As a writer just starting out, there are a lot of confusing names and titles that can swirl into an abyss of unknowns. It can get really overwhleming. This post is a simple introduction to the differences between critique partners (or CPs as they're commonly referred to) and beta readers. As well as, some tips on what to look for, and what makes a "good" CP or reader.
So, let's start with the easiest explanation. A CP is generally a fellow writer with their own works with whom you exchange pages for feedback from the perspective of a writer. CPs will read your work and critique based on things like theme, grammar, pace, sub-plot movement, character arc, etc. You can choose to give specifics for your CP to look out for (this is quite helpful so they don't end up becoming your editor instead).
It's important to note that different partners will be better at looking for certain aspects in your manuscript. You might have a CP for romance and a CP for dialogue. Every writer has their strengths, and so it can be helpful to look for a partner that can strengthen your own weaknesses.
As an example, I'm an underwriter. I tend to draft in the bare minimum at the beginning because I can see everything going on in my own head. I have a couple CPs that help to read for setting/description, and help me find parts of my story where more grounding is necessary.
Depending on your process, you may choose to have one CP whom you go to for everything, or you may choose to have multiple CPs. I'm learning that I work relatively quickly, and therefore, it's important that I have people around me who can return my work in a similar amount of time that I write. Otherwise, my process slows down, and I need to make some changes.
On the flip side, a beta reader is someone who is either widely read or specifically read in your genre/category and gives feedback from the perspective of a reader. They may also give notes based on specifics, but a beta reader's job is little more general. Here, you're looking for feedback on any distracting mistakes, anything that's confusing, pieces that feel like they don't fit in the genre, etc.
Most of the time, authors won't send manuscripts to beta readers until it's in a semi-polished state. I made the mistake on my first book of sending it out to beta readers before it was even really finished. I got a ton of helpful feedback, but there were also a lot of contradictory notes because the direction of the story wasn't clear.
The way that you operate with both CPs and beta readers is entirely up to you. Some authors will send pages to CPs as they draft for feedback, others (like me) will complete a draft, revise, and then send it off. Your partners generally see the best and the worst of your writing process. They're the ones who can be brutally honest, but also kind when dealing with what's working and what's not.
But the most important thing about a CP is that ultimately, they're helping you and your book reach it's full potential and not attempting to change the book to one that they would write, or that they want to see on the shelves.
The same goes for beta readers. You want to look for people that understand that this is your work, and you are asking for their feedback because you trust them to help you in your process. You're not asking them what they would change if they were writing your story.
As CPs and beta readers are part of finding your writing process, there can be some trial and error learning how to operate and collect feedback. Whether you're looking for one CP or more, how many beta readers you like and when you feel ready to send it out, you'll probably just have to give it a shot and see what works for you.
I'm still learning this myself as I just connected with my CPs this past winter. But what I'm finding is that, for me, it's helpful to go back and forth with CPs until I'm happy with my manuscript, and feel it's in a relatively polished state. At that point, I'll send it to a handful of beta readers (maybe 4-5) to get their perspective as readers. And, depending on their notes, I may revise again and send it back to CPs, or I may not change anything. (Chances are higher that more revisions will be made.)
This is the first post in a series on CPs and beta readers. I hope to make more about helpful resources on finding your people, what to expect from a partnership/beta readers, what should you send, what to look for, and more!
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Happy writing,
Erin