How to get free feedback on your book before you publish

Let’s be honest: Editing is a premium service. You pay someone to dedicate themselves to reading your book with a critical eye. You’re asking them to apply their training and experience to your manuscript. 

When I do a developmental edit, I easily spend anywhere from 30 to 50 hours with one book. I’m reading, taking notes, thinking about it as I fall asleep… You know the nerdy readers who annotate their books with colored stickies? I’m worse. 

And the devoted attention of an editor can transform your writing and revision process.

“I came away with a clear vision of how to make my novel the best it can be.”

“So many things have come into focus as to what needs to change, where and how.”

Writers—especially indie authors—benefit from gathering feedback before they publish a book. It’s an essential part of the publishing process. But editors aren’t the only ones who give valuable feedback. Enter the free test reader! 

Having a small group of readers react to an early draft of your book is the crash test before a new car release. You can avoid so many bonked heads if you… write bigger airbags? No, this metaphor is breaking down. Let’s just get to it.

4 ways to get free reader feedback on your book

Even if you choose to work with an editor, consider getting reader feedback first.

1. Alpha readers and beta readers

Alpha and beta readers provide feedback on the experience of reading your book. So, what’s the difference between the two? It’s the ABCs; an alpha reader comes before a beta reader.

Alpha readers are often described as “writer-readers” because they usually know the craft of writing. Beta readers represent your target audience once you publish your book. Alpha reader feedback can be more analytical. Beta reader feedback may be more experiential.

Neither should focus on your grammar or comma usage. Ask alpha and beta readers to give you big-picture reactions to what works and what feels weak. Provide them with four to five questions or prompts for the type of feedback you want. While some writers pay for alpha and beta readers, you can recruit them for free. Some people recruit beta readers on Facebook groups, Reddit, Goodreads, online writing forums … the list goes on.

2. Writing groups and writing partners

While writing is often a solitary activity, being part of a community has advantages. Ideas solidify, worlds expand, and characters crystalize when we bounce them off other people. Connect with fellow writers in local meet-ups, online groups, library programs, and writer’s conferences. Swap manuscripts for some notes quid pro quo. Invite some to become your alpha readers or critique partners.

3. Online publishing platforms

Online platforms like Wattpad, Substack, and Reedsy (to name just a few) allow you to publish your writing in a social atmosphere where others can read it, often in snippets or installments.

Submit samples often, provide feedback on others’ work, and responding to feedback to build an active community. With regular activity, you can get reader feedback and even gain a following. Research each platform’s culture, pros, and cons to make sure they meet your needs.

4. Family and friends

Don’t overlook the people around you! Is it terrifying to share your book with people you know? Absolutely. But they’ll be able to read your book as soon as you publish it anyway. So why not invite them earlier in the process?

Friends and family will likely fall into the beta reader category. Give them guidance on what type of feedback will be most helpful.

What about ARC readers?

I wouldn’t classify advanced reader copies (ARCs) as a way to get reader feedback because by the time you reach ARC stage, your manuscript is essentially finished.

Authors send ARCs to readers to drum up marketing messages, generate online reviews, inspire social media sharing, and create hype before a book release. There are minimal changes, if any, after ARC stage.

Take free feedback with a grain of salt

The comments are pouring in! But some of the feedback conflicts. One reader’s pet peeve is another’s favorite moment. So, who should you listen to?

 First, you need to know your book’s ideal reader or target reader. You can’t write a book for everyone. You’re writing a book for someone specific. 

Then, consider the person behind the feedback. How closely do they represent your ideal reader? People outside your target reader will still give good feedback. But if it starts to conflict with your vision or other reader reactions, use your ideal reader as your North Star.

When to work with a professional editor

Robust feedback from readers describes how people respond to your book. You might see patterns emerge that give you a hint of where to revise. They know what they like and don’t like. But casual readers don’t always know why.

A beta reader doesn’t replace a professional editor. When you work with a developmental editor, you receive professional feedback from someone who knows the process of writing and storytelling. They provide feedback in the form of an editorial letter with actionable steps for improvement. They let you know what needs work as well as why and how. Perhaps your readers said they felt bored or stopped reading at a certain point. Was it a pacing issue? Were the stakes high enough? Maybe the characters weren’t relatable? A developmental editor pinpoints these issues so you don’t play a guessing game.

Actionable feedback is constructive for indie authors writing their debut novel or writing early in their careers. Focused feedback from a developmental editor can improve not just your current book but also your writing skills. Think of it like one-on-one writing coaching using your manuscript as an exercise.

Even experienced authors benefit from developmental editors. Knowing what needs to change and actually doing it are two separate things (as evidenced by my eating habits). And writers can get very close to their own work. Another set of eyes can reveal when your intentions aren’t translating onto the page.

Guide to making professional editorial services more affordable

It’s essential for independent authors to access high-quality editorial services that work within their budgets. It’s equally important for editors to earn a living wage.

Writers can get creative to make editorial services more affordable. (Yes, even in this economy!)

• Explore payment plan options. Each editor has a typical payment schedule. If it feels too aggressive for your budget, ask if they’d be willing to break the total fee into smaller payments or spread out the timeline.

• Treat your book like a business. Even if you started writing “just for fun,” registering your writing business is a good idea (and a whole other blog post). When you have a writing business, editing services become tax deductible, saving you money in the long run.

• Research grants or fundraising. Grants for writers can help pay for editorial services and other writing expenses. Fundraising or crowdfunding gives others the chance to support your writing journey.

• Barter your services. Do you offer something your editor finds valuable? See if they are willing to exchange goods or services. A 50-50 split of cash and barter can lighten your editing bill while ensuring the editor receives compensation. Everybody wins.

• Look for editing package discounts. Editors who offer more than one type of editing might offer a package discount if you choose them for both. Ask if they offer package services and discounts.

• Refer good editors. If you’re a writer who has worked with a good editor, let your writing friends know! After all, it’s expensive to pay for a service you don’t think is valuable. A referral helps your writing friends make a good investment. Giving honest recommendations helps your fellow writers, as well as the editors you value.

Think you’re ready to work with a professional developmental editor? Know what kind of feedback you need to make your manuscript take flight? See my guide to finding the right editor for you. If you’re interested in learning more about my editing services and how they can help you grow as a writer, let’s talk! I offer a free discovery call and sample edit to help you find the right fit.