Get the best out of your beta-readers!
For reference, check out my video on IGTV where I talk all about my experience with beta-reading.
In the video I mention that I am exclusively using Google Forms for my beta-readers to submit questions. In case you’ve never used Google Forms before. Here is a great video tutorial that will take your through the step by step.
As for the questions that I asked:
Your name, in case I have additional questions:
Did the story hold your interest from the very beginning? If not, why not?
Did you get oriented fairly quickly at the beginning as to whose story it is, and where and when it’s taking place? If not, why not?
Could you relate to the main character(s)?
Did the setting interest you and did the descriptions seem vivid and real to you?
Was there a point at which you felt the story lagged or you became less than excited about finding out what was going to happen next? Where, exactly?
Were there any parts that confused you? Or even frustrated or annoyed you? Which parts, and why?
Did you notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies in time sequences, places, character details, or other details?
Were the characters believable? Are there any characters you think could be made more interesting or more likable?
Now that you know the BIG twist - is it believable?
If not, what were your big issues?
When did you finally figure out the twist?
Did you get confused about who’s who in the characters? Were there too many characters to keep track of? Too few? Are any of the names of characters too similar?
Did the dialogue keep your interest and sound natural to you? If not, whose dialogue did you think sounded artificial or not like that person would speak?
Did you feel there was too much description or exposition? Not enough? Maybe too much dialogue in parts?
Was there enough conflict, tension, and intrigue to keep your interest?
Was the ending satisfying? Believable?
Do you think the writing style suits the romance genre? If not, why not?
Google forms gives you the option to select, long answer/short answers/ yes or no.
Let me know if this helps you at all or if you have some tips I should be using for my next book!
