The difference between alpha readers, beta readers, and ARC readers

I’ve noticed somewhat of a trend in various writing circles: a lot of readers ask for beta readers and ARC readers when really what they want are alpha readers or a professional editor.

I was discussing this trend with one of my ARC readers (spoiler: it was my mum, hi mum!) and she admitted that she had no idea about the difference. Granted, she’s just a lover of books and not really involved with the writing community, but I thought if she didn’t know the differences, chances are others wouldn’t either. Hence, this handy dandy guide!

Photo by Yuri Efremov on Unsplash

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Alpha Readers

Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and, as such, became used for the number 1 as well. First. In programming, an alpha build is a proof of concept, something to show investors that a product is viable, but not meant for public consumption. In writing, it is much the same. This is the draft that is not meant for readers. It’s your first draft, or your skeleton draft if you write like a sculptor as I do.

So then, an alpha reader is a trusted reader who reads this initial draft. They often read the book chapter by chapter as you are writing it. The downside to alpha readers is that it’s generally pretty hard to find someone willing to read a super messy first draft. At least in my experience. You can hire someone, of course, just make sure you do your due diligence into their qualifications (they don’t use AI (don’t pay someone to do something you can do yourself), they don’t take your money and run, etc). Not a lot of writers use alpha readers since writing can be a very private, personal task, but for those who do, there are generally two types of alpha readers.

The Cheerleader

This alpha reader is generally more emotional support than critiquers. They cheer you on, encourage you, and just enjoy your story. This can be a great boost for people who struggle to finish their first draft, and should not be dismissed. Writing is hard and not everyone is motivated intrinsically. Some people need that external motivation to get there, and that’s perfectly valid! The cheerleader’s job is to be a counter to the insidious imposter syndrome that can completely paralyse a writer. They keep them going and remind them that, hey, this is actually pretty good!

The Critiquer

This alpha reader is less interested in cheering you on (though they should probably do that too for the good parts) and more interested in highlighting any issues they come across at this early stage.

Does your internal logic make sense?

Are the characters acting in a realistic way?

Have you created a plot hole or forgotten a plot thread?

These problems are often easier to solve while you’re in the first draft stage, rather than after you’ve already written your magnum opus and are staring down the barrel of a gazillion fixes needed for the next draft.

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Beta Readers

Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet and, as such, has become used for the number 2 as well. This term is generally well known in the public vernacular — you will have heard the phrase “beta testing” for software as well for testing a complete version of a software from the point of view of a user. In writing, it follows a similar process. A beta reader reads the complete version of a draft from the point of view of the reader (the user of your story).

Beta readers will receive an early version of your entire manuscript to read beginning to end, and then offer feedback on their experience. This means your draft should be complete and, as far as you’re able to on your own, structurally sound. It doesn’t have to have perfect grammar or spelling (why waste time perfecting sentences when you might have to cut that paragraph later?), and good beta readers will look past that.

Beta readers are great to employ before either sending to an editor or an agent, depending on what publishing path you wish to take. They will highlight areas where the story felt slow or boring, when characters are annoying or acting strangely, any plot holes or logical falicies, or anything else that just doesn’t feel right. Because they are readers, though, not editors, they are often unable to explain why something doesn’t work, only that it doesn’t. It’s then up to you to take those feelings, dissect them, and figure out what needs to be done to fix them.

Scams

There are a lot of people claiming to provide beta reading services, and I have no doubt that a lot of them are legitimate businesses. However, a lot of them are also scams. There are pros and cons to deciding to pay for a beta reader but, if you decide to, you absolutely have to be careful who you hire and don’t just go with the pretty presentation on Fiverr.

Check their profile and social media — is it more than a couple months old?

Ask in writer groups if anyone has used them before and what their experiences were? Don’t just trust the “testimonials” that are included on their sales page or website.

Have a contract in place. This can be as simple as an AI usage stance, payment at set milestones or another way (that’s not all upfront, some upfront is fair, but not 100%), what happens if there’s a non-completion, etc. This makes it easier to get your money back if you fall for a scam.

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ARC Readers

ARC stands for Advanced Reader Copies and it is a marketing technique. You should not be handing your ARC readers an unfinished draft. There may be some minor proof reading to finish when you send them, but it should be minor. Your ARC readers should be getting as close to the final copy as possible.

ARC Readers are not expected to give you feedback or to let you change things they highlight as part of their process. Their role is solely to read and write an HONEST review for the book.

That review is not for you. It is for other readers of the book.

Many writers don’t even read their ARC reviews. I did, but I’m also fine with receiving negative reviews (upside to having studied writing at university, you grow a thick skin real quick!). Unless you get a slew of negative reviews and are able to and comfortable pushing the release date out by possibly months to fix them, you won’t be acting upon anything they say.

NEVER pay for ARC reviews! This is against Amazon terms of service and can get your account closed down, forfeiting all royalties outstanding. Not to mention, it’s just plain dodgy and doesn’t foster reader trust.

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Final Thoughts

The difference between alpha, beta, and ARC readers ultimately comes down to where you are in the writing journey.

Alpha readers are for before you’ve finished the draft.

Beta readers are for after you’ve finished the draft, but before you’ve finished your proofreading edits.

ARC readers are for after your book is as good as it’s going to get and it’s ready for release.

None of these readers are editors, and if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of why something works or doesn’t, then you’ll need to hire someone who has the training to help there. I’m hoping to interview an editor for an upcoming article, so stay tuned for more information!

I hope this helps clarify things for you, and happy writing!

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