Beta readers vs. ARC readers: do you need both as an indie author?

For independent authors, feedback is invaluable. But when it comes to getting pre-publication opinions on your book, should you use beta readers, ARC readers, or both? While they serve different purposes, each plays a crucial role in refining and marketing your book before publication.

What are beta readers?

Beta readers are early readers of your full manuscript draft. Think of them as workshop partners—people who help you shape your book before it reaches the final stages. They provide feedback that might lead to deep revisions, pointing out plot holes, character inconsistencies, pacing issues, or anything else that could improve the reading experience. Because of this, beta readers are typically used before the final proofreading stage, when there’s still time to make significant changes.

What are ARC readers?

ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers receive a completed version of your book before its official publication. Their primary job is not to suggest major revisions but to help generate excitement for your book. They may catch a few typos, but their main purpose is to provide early reviews, marketing blurbs, and word-of-mouth promotion. ARC readers are essential for building pre-release buzz and ensuring that when your book goes live, potential readers already see positive feedback.

Do you need both?

Ideally, yes. Beta readers help you refine your manuscript, ensuring it’s as strong as possible before you finalize it. ARC readers help you market your book and get reviews before publication day. While both groups provide feedback, beta readers focus on developmental changes, while ARC readers assess the completed package, including the cover, formatting, and overall reading experience.

Preparing for ARC readers

Since ARC readers will be evaluating the almost-final version of your book, you’ll need to create professional review copies. These can be in ebook format or printed proofs. Unlike beta readers, ARC readers should be experiencing the book as a finished product, so the copy should have a fully designed cover, formatted interior, and polished text. It’s best to select ARC readers from your target audience—people who regularly read books in your genre—rather than fellow writers. Their feedback should reflect the experience of a real consumer picking up your book for the first time.

Finding beta and ARC readers

One of the most popular platforms for connecting with ARC readers is NetGalley, where authors can distribute advanced copies in exchange for honest reviews. However, there are plenty of other ways to find both beta and ARC readers. Consider reaching out to:

• Writing communities and critique groups
• Facebook groups and Goodreads forums dedicated to your genre
• Book bloggers and influencers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Your own mailing list, if you’ve been building a reader base

By strategically using beta and ARC readers, you ensure that your book is both polished and well-received upon launch. Have you used beta or ARC readers for your book? Share your experience in the comments!

Want to learn more about the steps of the novel writing process? Start at the beginning of this series HERE.

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.