Every beta reader will be different in what types of feedback they’ll offer. Some betas prefer to leave line-by-line comments, where they talk about specific things that don’t work for them and also things that they like. Other betas might give you general impressions, including what they enjoyed about the plot and characters or what they perceived as plot holes, what they might have been confused about, or what they thought could have been developed more. Some will focus more on the mechanics of sentences. Others will focus more on the characters.

Some betas will want to give you feedback as they go along. Some will want to wait until the end. Some betas will focus on the things they loved. Some will focus on the things they didn’t. Some may gush at you. Some may swear at you. 

Not every beta reader will love what you write. Some beta readers may even suggest major changes, and then it’s your responsibility as a writer to decide what to do with the feedback. My advice is to seriously consider each and every comment that your beta readers give you. These are in effect your test readers before your book hits the world-at-large. In inviting your betas to critique your work, you should ask them to be candid and honest with you. After all, wouldn’t you rather know what needs to be changed now when you can still make those changes?

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