Questions to Ask Your Beta Readers

After you've written a full manuscript draft and done at least some revising and editing, you'll want to enlist a few beta readers before you continue with the publishing process.

A beta reader is a type of manuscript reader who reads a (usually) late-stage version of your manuscript to evaluate big-picture elements like plot, character, and setting from the perspective of a general reader.

The best way to ensure you get the kind of feedback you're looking for is to provide your beta readers with a list of questions. Aim to start a conversation rather than stopping at simple "yes" or "no" answers. Here is a sample list of beta reader questions, divided into general categories. This is a good starting point, but you may want to add your own questions to address specific areas of concern. Let's dive in!

Intro

• Did the story grab your attention from the start? If not, why?
• Did you immediately understand where and when the story was taking place and who the story was about? If so, how?
• Did you feel the need to keep reading after the first chapter or two? If not, why?
• Is the tone established at the start of the story appropriate for the genre and audience?

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Plot

• Was the plot intriguing and complex enough to hold your attention?
• Were there any obvious logical fallacies, inconsistencies, or holes in the plot?
• Were there any questions left unanswered by the end of the story?
• Which scene was your favorite? What made it exciting?
• Was there any aspect of the story that confused you? If so, what about it was confusing?
• Was the plot predictable, or did it keep you guessing? If there was any foreshadowing, was it subtle or too obvious? Did you ever feel led astray in an unnecessary way?
• Was the conflict realistic and engaging, or did it feel forced or contrived?
• Did the climax meet your expectations? If not, why?
• Did you find the ending satisfying? If not, why?

Pacing

• Were there any parts of the story that dragged or that you found boring? If so, which ones and why?
• Were there any parts of the story that seemed to go by too quickly? If so, which ones and why? What would be gained by slowing down in these moments?
• If you could cut one scene from the story, which one would it be and why?
• Was there a good balance of description, action, and dialogue? If not, which was there too much of? Which was there too little of?

Character

• Did each character feel distinct? If not, how could the characterization be improved?
• Did you feel emotionally invested in the main character and their journey? If not, why?
• Did you understand each character's motivations? Did any character ever act out of character in a way that wasn't later explained?
• Who was your favorite character and why?
• Who was your least favorite character and why?

Dialogue

• Was the dialogue engaging?
• Did the dialogue feel stiff, or did it sound natural?
• Did each character's dialogue feel unique to them, either how they spoke or what they said? In other words, would you be able to tell who was speaking even without the dialogue tags? If not, in what way did each character's dialogue feel too similar?

This is by no means an exhaustive list of questions for beta readers, nor should such a list overwhelm your readers. Provide these questions as a guide to get your readers thinking, but don't expect answers to each and every one. And don't take any critical comments personally. Remember that the goal of all feedback is to help you improve your story. If it doesn't do that, let it go.

If you're looking for a professional beta read, consider my beta critique service. I'd love to help you make your story the best it can be.