Many writers rely on reader feedback to help them improve their work. These comments can offer valuable insights into how a story reads, including any gaps in the plot, unexplained time lapses, or other issues that could confuse readers.
The most common way to seek reader feedback is through beta reading. This process involves inviting a number of people to give their impressions on your story and make suggested changes. Generally, beta readers are primarily other writers and people in your genre who are willing to invest their time for free. It’s important to thank them for their input throughout the process, and resist any impulses to dismiss their comments or tell them they’re wrong. These people are investing hours in your book, and you want them to feel valued for their contribution.
Reader response theory is an analytical method that puts the reader in the spotlight, arguing that they are central to the creation of meaning. It is based on the understanding that meaning does not exist in the text itself, but rather is constructed by the reader’s individual interpretation and reactions. The practice of reader response can be a valuable tool for literary analysis, but it’s important to combine it with other critical methods to get the most out of the reading experience.
Some prominent practitioners of reader response include David Bleich, Louise Rosenblatt, Stanley Fish, and Wolfgang Iser. Other forms of reader response include receptive and subjective reading approaches. Receptive reader response takes demographic differences into account, such as comparing how men and women might read a particular piece of literature. Subjective reading responds to the emotional and affective impact of a piece of literature, as well as how it may influence cognitive engagement.