RPE utilizes the services of various kinds of READERS for its publications.  These readers are as follows:

• Alpha-Readers
  • Note:  Sensitivity Readers are acknowledged under the Alpha Readers heading.
• Beta-Readers
• Final Editor ​

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​What Are Alpha-Readers?
Alpha-Readers are family members, and Beta-Readers turned Alpha, who earned the author's confidence and looked at the author's written words when they were fresh on the page.  They receive content that has only had a few edits and is undoubtedly the first or second draft.  The Alpha Reader looks for significant issues like glaring continuity errors and rudimentary readability.

Most Alpha-Readers are close enough to the author to be immediate and convenient.  RPE Alpha-Readers love to read the work as completed, and they provide valuable insight.  They also look for things like content fulfillment, pacing, and voice.
 
What Is A Beta-Readers?
Beta-Readers are non-professional readers (volunteers) who read our unpublished manuscript before final editing.  RPE Beta-Readers are in our target book audience and are willing to read our manuscripts and give honest feedback on their contents with fresh eyes and insight.  These readers take the work from good but not ready for publication to the final edit. 
FYI:  paid critiques are known as manuscript appraisals or manuscript assessments, whereas beta reading is an agreed-upon voluntary arrangement provided in a non-professional capacity.
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The Beta-Reader provides general feedback on various aspects of the manuscript, including:

• Front cover
• Subject
• Content (subject fulfillment, pacing, and voice)
• Structure
• Reader Fulfillment

The Beta-Reader does not make changes to the manuscript, and they do not focus on small details such as grammar and spelling.  Instead, they provide overall feedback on the 'big-picture.'
 
Why Are Beta Readers In Our Target Audience?
The Beta-Reader provides a particular benefit for our audience; these readers are the only people who can tell us if we have accomplished our objectives.  Beta-Readers are similar to product testers or those in Focus Groups.  But, again, the Beta-Readers' feedback is provided from a reader's perspective, whereas an editor would only critique the work with a professional publishing-focused view.
 
What Are Sensitivity Readers?
These readers (a subset of alpha readers) review unpublished manuscripts to spot cultural inaccuracies, representation issues, bias, stereotypes, non-stigmatizing content, or inappropriate language.
 
What Is A Fact-Checker?
Authors work with fact-checkers (a subset of alpha-readers) at the final revision stage, especially if they are writing about a culture or subject that is not their own or dealing with real-life or sensitive topics.
 
What Is A Final Editor?
The final editor is responsible for checking facts, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  Sometimes, the editor must cut out content that does not fit the topic and guide attention to where the reading audience should focus.
The final editor ensures that the publication corresponds with in-house style guides and feels polished and refined when completed.