Alpha and beta readers are crucial parts of the pre-publication process, but they play slightly different roles.

Alpha readers are typically the first to read an author's work while it's still in the draft stages. These readers may be friends, family members, or members of a writing group, and their feedback usually focuses on helping the author identify and resolve issues with the manuscript before being sent to beta readers. Alpha readers may provide general feedback on character development, pacing, and writing style but are often more informal and less structured than the feedback provided by beta readers.

Freelance beta reading services, on the other hand, are usually the next group of readers to review the manuscript, often after it has been revised based on the feedback from alpha readers. Beta readers are typically more objective and less familiar with the author and their work than alpha readers.

The feedback from beta readers is usually more structured and focused on specific aspects of the manuscript, such as plot, pacing, character development, dialogue, and overall writing style. The goal of beta reading is to provide more thorough and objective feedback on the manuscript and to identify any remaining issues that need to be addressed before the manuscript is published or sent to a professional editor.

Alpha readers provide general and informal feedback on a manuscript, while beta readers provide more detailed and objective feedback. Both are essential parts of the pre-publication process and can help authors refine their work and ensure that it's the best it can be before it reaches a wide audience.