So, you’ve finished your manuscript, and now you’re wondering: How many beta readers do I actually need?

First of all, congrats on reaching this stage—seriously, that’s huge!

Getting your book into the hands of beta readers is an exciting step, but figuring out how many you need can feel like a tricky balance.

Too few, and you might miss out on valuable feedback. Too many, and you’ll drown in conflicting opinions.

I’ve been asked this question several times, and, as a beta reader myself, I’ve learned a few things along the way about finding the sweet spot.

In this post, Ishare what I’ve discovered and how I approach the process.

Spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be able to figure out what works best for your book.

What Are Beta Readers, Anyway?

Before we dive into numbers, let’s quickly talk about what beta readers actually do.

Beta readers are not editors or professional critics—they’re regular readers who help you get a feel for how your book might be received by your target audience.

They point out things like plot holes, confusing sections, pacing issues, or characters that just don’t seem relatable.

Think of them as your early test audience. They’re there to give you honest feedback on how the story flows and whether your characters and plot hold up.

Ideally, beta readers are people who enjoy reading your genre, because they’ll know what works and what doesn’t in your particular market.

I go into depth on the differences between a beta reader and an editor in this post – with tips on which professional you might need.

So, How Many Beta Readers Should You Have?

This is the big question, right?

The answer depends on a few factors, like the type of feedback you’re looking for, your timeline, and how much feedback you’re prepared to sift through.

Related: How To Be The Best Beta Reader: 20 Essential Dos & Don’ts

Here are a few things to consider when deciding how many beta readers you need.

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1. Start Small, Then Expand If Needed

Starting a smaller group of beta readers is often best—think 3 to 5 people for the first round.

Why? It’s much easier to manage and gives you a good range of opinions without overwhelming you with feedback.

A handful of readers can highlight consistent issues (for example, if two or three readers say the pacing is slow in the middle, it’s a solid sign you need to tighten that section).

Once you’ve processed this initial feedback and made changes, you can always bring in more beta readers for the next round to catch anything you missed.

Personally, I believe it’s better to stagger your beta readers in stages. This way, you can work with smaller groups over time so you are not bombarded all at once.

2. Consider Diversity in Your Beta Readers

No, I’m not talking about the number of people just yet—I mean diversity of perspectives.

You want beta readers who bring different viewpoints to the table. For example:

Someone who loves your genre and knows the typical tropes and expectations
Someone who might not normally read your genre, to see how your book holds up with a wider audience
Someone who pays close attention to details and will catch inconsistencies or continuity errors

By gathering a mix of readers, you’re more likely to get well-rounded feedback.

You don’t need dozens of people to achieve this—3 to 7 thoughtful beta readers from different backgrounds can often give you more valuable insights than 20 people who all think the same way.

3. Keep Your Goals in Mind

What do you want out of your beta readers?

Are you looking for a general vibe check on your story, or are you hoping for detailed notes on things like character development, pacing, and plot twists?

Your goals will help determine how many beta readers you need.

If you’re doing an early round of beta reading and just want to know if the story works, you can probably get away with fewer readers—maybe around 3 or 4.
If you’re looking for more in-depth feedback and are testing specific aspects of your story (like how a plot twist lands or whether a character’s arc is satisfying), you might want to bump that number up to 6 or 7.

You May Also Like: Received Beta Reader Feedback? Here Are 6 Next Steps to Help You Move Forward

To get started, you could start with a small group if you are still unsure about the bigger picture, then add more readers when you are getting into the nitty-gritty details.

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4. Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen?

It’s tempting to ask as many people as possible to read your manuscript, but more isn’t always better.

Having too many beta readers can lead to conflicting opinions and overwhelm you with feedback.

One person may love your protagonist’s snarky dialogue, while another finds it annoying.

Some may think your pacing is just right, while others feel it drags in the middle.

Sorting through all these differing opinions can leave you feeling confused about what changes to make.

The way I see it, once you start creeping past 7 or 8 beta readers, the feedback becomes harder to manage. Too much noise, and you might start losing sight of your own voice in the story.

The sweet spot tends to be around 5 to 7 beta readers per round. It’s enough to get varied perspectives, but not so much that you will be drowning in feedback.

5. Get Feedback in Waves

If you’re worried about overwhelming yourself with feedback, another option is to send your manuscript to beta readers in waves.

This approach has worked well for many authors, especially those working on bigger projects. Here’s how it goes:

First Wave: 3 to 4 beta readers for early impressions. This is when you are still making sure the overall plot and character arcs are solid.
Second Wave: Another 3 to 5 readers after you have made revisions based on the first round of feedback. These readers can focus on the finer details, like dialogue, pacing, and plot consistency.

This staggered approach allows you to digest feedback in manageable chunks, and it gives you time to fix any major issues before bringing in fresh eyes.

Plus, if you get the same feedback from both waves, it’s a strong sign that something needs fixing.

Related: 25+ Details About Your Manuscript To Share With Your Beta Reader & Developmental Editor

6. Think About Timing

One thing that’s often overlooked is how long it’ll take to get feedback from beta readers.

If you’re in a rush, having too many beta readers can backfire. Not everyone will finish at the same time, and waiting on a large group can delay your revisions.

So, if you only have a few readers, it’s easier to follow up and keep things on schedule.

You might want ti consider giving your beta readers a specific deadline, but also try to keep your expectations realistic.

For shorter timelines, I recommend sticking with 3 to 5 beta readers so you’re not waiting forever.

If you have more time to spare, you can extend that number, but always have a clear plan for when you’ll follow up and start revisions.

7. The Importance of Feedback You Can Actually Use

When it comes to beta readers, it’s all about quality over quantity.

A smaller group of engaged readers who know how to give useful feedback is way more valuable than a large group who offers vague comments like, “It was good,” or “I liked it.”

In my own experience, I’ve found that feedback is most helpful when it’s specific—what worked, what didn’t, and why.

To ensure you get detailed feedback, you could give my beta readers a list of questions to guide them. Here are some examples:

Were there any sections where you felt the story dragged?
How did you feel about the main character? Did they feel real and relatable?
Were there any parts of the book that confused you?

This way, even if you only have a small number of beta readers, you’re more likely to get constructive feedback that helps you improve the book.

If you’re strategic about the kind of feedback you ask for, you don’t need a ton of people—you just need the right people.

You can check out these 40+ questions on character development you should send your beta reader.

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At the end of the day, the number of beta readers you need really depends on your preferences and goals for your book.

I’ve found that somewhere between 5 and 7 readers per round usually works well for authors, but every person is different.

The key is to find a balance where you get enough feedback to feel confident, but not so much that you lose sight of your own creative vision.

Remember, beta readers are there to help you make your book the best it can be, but their feedback is just one part of the process.

You’re the author, and only you can decide what changes to make based on their input. If your gut tells you something feels right in your story, trust that instinct!

Whether you choose 3 beta readers or 10, the most important thing is that you find people whose opinions you value and who can give you the honest, constructive feedback you need.

Happy writing, and good luck on your beta reader journey!