Should beta readers be free or not? There’s a lot of disagreement on this topic. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question. For some authors, it makes sense to seek out paid beta readers for hire. For some, free beta readers are the better option. And a combination of the two is the perfect choice for others.
Beta readers for hire online
You can find beta readers for hire online, including in online forums, Facebook groups, or by doing a simple Google search. Finding paid services isn’t the hard part. Finding quality paid beta reading services is what can prove challenging. But with some knowledge and research, it can be done.
Should I hire a beta reader?
If you have no budget for a beta reader, hiring one might not be the best option. If you’re certain that your free readers are reliable, honest, unbiased, and part of your target audience, you can probably skip paid beta reading services. However, if you’re on the fence about hiring a beta reader, the information in this article might help you make a decision.
Save time finding beta readers
Unless you’re famous or have a sizable following, finding quality free beta readers can be a real pain. It can take weeks or even months to find enough readers in your target market who are willing to read for free. (And there’s no guarantee those volunteers will deliver.) Of course, you’ll want to do your research to find quality paid readers, too. But (if you vet carefully) you’ll likely spend days, not months, finding quality paid readers.
Critique swap: Time vs. money
Authors might have more luck finding “free” beta readers when they offer to swap with another author. But are these beta reads actually free? While you won’t spend your money when swapping, you will spend your time. So, authors should consider what their time is worth before swapping manuscripts to save money. It could take six or more hours (depending on the manuscript) to read and critique another author’s worth. Is that time worth saving the money you’d spend on a reliable paid reader? Only you can decide. For some authors, it is. For some, it isn’t.
Here are some other things to think about when considering a critique swap:
- Will the effort be equal? (Will your critique partner provide the same level of feedback for your manuscript as you do for theirs?)
- Are timelines clear? (It’s a good idea to communicate deadlines beforehand.)
- Does the other writer regularly read your genre? (Believe it or not, not all writers are avid readers.)
- Do you want a reader’s perspective or a writer’s perspective? (Some author’s want a reader-only perspective.)
Shorten the pre-publication process
Volunteer beta readers sometimes (maybe even oftentimes) never finish the book or provide feedback. Others that do read the book might provide unhelpful or dishonest feedback. (Who wants to hurt someone else’s feelings if the story just isn’t good?) And some authors might wait weeks or months to realize this is the case. That’s a lot of time wasted.
Authors who choose to pay reliable and honest beta readers tend to eliminate these setbacks. That means they can often move to other pre-publication steps much sooner, since they don’t have to waste more time finding more readers.
Have more control
It’s hard to set stipulations when people are volunteering their time. Sure, you can set a deadline and ask whichever beta reader questions you’d like. You can request readers sign an agreement. But what can you do if they don’t adhere to your wishes? Probably not much, in most cases.
Even when both parties agree to specifics, free readers are generally volunteers, and they don’t owe authors anything. However, when you pay for a beta reading service, the beta reader owes you what you’ve paid for and what both parties have agreed to. If they don’t adhere to the agreement, you should be entitled to a refund.
(Note: When enlisting the services of a beta reader for hire, it’s a good idea to ask about their refund policies first.)
How much does it cost to hire a beta reader?
Prices for beta reading services vary. How much you pay might depend on your manuscript’s word count and genre, your desired turnaround time, how many questions you have for the beta reader, the effort the beta reader puts in, etc. If prices seem “too good to be true,” it’s wise to consider why. For example, does the reader use AI? Will they actually deliver?
That’s not to say that all “cheap” beta reading services are scams, but taking the extra time to understand the offered services could save you a lot of trouble later. Of course, there are also readers who imply services are free, only to later reveal they charge. When in doubt, ask. Ethical beta readers for hire are generally upfront and transparent about their prices.
Reliable beta readers for hire
Beta Reader Bookings LLC works with vetted beta readers, so authors receive helpful feedback. When you place an order with us, we’ll match your manuscript to a reader who is part of your target audience. Readers don’t communicate with authors, which helps keep feedback honest. (After all, readers don’t have to dread awkward messages about negative feedback.) We have reliable beta readers for nearly every genre, and AI is strictly prohibited.
Authors may order beta reading services directly online or by emailing us at [email protected].