, every writer needs feedback from multiple sources on their work at multiple stages of writing and revising their manuscripts. Two sources most commonly used by writers across genres are alpha readers (also commonly called critique partners) and beta readers. This post—and the nifty chart I made to go with it!—breaks down the differences between both types of readers and at what stages you should seek them out.
Perspective
Alpha readers approach your work from the perspective of a fellow writer—ideally someone working in the same or similar genre.
Beta readers, on the other hand, approach your work as a prospective member of your target audience—a reader who might pull your book off the shelf and decide to buy it or check it out of the library.
Stage of the Manuscript
Alpha readers are your first set of eyes on your work. As such, it’s completely okay—expected, even—to send them drafts that are very drafty. It’s also typical to have your work read by alpha readers before the entire manuscript is finished. Many alpha readers—often working within critique groups—operate on a model of exchanging a certain number of chapters or words per week or month.
Beta readers expect to be given a complete manuscript that has already been through at least one or two major revisions. Systemic grammar and punctuation errors and easily corrected inconsistencies are especially off-putting to beta readers.
Feedback Focus
Alpha readers tend to focus their feedback on the craft-related elements of your early draft: showing and telling, confusing plot points or unclear sentences, voice, and more. They’ll also help you brainstorm and workshop your way out of plot holes.
Feedback from beta readers is typically more focused on how it works for them as a member of your audience and a reader of your genre. They’ll also focus their feedback on their experience with the book: what kept them hooked, what pulled them out of the story, how they reacted to the inciting incident, climax, and plot twists, and whether they engaged and sympathized with the characters.
Related: Navigating the Beta Reading Process
Wrapping Up
The process of providing feedback is always subjective and fluid. You will find a variety of approaches, focuses, and levels of feedback wherever you go. However, these guidelines are a good baseline for what you should expect from the alpha and beta reading experiences.
Happy writing!