What Makes a Good Beta Reader?

Today, I wish to share with you all an incredibly helpful post by Australian writer and former journalist, Belinda Pollard. It is on the subject of Beta Readers and it includes references to her other posts on the same issue. I found those just as important to read and digest as this one. All put together, they leave absolutely no questions left unanswered and this is a painful matter that sooner or later all writers have to face.  I feel very lucky to have discovered Belinda; Her marketing tips came recommended by a dear author friend recently. I headed over to Belinda’s site and was swiftly impressed; signing up to her newsletter which granted me also the extra bonus of a very helpful ebook on self-publishing!  From what I have read so far on Belinda’s site, she is definitely worth reading and following!

So, without further ado, here is the answer to the question that tortures us all:

Where do I find a good beta reader?

Good beta readers can be found gathering in little groups just to the left of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Ha.

But seriously… I won’t lie to you, it’s not easy to find a good beta reader. But it is possible.

Today I’m going to list some of the characteristics of the “ideal” beta reader. Don’t forget that I said ideal. You will have to pick and choose among these characteristics, to decide which ones are most important to you and your book. Think about them, and don’t rush yourself. You’ll begin to get a feel for the people you know who could fit the bill. You’ll begin to understand which aspects are more important to you and your book, and which are less relevant.

Read the whole article here.