A Beta Reader's Checklist

How I deliver helpful and encouraging feedback for your writing.

When I first started beta reading I just sat down with the text I was working through, scrawled a few notes, and then tried to put together a coherent collection of feedback at the end. Inevitably, after I had sent my report off to the author, I thought of something else constructive I could have added.

Eventually, I borrowed a checklist to help me pick out areas to highlight. I’ve been adding to the list ever since. I’ve taken points from book reviews, other beta readers and my proofreading and editing training. I keep refining it, and it will probably forever be a work in progress.

As an author, you can use my list to remind you of the details that impact a reader’s enjoyment of your book. It can also help if you want to direct your beta readers’ feedback; use it to help you build your beta reading questionnaire.

If you want to act as a beta reader, steal the list to help you structure your feedback.

The checklist works best when partnered with in-document comments. I use comments to point out precisely where I had trouble following the story, anything I didn’t understand, and my immediate reactions to unfolding events. I have been known to boo the villain and complain bitterly when my favourite character got killed – usually a sign that I’m completely absorbed in the story.

Without further rambling, here’s my beta reading checklist:

Opening Scene

• Does the story begin with an interesting hook? Do I want to read on?

• Does the manuscript begin in the right place?

Characterisation and Motivation

I may summarise my impression of some characters. This should help you see if I am reading them the way that you intended.

• Are the characters compelling or sympathetic? Do I care what happens to them?

• Do the characters feel real and three-dimensional? Do they have a unique voice?

• Are their goals clear and proactive enough to influence the plot? Are they too passive?

• Do their motivations seem believable, with appropriate explanations?

• Are the secondary characters well-rounded and enhance the story? Do they all need to be there?

• Are the relationships between the characters believable and not contrived?

• Do any of the characters annoy me (when they are not meant to)?

Point of View

• Was POV handled well throughout? Point out any jarring changes of POV.

Plot and Conflict

• Are the internal and external conflicts well-defined for each main character?

• Are the internal and external conflicts organic and believable? Do they arise from characterisation and circumstance rather than feeling contrived or forced?

• Are the plot twists believable yet unexpected?

• Do the characters act or react to events in a plausible, realistic, and believable way?

• Does the story ever become repetitive?

• Could I follow the plot throughout?

• Is the plot ever driven by someone doing something inexplicably stupid?

Pacing

• Do scenes progress well and flow with effective transitions?

• Does every scene add to and seem important to the story?

• Does the story move along at an appropriate pace, without rushing or dragging?

• Is the story free from information dumps or unnecessary backstories that slow the pace of the story?

Setting and Worldbuilding

• Are descriptions vivid and give a clear sense of time and place?

• Do the details enhance rather than distract from the story?

Dialogue

• Is the dialogue natural and appropriate for the story?

• Does dialogue move the story forward and reveal the characters?

• Are characters’ voices consistent and distinct from one another?

• Is there a good balance of dialogue and narrative?

Craft

• Does the writing quality allow the story to shine through and draw me in, or are flaws jarring or intrusive?

• Is the tone appropriate and consistent for the story?

The Ending

• Is the ending satisfying?

• If this is a book in a series, do I want to read the next one?

Overall

• Is the voice unique, fresh, or interesting?

• Does the story deliver on the promise of its premise and opening scenes?

• Did I enjoy reading this story?

Additional Questions for Comment

• Are there any confusing sections that should be made clearer?

• Did any sections take me out of the story?

• Who are my favourite characters and why?

• Who did I dislike and why?

Most stories will not provoke an answer to every question. I try and keep my responses concise and to the point, to avoid overwhelming the author.

I do point out anything that doesn’t work for me, but I am constructive about it. I try to be precise about why I don’t like something, and I always remember that this is my opinion.

I am liberal with genuine praise. I consider it part of my task as a beta reader to give you, as the author, the encouragement you need to push on with that next editing pass, or your next story. Writing is hard, and deliberately asking for someone’s opinion on your work is scary. The least I can do is treat your work with respect.