Creative Medium

KNOW THESE BEFORE YOU CHOOSE YOUR BETA READERS

Before you share your piece of writing or story with someone, these are the things you need to know.

You want the beta reader to do the following.

1️⃣ Point out mistakes.
2️⃣ Point out inconsistencies.
3️⃣ Point out areas where the writing needs improvement as the case maybe.

While the feedback(s) from a beta reader is/are very important, you should try to choose from the following;

1️⃣ Someone who will not shy away from giving a honest feedback.

2️⃣ Someone who is objective, unbiased and impartial.

3️⃣ A person who is very constructive, and who will give feedback only for the purpose of improving the piece of the work.

NOTE:

Whether the beta reader is a close friend, writer's friend/colleague or other individuals, don't get angry at the feedback(s).

Remember, and for the purpose of your piece of writing/story, she or he is putting first the honest, objective and constructive feedback (s) over personal relationship between the two of you.

Let me take you all back to Achebe's Things Fall Apart.

HERE IS OKONKWO'S DAILY TO-DO LIST

Defeat weakness.

Win the wrestling match.

Uphold honor.

Resist foreign influence.

*ENEMIES OF A COMPELLING NARRATIVE: Writers/Authors, avoid these.*
👇

📌 **Unclear Themes.* If the main themes or messages are unclear, readers may find it hard to grasp the story's deeper meaning.

📌 *Poorly Developed Characters.* Characters that lack depth, growth, or relatable qualities can hinder readers from connecting with the story.

📌 *Forgetting the Audience* . Not considering the target audience's preferences and interests can create a disconnection between the story and its readers.

📌 *Weak Plot Structure.* A disorganized plot without clear conflict, climax, and resolution can make the story feel directionless and unfulfilling.

📌 *Too Much Exposition.* Providing too much background information can slow the story's pace and lessen its excitement without clear transitions can confuse readers and disrupt the story's flow.

📌 *Inconsistent POV/Tenses.* Changing perspectives and tenses without clear transitions can confuse the readers and disrupt the story’s flow.

📌 *Poor Editing.* Skipping thorough proofreading and editing can lead to grammatical mistakes, typos, and awkward wording that distract from the story.

📌 *Ignoring Pacing.* Not balancing action, dialogue, and description can create uneven pacing, either dragging the story or speeding through key moments.