How to Get Actual Feedback from Beta Readers (Not Just 'I Loved It!')

Say goodbye to 'It was nice' and hello to detailed, chapter-by-chapter insights. Finally, a process that turns your beta readers into your secret editing weapon."

Russell Nohelty

and

Evan Gow

May 14, 2025

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Hi,

I get a lot of questions about beta readers — how to find them, how to work with them, and most importantly, how to get feedback that’s actually useful (instead of the classic “I loved it!” with no follow-up).

Now, I’ve got some solid thoughts on this topic, but when it comes to running a clean, efficient, and even automated beta reader process, there’s one person who does it better than just about anyone I know: Evan Gow, the founder of StoryOrigin.

Evan is one of those rare creators who doesn’t just build tools — he builds solutions. If you’ve ever used StoryOrigin, you know what I mean. It’s a powerhouse platform for authors, packed with tools that actually solve problems — from newsletter swaps to reader magnets to, yep, beta copies.

So when Evan told me he had a proven process for getting helpful, chapter-by-chapter feedback from beta readers (without losing your mind or chasing people down via email), I knew I had to share it with you.

This post is Evan’s guide to running a smooth, feedback-rich beta process — whether you’re doing it manually or want to automate the whole thing using StoryOrigin’s Beta Copies feature.

You can try it for yourself here.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

Getting feedback from beta readers is hard.

Getting HELPFUL feedback from beta readers is EVEN HARDER.

It’s also important. But also (also?) not enjoyable (to put it diplomatically). Well, while that’s true for most people, I love betas, working with betas, and getting feedback from betas. I think I’m also pretty good at it.

So, I’m going to show you how to get HELPFUL feedback from beta readers (not just “It was great! I loved it” - what are you supposed to do with that?).

(Stick around, and I’ll also show you how to automate this whole process.)

What Is a Beta Reader, Anyway?

A beta reader is someone who reads your book before it's published and gives you feedback — ideally, thoughtful, constructive feedback that helps you improve the story, tighten the pacing, fix confusing bits, and catch anything that might knock readers out of the experience.

Think of beta readers as your book’s “test audience.” They’re not editors, and they’re not proofreaders (though some might point out a typo or two). Their job is to read your book like a reader — not a grammar robot or a literary critic — and tell you what worked, what didn’t, and where they got confused or bored.

The goal? Catch and fix problems before you hit publish. That way, your book is stronger, more polished, and more likely to connect with readers (and avoid those dreaded two-star reviews that start with “I really wanted to like this, but…”).

Beta readers are one of the most valuable parts of the writing process if you know how to work with them the right way. (Which is what this article is all about.)

Where Beta Readers Fit in the Publishing Process

So, where exactly do beta readers fit into the grand scheme of turning your draft into a finished, reader-ready book?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the chain:

You write the book. Obvious, but we’re starting at the top. You finish your draft — yay! Now it’s time to shape it into something stronger.
Self-editing. You go through your draft yourself. Tighten up scenes. Cut the boring bits. Maybe scream into a pillow. Repeat. This is where you do your best to make it shine.
Developmental Edit (optional but ideal). This is where a developmental editor comes in. Their job is to look at the big picture stuff — plot holes, character arcs, pacing, structure. They’ll ask tough questions. They might suggest cutting or rewriting entire chapters. They’re the story architects.
***Beta Readers (this is where they come in!) Once your book is in decent shape — like, it makes sense and feels mostly “done” — it’s time to bring in beta readers. These are test readers from your target audience. They’re not trained editors, but they are your readers. They help you spot things that real readers will love, hate, or stumble over. Their job is to tell you things like what confused them, what they loved, what dragged or felt boring and what characters they connected with (or didn’t) They give you real-world reactions so you can make the book stronger before it’s locked in.
Line/Copy Editing. Once the story is solid, it’s time to clean it up. A line editor focuses on sentence flow, word choice, tone — making sure everything reads smoothly. A copy editor looks for grammar, punctuation, consistency (is your magic system called "Fireweaving" or "Flamebinding"? Pick one).
Proofreading. The final polish. A proofreader catches lingering typos, formatting issues, and any weird spacing or errors that slipped through. They’re the last eyes before publication.

TL;DR:

Beta readers = reader reactions
Editors = professional guidance
Proofreaders = final quality control

Each plays a different role, and using all three at the right time gives your book the best chance of succeeding in the wild.

Finding Beta Readers

Ideally, your beta readers are fans of your genre who read the kind of book you’re writing and love it. A cozy mystery reader won’t give you helpful feedback on your space opera. You want people who know the tropes and pacing expectations, along with people who don’t have a vested interest in sparing your feelings.

For this reason, friends and family usually don’t make for good beta readers (unless they are brutal, love love love the genre, and know everything about it).

