Beta readers are individuals who read a manuscript before it is published to provide feedback to the author. They help identify issues such as plot holes, character development, and pacing, offering insights from a reader's perspective. This feedback is crucial for authors to refine their work and enhance its appeal. Typically, beta readers are part of the target audience for the book, which allows them to provide relevant and constructive criticism. They may be friends, family, or fellow writers, and their input can significantly influence the final version of the manuscript before it reaches editors or publishers.