Let’s Talk CPs and Beta Readers
I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately on TikTok regarding CPs and beta readers. What are they? Where do you find them? Does every writer need them? In this blog, I’m going to try to cover some of the basics to the best of my ability based on my several years of experience having CPs and beta readers. Let’s dive in!
First off, what are they?
In their simplest form, they are extra eyes on your stories! While not a necessity by any means, I do highly recommend having at least one CP and a couple of beta readers. For me, I really need those extra eyes on my drafts! I think a common misconception is that they’re only for querying authors. I’ve been agented for over two years now and I still hit up my CPs and betas with my new drafts (bless them for always wanting to read). Really, no matter where you are in the process, they can come in handy! It’s also a great opportunity to make friendships within the writing community.
Here are my loose definitions for them which aren’t official or steadfast:
Critique Partner (aka, CP) – an individual who reads your manuscript (usually in its earlier stage) and is critiquing on a larger scale. For example, they are usually paying more attention to the bigger picture things like plot, characterization, worldbuilding, etc., and leaving more structured feedback that typically warrants a bigger revision. In my experience, typically CPs swap work, but that could just be me! Having one or two trusted CPs is better than a bunch. You don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen, as then advice could become conflicting and overwhelm you (been there, lol).
Beta Readers – these are people who read your book usually when it’s a little more polished. You’re not so much looking for big edits or in-doc comments, but a read for consistency and to make sure you nailed the overall vibe. Do they like it? Would they read it again? Did anything really stand out as Wrong? They’re usually your last pair of fresh eyes, so it’s great to have their input! I don’t think there’s really a “right” amount of beta readers to have. If you can get one, great, and if you can get more and you’re comfortable with more opinions, that’s cool too. It’s really up to you! Some betas are also more involved leaving lots of comments, while others might just give you an overall opinion at the end.
I also want to mention Alpha Readers, who are individuals that read the first/very early drafts of work. I’m not going to focus on them here, but these are great options, especially for friends with who you’re comfortable seeing your unpolished work. Personally, my alpha pal really helps to motivate me to keep going while also foreseeing potential snags and hiccups! Plus, it’s really fun having someone to share my chapters with as I finish them, and vice versa. 10/10 recommend!
At what point do you no longer need CPs and beta readers?
This is totally up to you! Some people never need them, and that’s cool, too. For me, I know I need to hit up my CPs after my initial draft (or sometimes two). As for betas, I love doing rounds. I’m lucky that my most recent book (book 6) was read by several friends who had expressed interest. I did my first round of betas (three readers, I think) after my CP revisions (draft 3), then another small round after draft 4, then probably a straggler or two after draft 5. It was also after my CPs read that I sent it to my agent, so she and I did draft 6 (meaning, I edited based on her notes). I will say, having all these eyes were super rare and I don’t foresee every book going like this. My other books had probably 2-3 people max reading them before I queried. Just goes to show every book is so unique and gains different amounts of interest (which is okay!).
In all honesty, I have no idea if published authors still use CPs and betas. I truthfully can’t ever imagine not, but I know some authors have really tight deadlines where it might not always be feasible. It’s likely situation-based!
Where can I find them?
Ah, the age-old question. I wish I had a guaranteed answer, but alas, I do not. I found mine by wiggling my way into the writing community on Twitter. I’m not going to lie – it’s really hard at first. Especially if you’re like me, where you come onto the scene literally knowing no one. My suggestion is to start following other writers and engaging with their content when appropriate. If you like the sound of their book, tell them! I do think the easiest way to get your foot in the door with betas and CPs is to offer swapping, which means you’ll read theirs, too. But of course, only do this if you actually think you’d be into their work and have similar styles!
If you aren’t a total newbie, I suggest starting with talking more to mutuals (people who follow you and you follow them). So awkward, I know! But a lot of times, this is how writing groups form. It took one friend to lob me into my current writing group, and now I’m super close to everyone in it! And that’s where the majority of my readers come from. However, as someone who can be super shy, I know this is intimidating and might seem out of reach depending on where you are. It took me a long time to “find my people” as they say. I also think not everyone thrives in group settings, and that’s okay. A handful of mutuals that become friends as you realize what you have in common is just as well. It can be a slow-going process, but try to remember that everyone has likely been in similar shoes at one point or another. Most people are welcoming and appreciate the engagement.
I also know some people post TikToks saying they’re looking for beta readers and CPs and then include a short pitch of their book. I’ve never done this, but maybe something to consider. I’ve heard similar for Instagram and posting an aesthetic to showcase the vibes. I think there used to be forums, too, but those might be obsolete by now. I also suggest checking out the replies to this tweet, in which lovely writers are sharing how they have found readers.
However you go about finding them, please be careful of who you trust your work with. It’s hard to truly get a feel for people on the internet, but this is why I do think it’s worth it to build a relationship first to learn a bit more about them. Nothing can ever be guaranteed, but while everyone is kind of a stranger on the internet, I wouldn’t recommend trusting a total stranger, you know? This is why I tend to defer to mutuals because you’ve had time to get to know them in a sense just from following along. Protect yourself and your work to the best of your ability.
Okay, I found some readers, what next?
I think one of the most overlooked parts of the process is a first pages swap! This doesn’t so much apply to beta readers, but definitely CPs. If someone is going to critique your work, you want to make sure that their editing style resonates. I suggest swapping a minimum of 25 pages. On the flip side, they could also realize they’re not the best fit for critiquing your book. There’s no hard feelings in someone admitting early on that it might not work out. This is also important for you to look at their edits and comment style and see if it’s the type of feedback you need. There’s a big difference between constructive criticism and bashing someone’s work, so protect yourself if you come across someone who seems like they’re more bent on tearing you down. Or maybe they’re just a tough critiquer and you need someone who prefers the compliment sandwich (see also: me). No shame in that!
My last golden nugget: don’t be afraid to have CPs with strengths different than yours. My alpha reader/CP (hi Rachel!) is SO DANG GOOD at worldbuilding and atmosphere. Like, reading her books makes me take notes. Her comments asking me to draw out those elements in my own work are especially great because it’s something I would have never looked twice at editing. Balance!
All in all, CPs and beta readers are wonderful, but they aren’t going to FastPass you to an agent or book deal (probably). What they will do is hopefully give you some great feedback that will help you get your book into the best shape it can be. And if you make some incredible friendships along the way, then you’re one of the lucky ones.
