How to Become a Beta Reader-Brandon Sanderson

Here is the next video where I answer the questions I get asked most frequently. Today I tackle: How do I become a beta reader.
Link to Dawnshard: www.amazon.com/...
Stay up to date by following my newsletter: www.brandonsan...
Interested in signed books and swag? Check here: store.brandons...
You can also follow me on:
Facebook: / brandsanderson
Twitter: / brandsanderson
Instagram: / brandsanderson
Twitch: / mistbornbrandon
Frequently asked questions: faq.brandonsan...

[@joshuasims5421]

If we can't be alpha, beta or gamma readers, we can be delta readers, who read the book as soon as it's published.

[@slimonawesome]

You fool, I read the book before it’s written

[@theatheistpaladin]

ARC, Advance Reader Copy. I think that is what you want?

[@brandonmack111]

Sounds about right for me ;)

[@brandonmack111]

@@slimonawesome I mean, if you write the book, this is certainly possible 😜

[@Sybato]

@Vijay Reads I think you want Omega Reader, Zeta is only two after Delta

[@TheKrazyLobster]

I'll never forget one of Brandon's classes, when he mentioned of the members of his writing group finally decided to read one of his finished books and said something along the lines of, "Hey Brandon, you're actually a good writer!" LMAO

[@taewoods2034]

Lmao I remember that class aswell

[@gabisarcanum2022]

Brandon: so, how to become beta readers? Me: omg omg! Brandon: you don’t. ... best plot twist of the week

[@benjaminzerr6708]

I have no idea why, but I thought that this video would be talking about how to become a beta reader in general, not just for Brandon Sanderson. It even sorta answered that, just be a friend or the friend of a friend of an author. Looks like I'll need to make more friends. :)

[@mndmndmrock]

I'm a simple person. I see Sanders, I click. It's that easy. Also, having beta tested many a videogame, I can understand why so many wouldn't want to beta read. It can easily turn something you truly love into a chore.

[@Yotanido]

The answer I was expecting: You don't. The answer I got: You don't. Reality meets expectation :D Seriously, though, I wouldn't want to be a beta reader anyway, nor so I think I'd be particularly good at it. I'd probably be good as a gamma reader, but I'd hate it. Typos annoy me quite a lot, especially in books.

[@drovja]

I’m pretty sure it was Brandon who keeps talking about not turning a hobby into a job. Beta reading sounds like a job. Reading on release is a joy. I’m gonna keep it that way, for sure.

[@TraeCooper]

It can asymptotically approach job-ness, can verify

[@UdyKumra]

I once wanted to be a beta reader but I’m happy to be a regular reader and get the finished books instead. Instead of reading the unfinished versions I can go on the subreddits and make theories about what will happen next

[@5800junker]

You should join the discord servers. I'm a mod on the Skyward server but we discuss his other works as well. There's also 17th shard server which doesn't have much of any focus on skyward which is why we started our own. It's more social than the subreddits

[@ginge641]

@@5800junker There a Mistborn discord?

[@jemajoy8839]

@Sophie lucky you 😎

[@davilaelian]

Never clicked so fast in my life

[@littlerascalrabbit7106]

Sammmme. ROFL.

[@Vi0ar]

For the first time in my life that is the case for me

[@5800junker]

Same lmao, spammed my phone notification

[@adityajamkhindikar]

Dear Brandon, I did my PhD in structural biology and have a sound working knowledge of chemistry...And I have read everything you have written...if my knowledge is to be ever used to enhance your novel ...I would be honored

[@jessip8654]

Beta reading is a lot harder than people think. You have to learn how to tell people, often people you respect, that their book sucks donkey nards in a polite and positive way. Way harder than you think.

