Episode 304 - From Beta Readers to Better Story with Michael La Ronn
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Michael La Ronn discusses FROM BETA READERS TO BETTER STORY, including how authors can use alpha readers, beta readers, and ARC teams to strengthen their manuscripts and connect with their audience. We discuss when to bring in beta readers, how to choose the right people, and the differences between feedback from writers versus readers. Michael also shares strategies for paying beta readers, managing volunteer feedback, and using early input to improve both your story and your marketing.
Michael La Ronn has published many science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He built a writing career publishing many books per year while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings.
Episode Links
https://www.youtube.com/authorlevelup
Summary
In this episode of The Indy Author Podcast, Matty Dalrymple talks with Michael La Ronn about how authors can use beta readers, along with alpha readers and ARC (advance review copy) readers, to strengthen their manuscripts and publishing process. The conversation explores practical definitions, timelines, strategies for recruiting and managing feedback, and the differences between free and paid beta readers. It also addresses how authors can apply beta reader insights not only to improve craft but also to test market assumptions and strengthen their self-publishing efforts.
Definitions: Alpha, Beta, and ARC Readers
Michael begins by defining terms that are often used interchangeably but mean different things. An alpha reader is usually the first person who sees a manuscript in its raw, unedited form. This might be a spouse or a trusted colleague. The goal is less about line-by-line analysis and more about a “vibe check”—does the story resonate, does the opening work, do the characters feel authentic? By contrast, a beta reader reviews a manuscript that is complete but not yet edited. Beta readers are typically more distant from the author than an alpha reader and are ideally people who read widely in the genre. They provide feedback on story elements, pacing, worldbuilding, and character development. Finally, ARC readers see a nearly finished book, often as part of a launch team, and their primary role is to leave reviews rather than provide substantive critique.
When to Use Beta Readers
When discussing when to use beta readers, Michael emphasizes that he does not use them for every book. Having written more than a hundred titles, he finds it impractical to recruit beta readers for each project. Instead, he relies on them when starting a new pen name, entering a new genre, or launching a new series. For example, he is currently writing a romantic fantasy novel and wants to ensure the romance elements meet reader expectations. “If you happen to be writing in a genre that you’re not super well versed in, then I think beta readers also make a lot of sense because they can help you fill in those blind spots,” he explains.
Scheduling and Timing
Timing is a critical factor. Michael recommends giving volunteer beta readers two to three weeks to read a full-length manuscript but telling them the deadline is shorter, such as two weeks, to account for delays. “You never tell them exactly how much time you need,” he says. “You give them a little bit less, and that will just help make everything smoother.” If hiring paid beta readers, he expects a faster turnaround since compensation justifies a tighter deadline.
Incorporating Feedback
The discussion then turns to how long authors should set aside for incorporating feedback. Michael outlines a range from a couple of days, if changes are minor, to a couple of weeks in a worst-case scenario where feedback points to major structural issues. Importantly, he stresses that feedback should be weighed collectively. “I typically am only going to change something that all of the beta readers or the majority of them point out,” he says. If only one reader objects to a character or scene, that is less compelling than if several raise the same concern.
Finding the Right Beta Readers
Finding the right beta readers is one of the biggest challenges for authors. Michael advises against recruiting people who don’t normally read in the genre. A reader of science fiction, for example, will not provide useful input on a cozy mystery. Even within a genre, it is important to drill down into subgenres. A reader who enjoys contemporary romance may not fully appreciate the conventions of romantic fantasy. He suggests starting with one’s own reader community, such as newsletter subscribers, but also recommends exploring communities on Goodreads and Reddit. Many of these groups have clear rules for how to post requests for beta readers. Michael reports success recruiting seven volunteers on Reddit within 24 hours.
Paid Beta Readers
For authors who prefer to pay beta readers, platforms like Upwork and Reedsy can be useful. However, there are pitfalls, including applicants who are not truly experienced in the genre. To screen candidates, Michael suggests asking questions such as “What are your favorite books in the genre and why?” Answers that list only obvious titles like Harry Potter or Game of Thrones suggest a superficial knowledge, whereas references to less mainstream works indicate deeper engagement. The ability to articulate why they enjoy certain books is also a positive sign, as it suggests they can provide useful feedback rather than vague impressions.
