25 Questions to Ask Your Beta Readers

Your book is ready for its first beta reader, but how do you get the best out of your beta reader(s), where do you find them and what questions you need to ask? 
 
But first, let’s have a quick reminder of the beta reader's role.  
 
What Is a Beta Reader? 
Beta readers read your book from the viewpoint of your ideal audience, which means you can gain feedback from your target audience before publication. You can then make any last amendments to your book with your perfect reader firmly in mind.  
 
Beta readers should include their honest feedback on: 

• Plot 
• Characters 
• Setting 
• Dialogue  
• Writing Style 
• Overall Impression 

 
Before we jump into the specific questions you should beasking them, let’s look at the qualities needed in a beta reader. 
 
Beta Reader Qualities 
As we mentioned above, beta readers should give honest feedback. Book edits can’t happen with sugar-coated insights. As well as being honest, beta readers must be reliable, avid readers and familiar with your book's genre.  
 
Your beta reader needs to be reliable so that they a) read your book and b) return their feedback. It’s also best to ask someone who reads often, because beta reading can be a massive time commitment.  
 
You also want someone familiar with your book’s genre, which means they’ll have the appropriate knowledge to pick up on how well you’ve executed genre-specific tropes and themes.  
 
Finding Beta Readers 
You can find beta readers through: 
 

• Writing communities 
• Your author website 

• With us at Rowanvale! 

 
You can swap your manuscripts with other writers found in online writing communities. Writing communities can be formed through Bookstagram, BookTok or Twitch.  
 
If you have an author website, write a blog post or send out a newsletter asking your followers to be beta readers. Those that respond will be your ideal reader as they are already interested in your work.  
 
We also offer beta reading as part of our pre-publication services.  
 
Now, let’s look at the sorts of questions to ask your beta readers.  

Questions to ask your Beta Reader 
 
Plot 

• Did you feel enticed by the opening scene?  
• Did each scene flow into the next?  
• Did you find any plot holes or inconsistencies? 
• Were any parts too predictable?  
• Did you find the ending satisfying?  

 
Characters 

• Could you relate to the main character?  
• Were the main character’s motivations believable? 
• Did the main character develop naturally?  
• Were there any moments when anyone acted out of character?  
• Did you have a least favourite character?  

 
Setting 

• Could you see the characters interacting with their surroundings?  
• Were there any points where you didn’t know where the character was? 
• Did you find the setting interesting?  
• Did you have a least favourite setting? 

 
Dialogue 

• Did the dialogue sound natural?  
• Did the characters always sound like themselves? 
• Was it always clear who was talking?  
• Did any of the dialogue make you cringe?  

 
Writing Style 

• Were there any times that you felt bored?  
• Were there any times when you felt confused?  

 
Overall Impression 

• How does this book compare to others you’ve read in the genre? 
• How did the book leave you feeling? 
• What was your favourite moment?  
• What was your least favourite moment?  
• Would you recommend this book to a friend?  

 
If you would like more help with beta readers or our beta reading services, or you have any more questions, please get in touch with our team.