The best place to find readers that know and love your genre is your own audience. Specifically, your mailing list. Even if your list is small, you’ll usually get a handful of enthusiastic readers willing to help. If your list is huge, you can still keep it manageable by creating a little sense of exclusivity:

“I’m assembling a small beta team for my upcoming book. I’ll only be accepting 7 readers this time, so if you're interested, reply to this email and tell me why you're excited about this story.”

This keeps you from being overwhelmed, filters out the fence-sitters, and adds a bit of FOMO to the process, all without sounding salesy. I won’t go into depth here, but if you don’t have a mailing list, check out StoryOrigin’s features for building your mailing list.

Other places to look for potential beta readers: Facebook Groups and Subreddits dedicated to your genre. Just make sure to read the group’s rules and avoid sounding spammy. Some groups are specifically for finding beta readers, but you’re less likely to find readers specific to your genre.

You can also search #booktok or #bookstagram, Discord channels, local or online book clubs, Meetup, or Reedsy.

Remember, you don’t need 20 beta readers. In fact, having too many can be detrimental as it can lead to analysis paralysis when you get conflicting feedback. Aim to have 5 to 7 really good ones that you can be confident will finish the book. After they’ve read the book, comes the most important part.

The Beta Copy Process

First, the non-automated way that will still get you 10x better feedback than just emailing someone your Word doc.

Split your manuscript into chunks big enough to give them an idea of the story but small enough to be manageable. This could mean chapters 1-3, Act 1, the first 10,000 words, or any segment that ends on a compelling hook.
Email your beta readers part 1 + a questionnaire.
They email you the completed questionnaire (after they’ve read part 1).
Email them part 2 + a questionnaire, and so on.

There are 2 key components to this process:

You split the manuscript into chunks, so they have to give you progress reports while it’s still fresh in their head.
Your questionnaire provides the readers with “critique guidance” so they know what you’re looking for feedback on

The right questions can take a reader’s “It was great! I loved it!” and turn it into “I loved the side character, especially that scene in Chapter 8, where they…” Don’t ask all these questions (this is not school), but here are some you might consider.

🔍 Big Picture Story Questions

What parts of the story felt the strongest to you?
What parts felt weak or underdeveloped?
Were there any moments where you felt emotionally disconnected?
Did the plot feel believable and internally consistent?
Did the story hold your attention from beginning to end?

🧭 Pacing & Flow

Were there any points where your attention started to wander?
Did any scenes feel like they dragged or moved too fast?
Was the beginning engaging enough to pull you in?
Did the ending feel satisfying? Why or why not?

👥 Character Feedback

Which characters felt the most real or memorable?
Were there any characters you didn’t connect with? Why?
Did anyone feel inconsistent or act out of character?
Were character motivations clear and believable?
Did you root for the main character? If not, why?

🌍 World-Building & Setting (for speculative fiction)

Did the world feel fleshed out and immersive?
Were there any parts of the world-building that confused you?
Were there terms, concepts, or systems you didn’t understand?
What parts of the setting were your favorite?

📚 Genre-Specific Expectations

Does this book feel like a good fit for the [insert genre] genre?
Did it meet your expectations for this kind of story?
Were there tropes you loved or hated?
Did anything feel cliché or overdone?

💡 Clarity & Readability

Was there any part of the story that didn’t make sense?
Did you get confused about who was speaking or what was happening?
Were there any terms, references, or jargon you didn’t understand?
Were transitions between scenes or chapters clear?

✨ Reader Experience

Did anything pull you out of the story?
Were there moments you had a strong emotional reaction? Which ones?
What was your favorite scene or line?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

📝 Bonus (Open-Ended)

If you could change one thing about this book, what would it be?
Is there anything you wish had happened that didn’t?
Do you have any other thoughts or notes?

Email + questionnaires + following up + doing this for more than 1 or 2 readers? That’s a ton of work.

If you want to automate the whole process, check out StoryOrigin’s Beta Copies feature where readers unlock each chapter of your manuscript by leaving feedback on the previous chapter. You don’t need to email or follow up with them. Just upload your manuscript, StoryOrigin will show you each reader’s progress and compile all of their feedback into one place for you.

The Editing Process

Next, use that feedback to improve your editing process. Here’s a simple framework to help you make sense of the feedback you get and turn it into actionable edits:

1. Look for patterns, not one-off comments

If one reader says a character feels flat, take note. If three readers say the same thing? That’s a signal. Patterns in feedback are where you’ll find the most impactful edits.

One person’s opinion is… well, an opinion. But when you start seeing the same note from multiple readers, you’ve struck gold.

How you run your beta process will make a difference here.

Avoid using Google Docs, where readers can see each other’s comments. You’ll end up getting a bandwagon effect. It’s better to use Word docs or StoryOrigin’s Beta Copies feature where each reader will be in their own silo.

2. Tag feedback by type

Break comments into categories like:

Plot issues
Character inconsistencies
Pacing problems
Confusing world-building
Line-level clarity or grammar

This helps you prioritize your editing pass. For example, there’s no point fixing dialogue if your Act II has a gaping hole in the middle.