Writers vs. Readers as Beta Readers
Matty raises the question of whether writers themselves make good beta readers. Michael generally avoids them. “I’m not writing for writers, I’m writing for readers,” he explains. Writers may admire language or technique, but if the work doesn’t connect with actual readers, it fails its purpose. While he acknowledges there may be rare situations where feedback from a writer is useful, he emphasizes that the primary audience for beta reading should be readers.
Costs and Compensation
On the subject of compensation, Michael recommends researching current projects on platforms like Upwork to gauge market rates. Importantly, he notes that beta readers should be paid less than copy editors, since the scope of work is narrower. If authors are only seeking feedback on a portion of a manuscript, they should adjust compensation accordingly.
Deliverables and Feedback Formats
Expectations around deliverables can vary. Some beta readers prefer to provide feedback in a Google Doc, others with track changes in Word, and others via a written report. Michael encourages flexibility: “Let them work in the way that works best for them, because when they’re engaged, you’re more likely to get better feedback.”
How Many Beta Readers to Recruit
As for numbers, he recommends a minimum of three beta readers but cautions against more than five to seven. Too few risks missing major issues, while too many can lead to “editing by committee.” He also warns that not all volunteers will follow through, so it is wise to recruit more than needed. For example, when he sought seven, he received feedback from four, which he considered a good outcome.
Do Established Authors Still Need Beta Readers?
The conversation shifts to whether established authors who already understand their genre still need beta readers. Michael believes they are most useful when addressing specific weaknesses rather than as a matter of course. “The purpose of beta readers is to help you where you’re weak,” he says. Matty counters that even experienced authors can benefit from another perspective, especially when it comes to issues like character motivation, which may be clear in the author’s mind but not sufficiently conveyed on the page. Both agree that beta readers can be helpful as a final check before a book reaches a wider audience.
Using Beta Readers for Market Testing
The role of beta readers is not limited to manuscript development. They can also be used to market test book descriptions and covers. Michael writes his book descriptions early and shares them with beta readers to see if they spark interest. Similarly, he seeks feedback on cover concepts to ensure they meet market expectations. This input can prevent costly missteps and strengthen book launches.
Subject Matter Experts as Beta Readers
Beta readers can also serve as subject matter experts. Michael gives the example of his Chicago Rat Shifter series, where he wanted input from people familiar with Chicago’s neighborhoods and public transit, as well as from those with expertise in rodent behavior. He found readers who had both the genre interest and the subject knowledge, resulting in highly valuable feedback. One particularly enthusiastic volunteer even offered to bike around Chicago taking photos and videos of key locations to share with him.
Maintaining Relationships with Beta Readers
Maintaining relationships with beta readers after the project is another consideration. Michael suggests asking whether they want to be credited in the acknowledgments. In his experience, most science fiction and fantasy readers are happy to be named, while romance readers were more reluctant, possibly due to sensitivities about male authors in the genre. Respecting preferences and following up when the book is released can turn beta readers into enthusiastic champions of the work.
Balancing Feedback with Artistic Vision
Throughout the conversation, both Michael and Matty emphasize that beta reader feedback is ultimately just one form of input. Authors must balance openness to constructive criticism with protecting their creative vision. As Michael notes, “Just because a beta reader says you should do this or that doesn’t mean you should do it.” Overreliance on beta readers—or even developmental editors—can lead to uncertainty and compromise, whereas standing firm on artistic choices can produce more distinctive work.
Conclusion
The episode closes with the recognition that while beta readers can be invaluable, especially in unfamiliar genres or for market testing, they are not mandatory for every project. Authors should think strategically about when and why to use them, select readers carefully, and integrate feedback thoughtfully. In the end, the author must decide which changes serve the story and which do not.
By defining roles clearly, managing expectations, and targeting feedback strategically, authors can use beta readers not only to improve manuscripts but also to enhance book marketing and connect with their audience more effectively.