Writer's Digest

Second Opinions

New rules. New strategies. New paths to success.

While we may see those images of a solo writer in a coffee shop or room, the truth is that no book is a solo endeavor. One of the most important parts of the writing process is getting feedback on an early draft.

That’s where a solid beta reader comes in.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECOND OPINION

It’s easy to get lost in our own heads when we’re writing. Things make sense to us as the writer because it’s all immediate to us. But just like conversations can be jumbled when the words and feelings inside us are spoken aloud, so can stories.

Beta readers are the people who help work through that jumble on an early draft. Not the zero

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