Reader feedback is the reactions and responses of an audience to content, particularly in journalism and media. It is often used to help gauge public opinion, improve the quality of a story and create a connection with readers.
When beta readers give you their feedback on your story, it’s important to remember that everyone comes in with a different set of biases and experiences. This can make it difficult to turn their feedback into actionable recommendations. To combat this, try to find beta readers who have never read your story before or are able to review it without bias. This will allow them to focus on the strengths of your writing rather than the flaws.
A good way to evaluate your beta reader feedback is to look for common themes and recommendations. For example, if multiple readers comment on the need for stronger transitions or that your narrative arc is weak, it’s time to focus on those areas of improvement. This also applies if several readers comment on characters that are underdeveloped or don’t feel realistic.
While reading your feedback can be challenging, it’s important to take the time to consider each suggestion. Once you’ve done this, you can start evaluating your feedback and making changes to your manuscript.