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Note: The guildmasters decided on the topic of writing life. So each week, you will get a discussion on something to do with Writing Life. Today’s topic is written by Daeus Lamb.

We know that critique is vital for our growth as writers, yet we rarely stop to think how to optimize the critique we get.

Critique is a limited resource, so I think it deserves more attention.

Over the years, I’ve observed a few principles for maximizing critique. This will not be an authoritative guide. I still have much to learn, but I think it will be helpful.

Point #1: quality trumps quantity

I used to be tempted to think if I had twenty beta readers I was getting good feedback. In reality, two excellent beta readers are better than twenty average. (Next week, I’ll be covering how to be an excellent beta reader.)

How do know what excellence looks like? You simply have to experiment. It may be hard to ask for help, but people actually like to give it. Seek out lots of beta readers. Also, seek out those with reputations for excellence. In some cases, you may have to pay, but it can be well worth it.

Quantity is also important just to get a range of perspectives, but quality is much weightier.

Point #2: use alpha readers

I use beta reader as a broad class to refer to anyone who critiques your writing without pay. Alpha readers are a subclass. Definitions vary for alpha readers, but I define them as people critiquing your book while you’re still writing it.

Why is this so important? Because an alpha reader could catch a plot hole before it gets too large or correct your writing style by chapter 5, so by chapter 10 you’re first draft is coming out rather nice.

Basically, a good alpha reader has the potential to save you loads of time.

Point #3: who goes where?

The wise writer assigns their beta readers to different roles depending on what they’re good at and what the writer needs. Let’s begin with alpha readers.

Ideally, one or two of your alpha readers should know your plot outline and how you view your characters. You won’t want to do this, because then you’re spoiling it for them, but this is really important. If they know where you’re going, they’ll know when you get off track. They may be able to offer you ideas you’d never thought of before as well.

In addition, you should try to get alpha readers to cover every area that could reasonably get way off track. For instance, if you write historical fiction one of your alpha readers should be an expert on the time period. Also, know your writing weaknesses. One of mine is clarity. Sometimes I assume my reader understands something they really don’t. Ideally, I should have an alpha reader who’s top-notch at spotting when I do that.

Finally, now that you’ve tried out a lot of beta readers and found some good ones, one of the best ones should be part of your alpha reader crew.

Remember, the goal is to catch all the big stuff as soon as possible.

Now we come to beta readers. Again, aim to have lots to get lots of perspectives. You can find beta readers among writing groups, reading groups, friends, relatives, and the people who follow you online.

For newer beta readers, I recommend giving some instructions. At the least, they should look out for anything that confuses them, unbelievable characters, and boring scenes. If they have the time, you may ask for further feedback.

My biggest recommendation is to send your beta readers through in three or more waves. Optimize this by using google docs so you can get instant feedback, apply one wave’s edits to a chapter, then give that revised chapter to wave two. That way, you can go through more drafts in a short amount of time.

One thing to aim for is diversity. You should always strive for a mix of teen beta readers and adults. Also, particularly if you write speculative fiction, it’s nice to have some used to your genre and some unused to it.

Finally, if you’re sure you have a solid book on your hands, hire a professional line editor of good reputation. Very few authors can survive publication without a professional editor. And if you can survive it, just imagine if you did have an editor! Your writing would blow people away!

 

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