The truth is, beta readers aren’t professional editors and you’re the final authority on what works in your story (until you sign with a publisher). It’s essential to view their feedback in light of your own vision for the novel. If a reader’s suggestions don’t line up with your narrative’s arcs of change and emotional core, then those comments might not be worth acting on.
Remember that each reader comes into the reading experience with their own biases and expectations. Maybe the thriller enthusiast wants faster pacing, while the literary fiction fan likes detailed world-building. If two or three readers suggest that a particular character feels flat, it’s probably a valid complaint.
Ultimately, what matters most is how your readers connect with your story, which is why reader response is such a powerful concept. It’s the foundation for expanding discussions about books and allows students to make text to text, text to self and text to world connections.
It’s also important to consider how much time and effort you want to devote to getting feedback from your beta readers. Some authors have so many readers that it’s almost impossible to read and respond to them all, which can lead to analysis paralysis and even hurt their own work. Having a few well-chosen beta readers that you trust and can count on is key to getting 10x better feedback.