Beta readers are—or should be—the first person to read a book after the author writes it, but before they start querying agents or editors, and are a vital first step in moving it from “a cool thing I did” to “hey, maybe this can be, like, a THING!” My first beta reader was and always will be my wife, but after her came Avanti Centrae.
Avanti is an international best-selling and award-winning author who blends intrigue, history, science and mystery into nonstop action thrillers. She graduated from Purdue University and has spent time in a spectrum of professions, from white-water raft guide to Silicon Valley IT executive. When not traveling the world or hiking in the Sierra mountains, she’s writing her next thriller in Northern California, helped by her family and distracted by her German shepherds.
Thanks for agreeing to chat! Let’s get right to it: How do beta readers bring value to your writing process?
Beta readers are like gold. They bring a diversity of perspectives to a work, filling in knowledge gaps and offering expertise. I’ve had beta readers provide advice on everything from proper Italian, to substrate materials in a gecko’s container, to what the interior of a military cargo plane looks like – hint, the rows face backward. Who knew? My beta reader did. Although I’ve traveled extensively and held a variety of jobs, it’s impossible to have been everywhere and done everything. Beta readers plug those holes. I love them!
What do you ask of your beta readers in terms of feedback and criticism?
I generally leave it open. Some readers are excellent proof readers and pick up grammatical issues my two editors and I missed. Others have technical skills or background and weigh in on details. Others are plot detectives and see gaping holes. I just ask that they use a software tool to help me keep track of their feedback.
How do you decide what feedback to follow and what to ignore?
That’s a tricky question. With my latest novel, Cleopatra’s Vendetta, in early drafts I had one of the antagonists as an intersex character who was born with both male and female genitalia and was surgically molded into a male as a baby, even though later in life the character felt more female. My editor loved the idea as it tied into the novel’s themes and packed an emotional punch, but almost all my male beta readers provided rather pointed feedback about how it threw them out of the story. It was all they remembered and that wasn’t the experience I was going for with the novel, so I decided to lose it. Incorporating the feedback involved an extensive rewrite, but the book is better for it. When it comes to grammatical feedback, that’s a no-brainer – I celebrate finding the typo instead of having it distract a reader post-publication. Other bits of feedback I use my gut.
How do you provide feedback for another author when you are asked to beta read for them?
I use the sandwich approach, telling them up front what worked for me, then sharing some suggestions for what didn’t, following up with more encouragement.
You and I found each other in the Beta Readers Group on Goodreads and agreed to do a manuscript swap, which is a great way to find free beta readers while also getting experience reading for others. Besides that, where are some other places that authors can find readers who will work for free?
I’ve found a number of talented beta readers through BetaBooks, which is the handy software tool I use. They have “books of the month” to help authors gain new readers. I’ve had a few people email me from my website offering to beta read. If someone works out and adds value, I add them to my list for the next thriller. I’m grateful to have so many readers willing to provide feedback!
I really appreciate you sharing your insights today, Avanti. Now, as a thank you, the time’s yours! Promote something, get something off your chest, air your family’s dirty laundry—whatever you want!
Thank you! Readers who would like to dive into my work for free can download the first six chapters of VanOps: The Lost Power from my website (https://www.avanticentrae.com). Not only will they get to see if my trademark blend of intrigue, history, science, and mystery keeps them turning pages, but they’ll get occasional emails with giveaway alerts and bonus deleted scenes from my novels!
As someone who got to read a copy of Avanti’s latest thriller, Cleopatra’s Vendetta, before the general public, I can promise you an exciting time if you pick up a copy. Hope you enjoyed the interview!