[@jemajoy8839]

Correct 👍

[@Shuggy]

Tbf. I'm a beta and a reader. Seems a match made in heaven. Hit me up

[@milospollonia1121]

lmfao

[@RavensDagger501]

Indie Author perspective: I use patreon for a bit of extra income, and one of the big draws is that anyone who joins gets access to the Gdoc versions of unreleased stories. I leave comments on so that they can point things out and discuss them. It's invaluable to have a few people give their opinions on things before they hit any sort of larger market. Not only because some of them are experts in their own specific fields, but because they can provide perspective that you're missing (also, they sometimes catch spelling and grammar things, which is nice!)

[@paulregan9304]

Last time I was this early brandon hadn't published a 60000 word novella as well as a 430000 word novel within the same 30 days

[@jayw900]

Then you probably should have waited till you were able to come up with a more original comment.

[@fkdjdjcmckdjdjf3728]

@@jayw900 damn!

[@DarkChaos1986]

I'd be a terrible beta reader, I am not bored in any part of the BrandoSando books.

[@milospollonia1121]

You're not bored in the final drafts. Trust me when I tell you that first drafts are ROUGH

[@DarkChaos1986]

@@milospollonia1121 I have read plenty of boring books to completion, I have a math degree in actuarial science, many of the math involved there have no numbers involved, and still read through those books, believe me when I say that if there is any meaning in the writing, I will find it interesting. And I have read through many other fantasy or sci fi books, it takes a really bad plot progression to throw me off of a book that I started, my completion rate is over 96%. In the mainstream fantasy genre, only Gardens of the Moon throw me off, I was over the 50% mark and I was unable to figure out wtf is happenning.

[@milospollonia1121]

@@DarkChaos1986 you have never seen a first draft my dude. Incredible telling not showing, entire plotarcs missing, character arcs not full, no foreshadowing, and I mean NO. FORESHADOWING. Remember the statues in T'Telir, from Warbreaker? Those were very well foreshadowed, right? Well Sanderson added that at around the ninety percent mark. Before that, there was no mention of them. Not a single one. You see where I'm going? I'm not meaning to be passive-agressive or something, but it's clear you haven't read a first draft ever. I personally do not show my books until at least draft three to anyone but my agent. Of you want a true glimpse, go look at the first draft of Warbreaker on Brandon's website, and I guarantee you it will start being painful after a few dozen pages. Oh and I haven't mentioned spelling mistakes. First drafts are littered with spelling mistakes.

[@DarkChaos1986]

@@milospollonia1121 And I can tell you that I also had my fair share of fanwriting, what you are describing is an alpha reader, beta reader is more about general feeling of the book, at least Brandon is telling that about his workprocess, so, the alpha is meant to be a corrector, and a beta is meant to be a feedback reader, in any case, for me, I'll be terrible at the latest, I can pinpoint mistakes very easily, but I'm almost never bored when I'm reading fantasy, because that's my rest moment, I'm just sit here reading some world unravel, and normally is a pretty good experience, even with fanwriting, with bad plot points, and wishy-washy endings, Brandon writing is so far beyond that is almost unfair.

[@Demonarrows1]

Ironically I read this as "how to be a better reader"...

[@brockolesss]

Rhythm Of War was fuckin amazing! I can't believe how well you wrap up books. Every chapter has me wanting more while also giving me introspection in the most healthy way. Think I have cried at the end of every single one so far LOL. Between the Alpha readers detailing pacing and retrospect, and Beta readers guiding the book towards the feelings after the amalgamation of it all, I couldn't be more happy with your method for picking them. When it comes to putting out constant amazing writing, you are the juggernaut and lionheart.

[@charles3840]

When you know the twist answer to a question you know you've been following someone for a long time.

[@dookieshoe2905]

I would rather enjoy the final version myself, so I appreciate everyone that does do it and helps make my experience even better.

[@theatheistpaladin]

Adjacent question: Do you Beta read for any of your author friends?

[@samarendra109]

He probably alpha reads .

[@geckohecko]

@@samarendra109 probably not. Editing is a professional skill and it's a very different skill than writing

[@samarendra109]

@@geckohecko Not editing. He would suggest what can be good or an alternative of a scenario that fits better. That happens all the time. I do that for my friend. And if his family members can alpha read for him then ofcourse he is qualified enough to alpha read his friends. And he also mentioned that his other writer friends alpha reads his material.

