What is the difference between an alpha, beta, critique partner? I’ve seen them used synonymously and I don’t understand what the differences are? Good luck in the #BlazeBlitz!! 😀

Hmm. I don’t know that there is a definitive answer, and a lot of people do use the terms synonymously, but if I had to wager a guess, I would say an alpha reader reads along as the author writes, a critique partner is often a fellow writer who offers input and advice after a significant portion, if not all, of the book is complete, and a beta reader reads after much of the critiquing and editing is done as a pair of fresh eyes on the project. Not every writer has all or any of these, though getting fresh eyes on your manuscript at some point definitely helps.

I didn’t enter the Blaze Blitz, but have several friends who did! Wishing everyone who entered the best of luck!