Beta Readers or a Professional Editor: Which Do You Need?

You’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript and polished every sentence, and now you’re ready to share your literary masterpiece with the world. Before you move into the publishing phase, there’s a crucial decision to make: Do you need beta readers or professional editors? Both groups can help you achieve the best version of your manuscript, so it’s important to learn the differences between them and when to enlist their services. 

The difference between these manuscript saviors 

Basically, beta readers are book-loving volunteers who offer their time and insights to read your work and provide feedback. Professional editors are seasoned word wizards armed with red pens and grammar guides, ready to whip your manuscript into shape. 

While you’re likely aware of the value editors provide to indie authors, you might not know much about beta readers. Beta readers are both helpful and budget-friendly, so you and your manuscript can really benefit from the services that they provide. 

What beta readers do

Beta readers are the unsung heroes of the self-publishing world. They tend to be avid readers and come to your rescue without asking for payment. They offer invaluable help to indie authors, including: 

• Fresh perspectives on your manuscript. You’ve been deeply immersed in your story, but beta readers look at your work with fresh eyes. This allows them to spot inconsistencies, plot holes, and pacing issues that you might’ve missed. 
• Diverse worldviews. Gathering a diverse group of beta readers gives you insights from different backgrounds and experiences. This diversity can help you avoid unintentional biases or misrepresentations in your story. 
• Reader feedback. Since they’re part of your target audience, beta readers can let you know if your story is engaging and flows well or if it’s missing the mark. Their feedback helps you gauge how your book might be received by the public once it’s published. 

The value you may receive from beta readers can help you dramatically improve your manuscript. After their work is done, you can also find professional editors to help you finalize your story and prepare it for publishing. 

What professional editors do

Professional editors are the knights in shining armor for your story. Their knowledge of grammar, style, and storytelling helps turn your manuscript into a book that’s ready to publish. Here’s a look at what these experts provide: 

• Polished prose. Editors have a trained eye for grammar, punctuation, and syntax. They can transform your rough draft into a polished gem, eliminating errors and ensuring that your words shine. 
• Structural wisdom. Editors are masters of structure and pacing. They can help you rearrange chapters, refine plot points, and ensure your story flows seamlessly. 
• Consistency. Editors maintain style consistency throughout your manuscript. From book formatting to tone to character voice, they help your writing keep a uniform style. 
• Experience. Professional editors have seen just about everything, and they can provide invaluable guidance on what works and what doesn’t in the publishing world. 

After professional editors have provided their feedback on your manuscript, you can rest assured that it’s ready for your target audience to enjoy as a published book. 

Deciding between beta readers or a professional editor 

So when should you work with beta readers or professional editors—and when should you seek the help of both groups? The answer depends on your unique story and your needs as an indie author, but in many cases, it’s also dependent on both your budget and the stage of your manuscript. 

When to choose beta readers 

There are a couple of reasons why you as an indie author might choose a beta reader. The first reason is monetary. If budget is a concern, or if you want free feedback on your manuscript before investing in a professional editor, you might start with a beta reader. These volunteers can provide their input and ideas on your plot, pacing, and character development without costing you money. 

A second reason you might opt for a beta reader is to connect with your target audience in the early stages of your story. Beta readers will likely be excited about taking part in your publishing process, and since they enjoy books in your genre, they’re also potential book buyers. Getting their feedback not only offers genre-specific opinions to improve your story—it also lets you engage with people who will enjoy reading it. 

When your readers are personally invested in your book, they might spread the word to their family, friends, and book clubs. In other words, beta readers can be built-in marketing tools for when your book is published! 

When to choose professional editors 

Your manuscript will have to go through multiple phases of editing before it’s ready to be published. To help you identify when to choose professional editors—and which ones to choose—here are some of your options: 

• Developmental editors focus on story elements like plot, characters, pacing, and setting. If there are gaps in the continuity or opportunities to strengthen character or setting development, these experts can provide ideas. 
• Line editors will help make sure the manuscript is organized, flows well, and that your writing style is consistent. They’ll also look at the grammar and verbiage used and make suggestions on how to strengthen the writing. 
• Copyeditors make sure your grammar, spelling, and word usage are accurate. 
• Proofreaders provide a final read before publishing and can catch any grammatical errors, typos, or misspelled words. 

Many indie authors work with beta readers first and then take their work to professional editors so they get a range of opinions and expertise to ensure a great manuscript before they publish. 

When to choose both 

Some indie authors decide to enlist the help of both beta readers and professional editors before they dive into the publishing process. If you’re serious about a career as a published author, you might want to start with beta readers, make adjustments based on their feedback, and then work with professional editors to ensure your manuscript is ready for the public to read and enjoy. 

The comprehensive approach of choosing both beta readers and professional editors can lead to the best possible results when you publish and start to sell your book. 

Our experts can turn your rough draft into a polished gem

Together, beta readers and professional editors can help your publishing dreams come true. From the first read all the way through the final proofreading stage, you can equip yourself with an expert team that will help turn your manuscript into a masterpiece that your target audience will enthusiastically dive into. 

Elite Authors is here to help on every step of your publishing journey. From each phase of editing to book design and marketing, we can provide a range of services that maximize your budget. 

Contact us today and connect with a publishing expert to find out what services would most benefit your book!