Alpha and Beta Readers

I want to start today with a quick update, before I move to the topic I want to talk about. Last week I posted about the fact that I've been struggling with a pretty severe writer's block, well it seems I'm finally getting back into the grove. I'm not making any promises that I'll have my first draft done in August, but I do think I'll be able to meet my September goal. I've gotten some really good advice, and I finally have my motivation back. Now on to today's topic. I don't know how many writer's read my blog (comment down below if you do), but I've recently learned of a new thing that I would like to investigate more; Alpha Readers.

I've always known about Beta readers (from my days of fanfiction writing, embarrassing, but true), but someone recently informed me about Alpha readers. Now if you're not familiar with the concept of Beta readers allow me explain; Once you have a completed manuscript (I'm going to say that you've completed your first run through of edits, although I know not everyone waits for that), you begin to collect Beta readers. They basically read your book (usually a chapter or two at a time), and you have a set of questions that you ask at the end of each chapter. It helps fill in plot holes, and prepares your book for all readers and final edits. Beta readers are incredibly important to the writing process, at least in my opinion.

Now that you have some understanding of Beta readers, let me explain Alpha readers. Usually only one or two people are Alpha readers for an author, and they read the book as it is written, and help fix big mistakes, give advice, etc. I will say that this is just my interpretation, and that some people only use one of the two or none at all. None of this should be confused with ARC (advanced reader copy) readers, who leave reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads, in return for, you guessed it, an advanced copy of a book.

The reason I bring up this topic now, is somewhat due to my previous post about my writer's block, and other struggles I have when sitting down to write. I know a lot of authors have personal assistants, usually who run their social media, keep them on track, etc. I don't think I could hand over the reigns of my social media accounts, blog, and website to someone else, even if it was someone I trusted dearly. However I desperately need someone to help keep me on track, I'm not great at time management and schedules, or knowing when I cannot meet a goal I've set. If you have any suggestions or want to help me out comment below or message me on any of my social media accounts.

Taila Out.