[@PORTALIAN_Makes_Bass]

@@geckohecko Editing is related to writing in a deep way. Most of what he calls his alpha drafts are probably 3rd or 4th drafts, because authors do their own edits before sending off to the publisher for editing.

[@geckohecko]

@@PORTALIAN_Makes_Bass *stares into camera*

[@RainbowFishSaysHello]

For those looking for help becoming a better reader, this video is not what you’re looking for.

[@leonthelad3208]

I just started reading Brandon's books two days ago, but I've admired the way he goes about writing and how he makes all of his methods so accessible. I think the only reason why I would be good as a beta reader is because I can speed-reed. I finished Warbreaker yesterday, in two days, and yes I do retain all the information I read. I keep thinking about 'oooo what if I could beta read for a published author? That would be so COOL'. But I should probably finish all of their published works first, lol

[@ClavierMinuit]

sanderson makes me feel like a beta writer

[@personpeoplepeoplepersons5722]

Same... *sigh*

[@ragnarvolorus2925]

4:25 I agree. Im not sure being a beta reader is all that great if you are a really big fan of the Author. Its sub-standard work at that point and your really kind of getting it in dribs and drabs. That being said, i definitely wouldn't mind learning how to get ARC'S.

[@ross.metcalf]

If you want to become a beta reader in general (not specifically for Sanderson books) you can look online. There are a couple websites and writer groups you can join to beta read for other authors. Not every author has a beta reader waitlist like Sanderson! :p

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

This is my first time enjoying your KZbin channel. Great content! Looking forward to hearing more from you!

[@Vi0ar]

I love the honesty thanks for letting us know

[@Zoeymycat]

Hi Brandon - I was wondering how to be become Beta Reader. I started to laugh when you said "You don't" Short and to the point. How refreshing.

[@Geeuu]

You are my favorite youtuber

[@MarketResearchReading114]

I'm pretty happy with the books you put out so your beta readers are doing their jobs. I really really enjoyed Ironheart.

[@TheBrainFart2000]

LOL. I'd like it, but I'm to slow of a reader "Word4Word". I started reading the same day it came out and I'm only 29% of the way into the book and that includes being stuck on my truck for this past week with nothing else to do but read, watch shows, and FB. 😅😅😅 But that's why I love reading more than anything else because it's the greatest entertainment, cheaper and longer lasting than all other entertainments. Especially a Stormlight archive book! 😂❤️❤️❤️

[@jakehopkins6989]

What are you reading?

[@LiarFire1]

I read a lot of books and get called beta all the time I'm a perfect fit!

[@laurapinto6204]

As someone who wants to publish someday (But probably won't because of the following reason) the idea of allowing anyone to read my writing in its rough stages is terrifying. I have an ongoing joke with my friends who ask to read my books where they'll ask, and I'll say "My first/rough drafts are between me and God." I do beta read for my braver friends and I know that they need to trust me and my advise, so it makes sense that beta readers would be only among a circle of friends rather than just in the fanbase.

[@TheDudeWithDaCowbell]

Props for picking someone with a disorder over a doctor/therapist. Disabled approved on that decision

[@mosiah9205]

Why would anyone WANT to be an alpha/beta/gamma reader? It's not a sneak peek, it's reading a story that's unfinished. I love Sanderson's stories and (speaking for myself) I don't think I could ever be convinced to beta read one of his books. Actually, Just Kidding. If in some alternate universe, asked for my [professional] opinion, I would give it if it were a non-cosmere book. I'm too much of a cosmere fan for me to want to read a cosmere book in its unpolished state.

[@Casey093]

Brandon, you do around ~10 passes through a book, if I remember correctly. At which pass numbers do those 3 test phases take place? Thank you!

