Should you use an editor or beta readers?

Typing the words ‘The End’ at the bottom of your manuscript is always an emotional moment. It’s a bit like the feeling when you reach the summit of a long hike: you might be tired, a little cranky, and ready to pass out, but you’re also relieved, proud, and feel a great sense of accomplishment. The view from the mountaintop is great, and you’ve come so very far.

But what’s that behind you? You turn around and see a path leading further up around another peak you didn’t notice before. You’re not at the end — not by a long shot! As it turns out, on the journey to Mount Published, writing the book itself is actually only the first part of the challenge. Luckily, you’re not alone — there are other people who want to help you reach that summit.

Editors

The first type of assistance to consider is the guidance of a professional editor. You can think of an editor like an experienced mountain guide: they know the landscape like the back of their hand, and their expertise will see you through even the hardest of journeys.

Professional editors have a wide-ranging knowledge of story craft, covering plot, structure, characterisation, genre-specific conventions, and more. They’ll draw on that knowledge to tell you which parts of your story are working and which aren’t, and why. They will also provide expert advice on what you can do to resolve any problems. A good editor will not only make your manuscript better, they’ll make you a better overall writer.

The main drawback of using a professional editor is the cost. Some editors work hourly, and some work based on word count, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices based on the needs of your specific project. For longer projects, the price can certainly rack up fairly quickly, but it’s important to remember that this is an investment both in your manuscript and in your own craft. The feedback that you get, and what you learn from the experience, is something that you will carry on all your future projects.

Beta readers

Repeat after me: beta readers are not professional editors! They won’t have the nuanced understanding of story craft that a seasoned editor will. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though.

In fact, what makes beta readers helpful is precisely that they don’t offer professional advice. After all, once your book goes out into the world, the vast majority of your readers won’t be experts on the craft. Beta readers serve as a focus group and give you an impression of how your book might be received by your target audience. You’ll hear their opinions about what characters they found unengaging, moments in the plot that they found boring, sections they found confusing or unbelievable, and so on.

One of the greatest benefits of using beta readers is that their feedback comes at a lower financial cost relative to an editor. However, it’s not always easy to find a set of impartial readers that are willing to finish your book and offer critical feedback. While family and friends are great supporters, writers often find that those in their inner circle may struggle to give criticism, and they may sugarcoat issues that need addressing in the book.

That’s why here at The Niche Reader, we offer a comprehensive beta reader service that takes care of all the hassle for you. One major benefit of having a professional service handle the beta process is complete impartiality in your readers. We guarantee at least six sets of thorough feedback from experienced readers and fans of your book’s genre.

What if you can only afford beta readers?

Professional editors and beta readers offer two different types of advice, and your novel can benefit greatly from both types of feedback. That being said, if budget constraints mean you can only use beta readers, then don’t worry. What you’ll lack in experienced guidance from an editor, you’ll make up for by receiving multiple pieces of feedback from the target audience of your book, which is incredibly valuable.

If you get some critical feedback, then you have a chance to make the necessary edits before it goes out into the wider world. You can be certain that if some of your beta readers have an issue with something in your text, other readers will too. If the reception is largely positive, then congratulations! You’ll be reassured that you’re moving in the right direction.

Regardless of whether you work with an editor, beta readers, or both, it’s important to remember that everyone is on your side and working towards the same goal. Just remember: every piece of feedback, whoever it’s from, gets you one step closer to Mount Published!