3. Decide what to fix and what to leave

Take every comment with a grain of salt. You are the author, not your beta readers.

An easy example: You might intentionally write a character that readers will dislike (perhaps to show character growth or set them up as a villain, etc.). If readers complain about the character, you’re doing your job right.

You will also get comments from readers that conflict with one another, and some may reflect a reader simply not being the right audience for your book.

Use your judgment. Keep the vision of your story in mind.

4. Apply edits in layers

Once you’ve reviewed all your feedback, make a plan for how to tackle revisions. Start with the biggest changes (plot, structure, character arcs), then move down to scene-level tweaks, then polish with line edits.

Trying to fix everything all at once is a recipe for burnout. If you make significant changes to your book, consider doing another round with your beta readers.

How Many Times Should You Go Back to Beta Readers?

The short answer: once, maybe twice per project — max. But let’s break that down.

🌀 Round 1: The First Beta Read

This is your big test run. The goal here is to find out:

Is the story working?
Are the characters compelling?
Is the pacing solid?
Are there any major plot holes or confusing scenes?

You send your (mostly polished) manuscript to 5–7 beta readers. You’re not looking for typos — you’re looking for story-level feedback. They read it, fill out your questionnaire, and you make changes based on patterns in their responses.

✅ This is the essential round that every author should do.

🔁 Round 2: The Re-Read (Optional)

If you made big changes — rewrote the ending, killed off a different character, changed major plot arcs — you might want to run it by a new group of betas, or 1–2 of the original readers if they’re game for it.

Why? Because those major changes may have unintended side effects — pacing issues, logic gaps, or new confusion you didn’t see.But this round should be faster, and you shouldn’t need as many people. Think of it like a test screening for Version 2.0.

✅ Do this only if you made major edits based on feedback.

❌ Don’t keep going back endlessly.

Beta readers are not a forever tool. They’re a checkpoint — not a revolving door.

Going back 3, 4, 5 times? That usually means:

You’re not confident in your vision
You’re trying to make the book perfect (spoiler: it never will be)
Or you’re getting conflicting feedback and don’t know what to do

At that point, it’s time to bring in an editor or trust your gut.

Pro Tip:

New beta readers = fresh eyes. If you do run a second round, try not to reuse the same people unless they specifically ask to read the next version. Most readers don’t want to re-read your book three times in a row.

Still Not Getting the Feedback You Need?

If you’ve gone through a round (or two) of beta reading and you're still stuck — confused by conflicting comments, unsure if the story really works, or getting nothing but vague praise — it might be time to bring in heavier hitters.

🚨 Enter: Alpha Readers and Developmental Editors

Alpha Readers

These are your ride-or-die readers — often fellow writers or superfans — who read the rough draft before it’s polished. They're there to help you shape the story from the ground up. You might send them your book chapter by chapter as you write it.

They’re less focused on sentence structure and more focused on story logic, character arcs, and overall vibe. Think of them like co-pilots. If beta readers are your test audience, alpha readers are in the cockpit with you while you're still figuring out how to fly the thing.

Use an alpha reader if:

You're not sure your story makes sense
You're stuck in the middle of your draft
You want early feedback before polishing

Developmental Editors

These are professionals who specialize in big-picture edits. They dig into structure, plot, pacing, character arcs, world-building — all the foundational stuff. If something’s broken in your story and you can’t figure out what or how to fix it, a developmental editor will find it and tell you exactly what needs work (and often how to fix it).

Yes, they cost money. But they can save you months of revision loops, confusion, and frustration.

Use a developmental editor if:

You need expert eyes on your story structure
You’ve gotten conflicting feedback from readers
You’ve hit a wall and don’t know how to revise

Beta readers are valuable, but they’re not miracle workers.

They’re regular readers — not trained editors, story engineers, or book surgeons. If your book needs more than “I liked it, but I didn’t get that one scene with the goat wizard,” then it’s time to bring in an alpha reader or a pro.

Conclusion

Incorporating beta readers into your publishing process can feel like a lot of work, but the payoff is huge. You get real insights from real readers before your book is out in the world. That means fewer negative reviews, a tighter story, and a more confident launch.

The key is to treat the beta reading process like a system:

Be intentional about who you invite
Ask the right questions
Organize the feedback
And apply it strategically

Whether you’re running it manually with email and Word docs, or automating it all through StoryOrigin’s Beta Copies, having a repeatable process is what turns chaotic input into constructive feedback.

Learn more about StoryOrigin beta readers

The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.

What do you think?

Have you ever worked with beta readers before? What worked (or didn’t) for you?
What’s one question you wish you’d asked your beta readers — or one you’ll definitely ask next time?
Do you prefer a small beta team or a big group with lots of feedback? Why?

Let us know in the comments.