[@comancheknight9004]

You want beta readers to just explain what they’re feeling at any given point in your book? I mean, I do that around the house already! ...my wife hates it. 😅

[@jemajoy8839]

😂👍❤

[@TTaylor]

I completely relate to this!

[@Solikyre]

I want so bad to be a beta reader i’d love to help my fav author even in just a tiny way

[@LimeymanZero]

Sounds like you pick them the same way we pick our admins for a Minecraft server, if you ask to be one you are not qualified! We will ask you.

[@rodimusprime5714]

I think I would definitely prefer to read the books in their finished state but thanks for the info.

[@sorgialfalan6512]

Isn't what he define as Alpha Readers, usually called Critique Partners? Or are they different?

[@EntertainmentBreeze]

This makes the fact that Patrick Rothfuss's editor claim she hasn't read a word of Book 3/Doors of Stone even more concerning. Why does Pat continue to say he has shown drafts to beta readers, but not to his MAIN EDITOR whom he has praised again and again?

[@vladimirgertner3960]

Lying

[@Rhadagar]

I just want to get to read the unpublished stuff that will never see the light of day! (Though I understand Brandon has his reasons why they won’t and don’t think Brandon should feel like he has to share them!)

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

I can't be a beta reader, but I can for sure be a delta reader. By that, I mean I'll pay for the book and read it when it's published. :)

[@thedrewsite]

If you ever need a beta reader for an ADHD IT tech, let me know 😂

[@Thyeggman]

I guess I was hoping this question would be more "How to become a beta reader in general" than "How do I become a beta reader for Brandon Sanderson" ... Although I imagine it's quite difficult to answer that question because every writer will seek out different segments of people to be their beta readers.

[@deana7310]

Correct. And each writer asks for feedback in a slightly different manner. It's also hard, because many people want to say "fix it like this." Which is NOT what most authors want from Beta readers. It's the author's job to fix it how they see fit. It's Beta reader's job to give honest feedback.

[@sabrinabenoit3454]

I would love to do that

[@renendell]

Title had me in the first half--ngl

[@robertwalsh6810]

Hey Brandon! I was wondering, what writing software do you like to use? Google docs, or Word? Or maybe even Scrivener?

[@DragonsteelMichael]

Brandon writes using Word

[@xylonpesquera8605]

I had never considered trying to be one. Could you make a video on finding alpha and beta readers for beginning authors?

[@deana7310]

Also, if you are part of a fandom that is similar to the types of stories you write, it could be helpful to find fans who tend to make insightful comments. Approach them or others you meet online or at conventions. Sometimes it the friend of a friend that can be a good beta for you, since they are not as worried about hurting your feelings. However, another trick he's talked about is to learn how to filter out feedback. Not all of what you get back will be helpful.

[@Maerahn]

Okay, as someone with OSDD I'm intrigued to know how Brandon is using DID in his newest novel. (Please PLEASE don't let it be like 'Split'...!)

[@andrewbeccarelli7613]

got it, well if you need an expert at teaching swim lessons, project management or fantasy football to assist your next novel let me know haha...love Mistborn, going to start Stormlight after WoT 7

[@drie7812]

I would like to be a beta reader of everything related to fantasy. I love epic fantasy on every format you could find. And if someone pays me to read fantasy books (or manwhas, films, series, light novels...) ¡boom! Hobbies = work =

[@RomanQrr]

Big brain question: How do I join your writing group?

[@Gedof]

I think he answered that one on a livestream, it went along the lines of "go back in time, stand out as a writer on my university and become one of my friends".

[@Tie518]

I would like to be a beta listener. Can I get access to Michael Kramer and Kate Reading bloopers?

[@TheExhaustipatedBookworm]

thank you!!!! i love your books

[@grantwilliams630]

Alright Brandon, you’ve acquired my attention.

[@snowpoint720]

Who wants to read 5 slightly different versions of a 500,000 word book? A lot of people here :P

[@MiguelMartinez-qi2in]

No podemos comprar también la versiones beta de los libros que más nos gustaron (todos) ?

