Finding critique partners and beta readers can be daunting. Here’s what to look for in a good critique partner and where to find one that will stick with you.
Critique Partner vs. Beta Reader: What’s the Difference?
Many aspiring writers have heard the terms “critique partner” and “beta reader,” but they might not realize these two roles are not the same. When writing a novel, you may want both. But of the two, critique partners are far more critical to success.
Critique partners are fellow writers. Often, two writers will share manuscripts for constructive criticism. Your critique partner(s) will tell you your story’s strengths and weaknesses and help you work through fixing plot holes, flat/shallow characters, and other structural issues.
Beta readers are, you guessed it, readers. They will give you an idea of how real readers will react to your story and may give general feedback of what they liked and didn’t like. Beta readers should be familiar with your genre and be willing to be honest (which is why family isn’t always the best choice).
Why Critique Partners are Crucial
Between the two, having a critique partner is far more important for the overall success of your novel.
A critique partner will be with you during the developmental portion of writing your novel. They are best used on developmental edits, meaning they’ll help you adjust major plot and character arcs and make structural decisions. A critique partner should give you their overall thoughts on what’s working and what’s not, and can often help you brainstorm how to fix that pesky plot hole or what’s missing from your character’s backstory. They aren’t necessarily line editing or copy editing your manuscript, which happens last.
A good critique partner–and it is important to have a good one–will have certain qualities. An ideal critique partner will:
- Read extensively in your genre.
- Preferably also write or have written in your genre.
- Offer helpful, actionable feedback as opposed to judgmental criticism.
- Share similar goals, although this is not as crucial.
- Appreciate you and your writing.
It can be difficult to find critique partners, so writers might be tempted to stick with a bad one rather than starting from scratch. However, a bad critique partner can actually cause harm, whether through ignorance of your genre that leads to bad suggestions, or hurtful critiques that sap your joy and motivation for writing.
If you find yourself consistently dreading critiques beforehand (nervousness is normal, but sickening dread is not) or sinking into depression afterwards, part ways amicably as soon as you can. There will always be someone else out there; you just have to find them.
How to Find the Elusive Critique Partner
Finding critique partners and beta readers can be daunting. If you’re not part of a local writing community already, try to find one. Look into local, regional, or state writing groups or genre-specific organizations. I’m a member of the South Carolina Writer’s Association, which has a great short fiction group, local groups, and genre groups (and is not limited to South Carolina residents). The short fiction group has been instrumental in helping me get my short stories published in literary magazines and anthologies. I’m also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, which has a great community and joint writing hours that keep me motivated to work.
Other well-known organizations include the SCBWI for children’s fiction, the Author’s Guild, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, SFWA for fantasy and science fiction, and many others.
I’ve found most of my beloved critique partners, however, through Maggie Stiefvater’s Critique Partner Matchup. I just posted a short description about myself and my work and received too many responses to accept. I have also responded to other peoples’ posts that resonated with me. The critique partners I found there are now my amazing friends.
Other Options For Finding Readers
I have used Meetup for both finding and starting writing groups in various cities over the years. There are also numerous resources online for pairing critique partners and beta readers. Allow yourself a little time to research and choose one that works for you.
With a reliable, supportive group of critique partners and a willingness to take criticism, your story will become the best version of itself. As you share your work, remember that not everyone will love your story. That’s okay. Accept the comments that resonate and dismiss the ones that don’t seem to fit. Allow your work to grow while staying true to your vision.
I hope you found this article helpful. For other tips on writing and how to get your novel published, check out my list of writing resources.
Happy writing!