Formatting & Finding Feedback: Story Savvy Self-Editing Episode 49

Rebecca Hartwell • December 9, 2025

Formatting & Feedback: After-episode thoughts, overview, and transcript…

Here's the downloadable handout for this episode on considerations for vetting professional editors: https://BookHip.com/RZMSZBP

And the handout on DIY formatting before asking outside readers to go through your piece: https://BookHip.com/TABKCGM

And as mention several times in this episode, here is the link to the Fantasy Virtual Critique Partners group I run where fantasy, sci-fi, and romantacy authors can find other writers to do critique swaps with: https://www.facebook.com/groups/479454803907608

An option for finding beta readers I feel I mentioned too briefly is your own existing fan base. It’s more likely you have one as an established author than as a first-time or newer writer, but I still know folks who started building their online following years in advance of publishing, so you never know. If you have any kind of audience built-up, it can’t hurt to ask if anyone would like to be a beta reader for you. I have friends who are beta readers for massive, bestselling authors, and they all consider it the highest of honors to have that privileged access to their favorite author, and even to have some small input into the series or fictional world they love so much, so by all means present the beta request in similar terms to your own readers.

It’s not something I have personally tried, but you can also try reaching out through other authors you know and recruiting from their beta team(s). It’s unlikely that any one author is writing prolifically to keep beta readers occupied back-to-back, so using beta recruitment as networking with authors whose work is similar enough to yours that the same readers would love both could be a great option to look into.

Lastly and rather importantly, I suggest not using the same outside reader for more than one layer of outside critique. So, don’t use the same person for developmental and line edits, or beta reading and copy edits. You want to get the highest number of FRESH eyes as you can on your book through the pre-publishing process.

Happy editing!

Episode 49 Overview:

Formatting & Finding Feedback

“How and where can I find good early feedback readers? What do I need to do to prepare to have them read my book, and how can I get the most out of the process?”

This episode of the Story Savvy Series, a writer education podcast for fantasy authors, breaks down the difference between a dev edit vs beta read and how to work with critique partners for fiction effectively. You will also learn how to recruit beta readers for writers, prepare your manuscript for feedback, and avoid common red flags in editing services.

Join developmental editor Rebecca Hartwell and aspiring middle grade fantasy author Agnes Wolfe as they walk through the stages of preparing your book for outside eyes. Whether you're swapping with critique partners or planning to hire a developmental editor, this episode gives you clarity on what kind of feedback you need, what to listen to, what to ignore, and how to find the right outside readers.

In this Episode:

How to format your manuscript for editors and beta readers
Where to find reliable beta readers and critique partners
The difference between beta readers, critique partners, and developmental editors
Why a 4–6 week deadline is ideal for beta feedback, and how to set it clearly
Common pitfalls with feedback readers
How to handle missed deadlines, dropouts, and unhelpful replies

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