#218. How to Find & Work With Beta Readers to Improve Your Manuscript

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

Learn how to work with beta readers in a grounded, calm way so feedback feels useful, not overwhelming.

You're nearing the finish line of your first draft, or maybe you've just crossed it. Either way, the question is the same… what happens next? Should you send it to friends? Hire an editor? Bury it in a drawer? Everyone keeps mentioning “beta readers,” but what does that actually mean? And how do you find the right ones without losing your mind or your confidence?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the entire beta-reader process so you can take your book from first draft to ready-to-share with total clarity (and zero panic).

You’ll hear me talk about things like:

[01:45] What beta readers actually do (and what they don't), so you approach this next step with the right intentions to avoid disappointment.

[02:55] The "blind spot” problem every author faces after finishing a draft, and how beta readers give you a fresh perspective when you're too close to your story.

[05:15] Where to find reliable, genre-savvy beta readers that don’t ghost you and deliver quality feedback instead of vague opinions.

[09:25] How to set clear expectations before beta readers start so you get useful, specific notes instead of confusing contradictions.

[14:45] What to do after the feedback arrives: how to sort through conflicting opinions, decide what to keep, and turn it all into a calm, actionable revision plan.

Finishing your first draft is a huge accomplishment, but inviting beta readers in can feel like a whole new level of vulnerability. This episode will help you take that next step with composure so you can share your story, stay true to your vision, and come out the other side with a stronger manuscript and a clearer sense of direction.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Spun Yarn for beta readers
• Take the Author Success Blueprint Quiz to get personalized next steps for your writing, editing, and publishing journey.
• Ready to map out your complete editing journey from first draft to published novel? Get your step-by-step editing roadmap → here.

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1. Genre-Aligned Feedback Matters (00:00:00)

2. Welcome And Purpose (00:00:32)

3. What Beta Readers Actually Do (00:01:00)

4. Blind Spots And Fresh Eyes (00:02:35)

5. Editor First, Then Beta Readers (00:04:15)

6. Finding Aligned Beta Readers (00:05:04)

7. Who To Avoid As Beta Readers (00:07:18)

8. Prepare Your Manuscript And Expectations (00:09:10)

9. Ask Targeted Questions (00:11:29)

10. Pause Revising And Check-Ins (00:13:22)

11. Processing Feedback Without Overwhelm (00:14:50)

12. Sort Notes Into Four Buckets (00:15:39)

13. Build A Big-Picture Revision Plan (00:18:20)

14. Track Decisions And When To Get Help (00:20:15)

15. Second Round Or Next Phase (00:22:33)

16. Three Key Takeaways And Closing (00:23:19)