Do your beta readers take forever to read your book and fail to say more than "I liked it"? I asked a recent client about his beta reading experience with Revision Division and then inserted commentary to reveal how you, too, can get valuable beta reader feedback. 

Feedback for Kimberly Hunt, June 2020

(Beta Reading of The Staff of IY by Roger P. Heath)

Kimberly has just completed an excellent beta reading of my fantasy novel; the first book (c. 150k word count) of a three-part trilogy. 

I provided a framework for the particular feedback I was looking for across plot, characterization, pace, writing style etc., and Kimberly provided extremely powerful insights for each of the questions I posed within those various review categories. 

Perfect start - it's so important to set expectations at the beginning of any project especially when you're working with someone new. The author-editor relationship relies heavily on good communication. Roger and I discussed what genre he felt best represented his novel, who he saw as his ideal reader, and what specific concerns or questions he had. This helped focus my attention as I read and made sure I included feedback specific to his needs.

It was clear that she had carefully read and understood the book, following the various plot elements and character POVs throughout - or attempting to in those places where I had overcomplicated it!

Kimberly’s feedback was clear and direct, telling me what she really liked and what she didn’t, the latter being very important to me to ensure I can make this as good a book as I can write within the bounds of my questionable ability. Her feedback landed well with me because she clearly knows how to deliver constructive criticism, resulting in me challenging myself on whether I was really happy with certain sections, especially the opening.

Using a checklist I developed and a structure for taking notes as I read, I organize my thoughts and deliver feedback using examples from the manuscript. This is helpful to see clearly where dialogue or character actions may be perceived differently than intended. As a professional editor, I'm experienced in providing objective and diplomatic feedback. 

Although this was a beta reading service, Kimberly also provided various copyediting insights, and flagged, for example, those places where I had softened the impact of sentences with the unnecessary use of certain words, something I had been completely blind to.

Every set of eyes and pass through the manuscript offers an opportunity to make improvements. Despite knowing there will be many more revisions coming, if I spot egregious errors or a pattern of misuse, I include it in the summarized feedback.

Most importantly, I am pleased that Kimberly focused on impact feedback, not getting herself - or me - lost in the weeds of minute detail; I needed to know where the key issues were, and she gave me that feedback. And equally importantly, she responded promptly to any clarification questions I had.

With each project I undertake, I wage an internal battle between a desire to give ALL the help and the restraint to focus on the biggest issues so as not to overwhelm.

I was focused on a reviewer who would provide insightful feedback and not on the precise timing of feedback, but in fact Kimberly provided her feedback ahead of the agreed date.

Revision Division delivers 100% of its editing projects on time with an average delivery of four days early. 

I highly recommend Kimberly to anyone looking for a beta reader who will lock onto the key areas of your book that will need your attention, and I am eager to work with her again on my second book.

As a professional editor, I often beta read and provide valuable feedback related to pace, plot, character development, dialogue and point of view problems. I'm prompt and organized, providing honest and constructive feedback. I specialize in Romance, Mystery, Suspense, and Psychological Thrillers. Revision Division charges $0.50 per page for beta reading.

Kimberly Hunt is a freelance editor at Revision Division. Her specialty is fiction, her passion is giving back, and her secret weapon is her experience as a project editor.

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