How to use beta reader feedback

I’m a big believer in beta readers. A developmental editor is a good investment if you have the budget. But it helps to get honest feedback from readers. The more feedback, the better. That’s why I paid for a three beta reader package from Entrada Publishing for Christina’s Portrait.

The feedback I got from the beta readers was great. One of them loved the book and said, “If this author wrote another book, I would not hesitate to pick it up!” (If you are that beta reader, here you go.) While writers may love praise, we need criticism. The comments I got from Entrada were specific, detailed, and actionable.

Let me show you how I’m using this feedback to improve Christina’s Portrait and get it ready for submission. I’ll include some spoiler-free examples (for a book that isn’t finished).

Find consensus

Of the three beta readers who looked at my book, two of them loved it and one didn’t. We writers typically have two reactions to this. One is to dismiss the negative review. (“The other reviewers liked it, so why should I listen to this person?”) And the other is to get so bothered that someone didn’t like our work that we focus solely on that and ignore positive feedback. (“I can’t submit this book unless everybody loves it!”) Both reactions are unhelpful.