You’ve finished your book. Again. This time, you really need some people who aren’t your friends or your family to read your manuscript and provide you with some objective feedback and perspective. While you can always hire someone like me to critique your manuscript, you might want to consider bringing on some beta readers.

Beta readers are test readers for nearly completed manuscripts, who provide feedback from the “average reader’s” point of view. Writers can then evaluate whether they need to fix any plot, character development, flow, pacing, dialogue, or consistency issues. (In case you were wondering, there are also alpha readers who weigh in a lot sooner in the process and focus more on general story and structure issues in early drafts.)

Most beta readers do not get paid, although authors often thank them for their efforts with free copies of their published books and other incentives. You can, however, find services for paid beta readers offering specialized feedback on Upwork or Fiverr. If you’re not in the mood to shell out any moolah, hanging out in online writing communities can help you ferret out some candidates. In her article “12 Places to Find a Beta Reader,” K. M. Weiland suggests that you seek out those who, among other things, enjoy your genre in general and your stories in particular, are experienced readers and/or writers, understand what you’re trying to do and aren’t afraid to tell you what isn’t working.

You’ll want to clearly define what you’re looking for from your beta readers, from your timeline to how they can best help you. Are you looking for feedback on plot (perhaps you’re worried about holes or jumps), inconsistencies, pacing, character development, or something else? Be specific. Also, remind your beta readers that your manuscript has not been edited. So, you might not want them to focus on language. If that’s true, let them know.

While beta readers may point out mistakes and needed edits, they are not editors or proofreaders. Use them to help you button up your manuscript, but then run it by the professionals before you publish.

Finally, just remember that everyone has an opinion. While you want to be receptive (translation: not defensive) to your beta readers’ input, you also need to make sure their critiques resonate with your vision for your book.