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So, you’ve just received feedback from your beta readers—congrats!
That’s a huge step. But now what?
Turning that feedback into revisions can feel overwhelming at first, especially when there are multiple opinions and suggestions.
Let me break it down step by step, so you can approach the process with confidence and ease.
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1. Give Yourself Time to Process
First things first: don’t dive into revisions immediately.
It’s tempting to fix everything right away, but give yourself a few days to let the feedback sink in.
Sometimes our initial reaction might be defensive or emotional (totally normal!).
Taking a step back allows you to approach the revisions with a clearer head and a more objective perspective.
Think of it like getting advice from a friend. You wouldn’t act on it right away without mulling it over, right? The same goes for beta reader feedback.
2. Organize the Feedback
Once you’re ready, gather all the feedback in one place.
Some authors find it helpful to create a spreadsheet, while others might prefer using digital sticky notes or simply jotting it down in a notebook.
Organize the comments based on themes or categories, such as:
- Character Development: Comments about your characters’ motivations, arcs, or likability.
- Plot: Issues related to pacing, plot holes, or clarity.
- Dialogue: Suggestions on how natural or engaging the dialogue is.
- Setting/World-Building: Any notes about the atmosphere or believability of your world.
This organization helps you see the bigger picture and notice patterns.
If multiple readers mention the same issue, that’s a strong signal that it’s something worth addressing.
Related: 20 Best Romance Novel Tropes Readers Love & Book Recs To Get Started
3. Prioritize What Matters Most
Not all feedback is created equal.
Some suggestions will resonate with you, while others might not align with your vision for the story—and that’s okay.
As the author, you have the final say.
Focus on the feedback that:
- Is repeated by multiple readers: If three people think your protagonist is a little bland, it’s probably something to look into.
- Aligns with your vision: You might get suggestions that take the story in a different direction. If that direction excites you, great! If not, it’s okay to pass on it.
- Fixes clarity issues: Anything that confuses readers or makes them stumble should be addressed. A clear story is key to keeping readers engaged.
How many beta readers do you really need? Here’s a post with everything you should consider when deciding on the numbers of beta readers to involve in your writing process.
4. Create an Action Plan
Now that you know what feedback you want to act on, it’s time to create a revision plan.
Start by tackling the big picture changes, like plot adjustments or character arcs.
These are the foundation of your story, and everything else will flow more smoothly once they’re solid.
Here’s a rough order to follow:
- Plot revisions: Fix any plot holes or pacing issues first.
- Character development: Strengthen your characters and their motivations.
- Dialogue: Rework any unnatural or clunky conversations.
- Line edits: Save small grammar and stylistic changes for the end.
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do everything at once.
Tackle one section or chapter at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be making steady progress.
5. Remember, It’s Your Story
It’s important to remember that beta readers are there to provide insight, but you’re the one telling the story.
If certain feedback doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
Revisions are about making your book the best version of itself, not about changing it into something completely different.
When you’re stuck on a piece of feedback you’re unsure about, ask yourself: Does this change improve the story I want to tell?
If the answer is yes, go for it. If not, feel free to skip it or rework the suggestion in a way that fits your style.
6. Take Breaks and Stay Motivated
Revising based on feedback can be a long process, and it’s important to take breaks when needed.
Pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout, so pace yourself and celebrate the small wins.
Every time you tackle a tricky chapter or fix a plot issue, take a moment to acknowledge your progress.
If you ever start to feel overwhelmed, remember why you started this journey.
Beta feedback is all about improving your story, not tearing it down.
Stay motivated by keeping your end goal in mind: a story that resonates with readers and feels polished to you.
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Revisions are hard work, but with a plan in place, you can turn your beta reader feedback into actionable steps that enhance your story.
Remember to take it slow, stay open to suggestions, and above all, trust your instincts. You’ve got this!
Read Next: Top 40+ Essential Questions For Beta Readers About Character Development In A Story
