July 6, 2025: Questions

The subject of Beta Readers came up again in a group chat.  This was a group of writers, and they were discussing what makes a good beta reader. Clearly, there is no quick answer to this. Much depends on the project and the goal of the writer when engaging the beta reader.

         I realize how fortunate I am to have my oldest and dearest friend who functions as my first Beta Reader on every manuscript I complete.

         Initially I worried that our closeness would make it difficult for her to be honest, or for me to take her feedback.  My worries were baseless.

         She is the most skilled questioner I have ever come across.

         She may have noticed a weakness in the story, or a gap in the plot, or an undeveloped character, but she never tells me that.  Instead, she starts to ask me a series of questions that helps me to see the manuscript as an outsider. She guides me toward what needs to be addressed, and then lets me discover what she has noticed.

         I have tried to adopt this approach with my student writers. While I am not yet as skillful as my dear friend, I can already see how powerful it can be.

          It is strategic. It is kind. It is respectful.  It is masterful.

         I have also been thinking lately, of how useful this approach might be in situations unrelated to writing at all.

         With the chaotic and contentious times we find ourselves in, conversations can be fraught with landmines. When rough issues and topics come up, why not lead with questions, instead of sharing my own thoughts or ideas? Seeking first to understand, then be understood.