The beta-reader is the most important card in your editing arsenal.

Yes. You read correctly. While the editor can weed out typos and suggest changes in the storyline to fill plot holes, the beta-reader does what must be done.

He/She locates the minor glitches that can derail a great book. I know not everyone goes hunting for typos but grammar Nazis are out there.

Almost always, these people work for free, and their efforts go largely unnoticed by the average reader.

Most authors I know acknowledge their beta-readers, and they should. If you ask me there should be a day dedicated to these tireless folks.

So if you’re a writer, and have beta-readers, do ’em a favor.

Tell them how much you love them.

T.A. UNER is the Author of various published novels and short stories. Please follow him on LeopardKingSaga.com, where he blogs about writing, publishing, and life. By subscribing to his blog posts you’ll have them delivered directly to your e-mail inbox. Sorry! Spam not included.