Smart Things that Non-Writers Say . . .

You say you saw this review on Amazon but I don't understand how you know this is from a reader and not a writer. Does the reviewer explicitly say he or she is not a writer?

But anyways, as far as beta readers goes I think it depends on what you're looking for. Some non-writers might do just fine beta reading, but others won't. Heck, for that matter some writers are great beta readers and others aren't. It's luck of the draw, I think.

Hmm ... aren't readers our customers? Maybe that means their opinion is worth something?

I agree with JALynn . . . how do you know the reviewer isn't a writer? I'm a prolific Amazon reviewer, but I don't leave notes in my reviews that say, "PS--I'm a writer."

Personally, I wouldn't want a regular reader for a beta-reader. Yes, the story has to appeal to normal readers, but a normal reader isn't going to have the expertise to help me improve my novel. They can tell me whether they like the story or not, but can they analyze and explain why it doesn't work, or what I need to do to fix it? Can they help me become a better writer? Frankly, my writing didn't start improving significantly until after I got feedback from fellow writers.

In my experience, writers as betas focus more on effectiveness. Non-writers have focused on whether what they are reading works. And will point out things that don't work in general terms. But it is all about the individual betas.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say... That non-writers surprisingly can have insightful things to say about books, and can describe things they liked and disliked in more than vague terms? That their writing and reviewing skills are great?

Many readers know exactly how to pick apart a book without being writers or literature students. Many can also write stellar reviews. No amazement necessary.

I apologize if I came out sounding argumentative. Bad day?

Anyway, I read many review blogs and I'm an enthusiastic reviewer myself. Readers won't help you in many ways, but in some they might. Especially those extremely well-read reviewers. Boy do they know what they like and why.

Some regular readers who aren't practiced in writing reviews might be good to tell you when something doesn't work for them in vague terms, but you'll often have to figure why yourself, if the problem os technical.

Sometimes I just read reviews for the sheer pleasure of it, even though I don't plan on reading the book. It's great to see how others see things, what they point out, which things trip them. And I have to admit I do like me a good snark review...