[@eatower2]

You ever had a fourth-dimensional job interview?

[@stephanhart9941]

Was Shad Brooks a Beta Reader as well, or just a consultant? What are the differences there, or are there differences?

[@littlerascalrabbit7106]

Oooo! Wow! That would be awesome. So cool.

[@literallyabluepufferfish1916]

So I'd never expect to be a beta reader for Sanderson, but does anyone have info on how to become a beta reader in general?

[@mattreggie4481]

Let's start off with some definitions. Who is a beta reader? A beta reader is a modern slave, a person, who willingly agrees to do the proofreading job for an aspiring writer - wannabe. Of course, that beta reader hardly gets any financial renumeration for what they do. They also give up rights to their very own ideas that they implement in the book. It's because sometimes (very often actually, if we speak of novice authors) a book's draft really needs some amendments, so that the final reader doesn't get cancer from reading such a "sophisticated" literature. All in all, beta readers do a LOT for a book to be published. And then they are not even allowed to put their names on the book's cover, as co - authors. So, boys and girls, if you think about becoming beta - readers just STOP and either come up with something of your own, or get a job/part - time occupation that doesn't have to do with writing.

[@Mrader1983]

Rhythm of War was ok! Thanks buddy

[@Walpurgis117]

So how do we become a gamma reader?

[@deana7310]

About the same way, but you also have to prove you know English grammar really well. The feedback given in a gamma is very different. Much more like proof reading and line edits.

[@FallenHellscape]

Ha, I'm looking for reliable beta readers. I'm the other side of the coin.

[@kimbleangus7321]

I think Sanderson gave the answer to that question in the video. He picks friends he knows and trusts to give him the kind of feedback he wants. In other words, as a writer, you should make friends with other writers or readers who's feelings and reliability you trust. Once you're friends (or perhaps before) as them if they'll beta read for you. You can probably find people like these all over the internet and your own social life. If you can't, start inserting yourself into communities or writing groups I guess.

[@WolfyAteUrSocks]

What are you writing?

[@fkdjdjcmckdjdjf3728]

critiquematch.com works well i think. i give feedback to others so i can't claim how long it takes for someone to message you after you make a post, but people usually respond within a day of me sending my offer, so i assume people are pretty active there. you can do mutual editing/critiquing/beta reading, so people should respond to you quickly if you're not one-sided. it'll take longer if you just want someone doing free work for you tho

[@althechicken9597]

So idk if the comments here will be looked at, but if you ever need someone who has lifelong issues with both friendly and frightening hallucinations I got you sando master

[@littlerascalrabbit7106]

Dreams shattered.....lol 😭

[@jemajoy8839]

❤😂 yeah

[@McConkeyOnnaDonkey]

Man I got right in on this one

[@Marco_Onyxheart]

If I were a beta reader, my specialised beta reader thing would be autism, but half the fanbase probably has that.

[@dermmerd2644]

Omega reader here.

[@TimRG]

Why be a Beta Reader. I like my Sanderson stories as he wants me to read them. Not uncompleted.

[@adamkhan8761]

Love you!

[@edwardhill3410]

exspecially good

[@crspoo1560]

I mean, I am a really sensitive person.

[@claytonmerrill1618]

Become long time friends with you, ok-come to my house and we’ll have a history written up over our bi-weekly hang out.

[@veenitareadswrites]

Do beta readers get paid? Or it's volunteering?

[@DragonsteelMichael]

Volunteer, with acknowledgment in the book.

[@chopblocker89]

Of course I want to be a better reader.....oh wait..

[@peaker878]

PIPO

[@kayj2093]

The title here is very misleading...

[@ScratchBashing]

Chad authors need beta readers

[@0201Cosmic]

who would be arrogant enough to think that lol

[@oryspyladia5391]

It's very difficult to become a beta reader for YOU, but given the title of this video I thought it was how to become a beta reader in general.

