The Difference Between Alpha, Beta, and Sensitivity Readers
You’ve finished the first draft of your novel. Now what?Completing the first draft of your book is a big deal. As a writer, I know how much hard work it takes to complete a manuscript. Many people think the next step is to give it to a copy editor or proofreader, but they might be skipping a few important steps. They need feedback! That’s where alpha, beta, and sensitivity readers come in.
If you’ve never heard of this specific subset of readers, you’re not alone. Today, I’ll explain the difference between them, what they do, and when to use them.
Alpha readers
Often referred to as your “first readers,” alpha readers are the first professionals to read anything from your book. You can utilize them at any time in the drafting process. Some people use alpha readers to get feedback on chapters or sections of their book while it’s still a work-in-progress. Others wait until they've finished the first draft.
Professional alpha readers are usually book authors or writing coaches. They understand that they’re reading the roughest draft of your book, so they don’t expect it to be anywhere close to perfect.
Some writers use their family and friends as alpha readers. And while it’s OK to have those close to you offer encouragement, you may want to consider a professional alpha reader to weigh in on ways to improve your book. As a fellow writer, they have a clearer idea of what your process is like, some best practices in writing, and they can follow your thought patterns easily because they’ve been there too!
What alphas do
Alpha readers provide feedback on the main story elements of your novel, identifying any glaring issues or pieces that don’t make sense. They don’t do any editing. Instead, they make sure nothing is missing. They’ll look at:
Character arcs
Dialogue
Originality
Overall structure
Pacing
Setting
They check to see if the story makes sense and is believable. They’ll point out:
Major plot holes
Inconsistencies
Parts that are unclear to the reader
Parts that need to be fleshed out or removed
Structural issues
Underdeveloped storytelling elements
What to look for in an alpha reader
If you choose to go with a professional, it’s best to find a writer, writing coach, or editor. Bonus points if they work in or read the same genre as your novel.
When deciding whom to hire, find out what kind of feedback they give and how in-depth they’ll go to help make your novel clearer and easier to read. The best alpha readers coach you through developing your story further.
For instance, I’m an alpha reader. Besides providing you with a six-to-seven-page report, I also set up a time to review it, brainstorm next steps, and support you as you move forward. We don’t become better writers in a vacuum. It’s important to have support, and that’s what I’m here to provide.
Not everyone needs to hire a professional alpha reader. But find someone you can trust to encourage you and provide honest feedback on your draft.
Beta readers
Beta readers review your manuscript when it’s as close to the finished product as possible and when significant structural changes to the story are unlikely. They may come right before you give your novel’s manuscript to a copy editor or between the editor and proofreader.
Some betas operate as both an alpha and a beta. Usually, this means the writer skipped the alpha read, did some self-editing, and sought a beta reader. There’s nothing wrong with this (remember there are no concrete rules and this journey is your own). But it does mean your reader is doing double duty. Alpha readers provide feedback on the main story elements. In contrast, betas read from the perspective of a new reader. They “test drive” your book and give valuable feedback from the perspective of a potential consumer. So if you skip the alpha read, your beta reader should know exactly what kind of feedback you need.
What betas do
Most people hire a beta reader looking for comments on any part of the story that doesn’t make sense, is confusing, or doesn’t pull all the pieces together. Ask them how satisfied they are with the way the story was set up and concluded. Did they find themselves rooting for the protagonist?
You can also give them a specific list of questions, such as:
Did the story hold your interest from the very beginning?
Was the conflict and resolution believable?
Were there any points where the story lagged?
Did the magic system, technology, or structure of the world make sense?
Could you relate to the main character or any other characters?
Did the dialogue sound natural?
What to look for in a beta reader
It’s best if your beta reader is part of your book’s target audience and is knowledgeable about the genre of your book. In other words, if you’re writing a thriller, hire a beta reader that loves to read thrillers. If your novel’s genre is fantasy or sci-fi, consider me! You can further narrow down your choices by asking what books they especially enjoyed to get an idea of their preferences.
When deciding whom to hire, find out what kind of feedback they give and how in-depth they’ll go. Since I operate as an alpha and beta reader, I provide feedback as a writer and dive into my experience as a reader.
Sensitivity readers
Sensitivity readers are a subset of beta readers whose job is to spot cultural inaccuracies, biases, stereotypes, and culturally inappropriate language.
There are two reasons you’d hire a sensitivity reader:
You’re writing about characters of ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, or mental and physical challenges dissimilar from yours.
Characters in your book fit into a group of people you have limited knowledge of.
While careful research can help, if you’re writing from the perspective of one of these groups, there may be serious pitfalls that a member of that group will notice (and may resent). A sensitivity reader can pick out those things for you and help you find more inclusive language and methods of representation.
When deciding on a sensitivity reader, choose someone who:
has a similar background and culture as the characters in your book.
has firsthand experience with whatever your character is facing that makes them different from you.
understands the nuances of writing from that culture’s perspective.
Knowing whom to turn to after you’ve finished your first draft is key to improving what you’ve already written, and it’s indispensable to your book’s success. Alpha, beta, and sensitivity readers are essential partners that provide feedback from overall structure to cultural biases.
If you’re ready for detailed, actionable feedback on your manuscript, let’s talk!
