Readers are a big part of our journey just as much as editors. Readers provide the author with insight on what is working and what is not working based on their standpoint and the objective of the read. Regardless of when you decide to include a reader on your journey their input will enhance reader experience and/or the development and plot of your story. In this article I will go over 4 types of manuscript readers, when they are inserted into your journey, and how they help.

1.   Alpha Reader

An alpha reader is the first person to read your manuscript. Unlike editing, an alpha reader can read your manuscript as early as the completion of your first draft. When choosing an alpha reader, make sure to request those that are in the writer space as well. This way they can help you to identify what is falling flat. 

An alpha reader can read your manuscript as soon as the first draft is complete or even in process. Since it is not read based on reader experience the alpha reader can help the author to point out what is working and what is not working since most alpha readers are writers. They come from the writer-reader standpoint. 

A manuscript will have a style and tone to it so the alpha reader can help you when you’re not hitting your notes. Upon completion of the alpha read you can start your self-editing process. Again the alpha read can be completed as soon as the first draft is complete but I’d recommend sending it to them at least after the second draft. This gives you time to step away from the manuscript and provide a break.

2.   Beta Reader

A beta reader reads over your manuscript when it is approaching the final stages of drafting. Typically, a beta reader will be people who fall within your target audience. No matter if they are friend, family, writer friend as long as they like your genre, of course they can be outside the genre just to get a different perspective but those in your genre will be able to give feedback based on their familiarity. If a friend only reads true crime novels and you write fiction sci-fi, they may not be the best person to choose with providing feedback for your manuscript. Though, no harm in having at least one person outside of the normal reading audience to look it over.

3.   Authenticity Reader

Authenticity readers, also known as sensitivity readers aid the author in understanding whether or not anything in their manuscript is alarming. The authenticity reader is usually a person who provides opinion based on personal experience. This is beneficial in instances of writing about race, specific community groups and disabilities. For instance, if your book is based on heavy systematic racism and involves the Black community, Latinx community and so on, it would be very beneficial to get their insight. It is not to tell you what to do with your story but to act as an agent to help you avoid the damnation of cancellation. In this day in age, it is better to get ahead of being canceled than to experience it randomly.

4.   ARC reader

ARC stands for Advanced Reader Copy, which is self-explanatory. ARCs are copies of an unpublished book offered to reviewers in exchange for an honest review. Thus, an ARC reader is the person who reads the book pre-publication and posts a review before or immediately after the publication date. An ARC reader is the very last person to read your manuscript. Though at this point your manuscript should be in printed format and ready for print. ARC readers are usually influencers and other authors who read your book and provide reviews for marketing.

So, no matter if you are at the very end of your journey, right in the middle, or just beginning, a reader can fit right into your journey. As long as you have a clear understanding of what to expect from the type or types of readers you decide to include in your journey it will benefit in the long run.