[@deana7310]

How to become a Beta reader in general: From a person who got very lucky several times: I have now beta read for 4 nationally published authors and 10+ self-published and un-published authors. Also, remember it can be a TON of work. It will also change the way you read a story. Practice by stopping after every chapter to write down a few thoughts and impressions of the story and characters. Or writing notes to yourself in the margins of the story. eBooks make this easier. And yes, it can totally ruin the flow of the climax. There is no one way to become a beta reader for author or publishers. Publishers don’t ask for test audiences like the movie industry does. It’s up to each author to find their own system. 1) Not all authors use a beta reader system. For some of your favorite authors, it’s just not going to happen. Read up on them and their system. 2) If your authors do use betas from general fandom - sending them an unsolicited message asking to be one, is the least effective method of becoming one. (I.E. Please don’t do it.) 3) Follow them on their preferred SM platforms. Be it Reddit Threads where you share thoughtful comments about their stories or Twitter where you share your enthusiasm for their work. Don’t follow, then never interact. 4) Let your friends who write know you are willing to beta for them. Practice giving feedback that is helpful for the author. There is an art in learning to say “This doesn’t work for me” - in various nice ways. And in stopping from saying “This is how you fix it.” “This is how you Fix it” - is not something a beta reader (Sanderson style) can/should say. It’s the author’s job to find their fix. Your job is to let them know how the story is working for you - good and confusion points. “This story doesn’t pass the Bechdel Test,” is something they need to know as well. Unconscious bias can be hard to see. Point it out gently or in question form. 5) Let your friends who follow other authors know you are interested in doing the job. Sometimes authors want people who have not read their work prior. Get impressions of how a story is landing for a new audience. Your friends could send you a line. 6) Enter fan-art contests if you have a skill that can be use for such. I’ve done it with food art. Sometimes, the author will grant you early access to their next work. This is almost never stated as a reward, nor is it offered by every author who does a fan art contest. 7) Hope that one day you will see a post or newsletter asking for beta readers or a test audience. Throw your name into the hat ring. Offer up what your PoV is and what special interests or skills you can bring into your reading. How is your feedback going to be helpful? 8) If you don’t get picked, follow up with a polite message of wishes for their work and a “maybe next time.” 9) Don’t badger. Good luck in both improving your feedback style and getting picked by authors. As and FYI: I’ve listened to every episode of Writing Excuses, even though I’m not an author. But it changed the way I read books and it altered the type and quality of feedback I can provide.

[@trikuztrucos8005]

I'm a sigma reader.

[@user-dw2bg6uw3x]

So who knows how you start .. for real?

[@ahauswal]

So does he give parts of his book to Beta readers or do they read the whole book?

[@WolfyAteUrSocks]

Usually it would be the whole book so they can get a feel for the pacing and story as a whole

[@ahauswal]

@@WolfyAteUrSocks Wow! Unless you're a speed reader, you're not gonna finish reading his books in a week. I'm a slow reader.

[@deana7310]

Depends on the book. Short things like Skyward, whole book at once. Long books like a Stormlight one, in parts. With weeks in between parts.

[@ahauswal]

@@deana7310 You're the lady with the Stormlight recipes!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩. They're so good!!

[@deana7310]

@@ahauswal, just now seeing this comment 6 months later! :-D Glad you like them! Thank you!!!

[@Plusimurfriend]

I sleep with a lot of women on a regular basis. I am an expect on the subject, hit me up if you need advice on a womanizer character or something.

[@pootie3181]

question to ask a beta reader "are you woke?" no good we have enough of that shit in the books already

[@DrRevenantBlunt]

I just want to chime in here and say, I think your style of writing is terrible, i cant read any of your books, but you did a fantastic job with WoT and you remind me alot of my brother

[@ardemus]

An honest, disappointing, answer? You're never going to be a successful politician if you treat your followers like that. You should be telling us that we can all be beta readers, you want us to all be beta readers, and the only reason we aren't all beta readers is the Stephen King fans, who want to ruin books and keep people from reading them early.