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How to Find Beta Readers for Your Manuscript
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Finding beta readers, at least reliable ones, isn’t always an easy task. Some readers might commit but later realize they don’t have the time. Other readers might disappear, perhaps because they didn’t like the book. But it’s also possible they simply changed their mind. And then there are readers who might be afraid to hurt your feelings, so they hold back on negative criticism, allowing weaknesses to slip through the cracks. In the worst cases, scammers might pose as beta readers, running off with your money or returning AI-generated feedback. But there is good news; reliable beta readers exist. You just need to know how to find them.
How to find beta readers
Before we get into where to find beta readers, there are a few things you should know about choosing them.
- The best beta readers are people who regularly read your genre and are part of your target audience.
- Consider your primary market when choosing a beta reader. (If your primary market is the US, you probably want a beta reader who lives in the states.)
- There are free beta readers and paid beta readers. (There are pros and cons to each.)
- Not all beta readers will deliver the same level of feedback.
- Choose your beta readers wisely.
Beta reader websites
Several websites offer beta reading services. Of course, there’s Fiverr, a platform for finding all sorts of services. The platform allows you to choose whom you hire, and there are thousands of freelancers to choose from. Given the numerous options, you might need to do some heavy research before choosing one.
At Beta Reader Bookings LLC, we do things a little differently. We choose which freelancer beta reads your manuscript because we match you with a reader who is part of your target audience. All of our readers are vetted before working on a single project, so you don’t need to worry about incompetence. Here’s how our beta reading services work:
- Place an order with Beta Reader Bookings LLC (directly online or by emailing us)
- We send your manuscript and beta reader questions to the best-fitted beta reader we have
- Once the beta reader has finished your project, we send the feedback directly to your email address
If neither Fiverr or Beta Reader Bookings LLC meet your needs, there are other options, including (but not limited to) finding talent on LinkedIn or Goodreads.
Find beta readers on social media
Social media is a popular platform for many creatives, and authors are no exception. For example, you’ll find several writing-related groups on Facebook. The groups can offer authors opportunities to swap manuscripts with one another. (If you’re willing to beta read for someone else, they might beta read for you.) If swapping doesn’t work (or isn’t your cup of tea), you won’t need to look far.
You’re sure to find people offering beta reading services on nearly every social media platform. The key is to make sure you choose someone who is reliable and who you trust with your manuscript. Take some time to do your research before sending anyone a dime. And if a reader volunteers to help you for free, that’s great! Just remember that volunteers have no obligation to you; they are doing you a favor.
Can family and friends be beta readers?
It’s great to have family and friends read your manuscript. They might find inconsistencies, plot holes, and typos. However, it’s generally not a good idea for family and friends to be your only beta readers. Here are some reasons why:
- Family and friends might hesitate when it comes to providing negative feedback. (Will they really tell you if your story just sucks?)
- The best beta readers are people who regularly read your genre. (Do your family friends regularly purchase books in the genre you’ve written?)
- Family and friends might be too close to you and your story to provide completely unbiased feedback.
How to get beta readers: FAQs
Still have questions about how to find beta readers? You can check answers to some FAQs below.
Who should be my beta reader?
Beta readers should be part of your natural target audience. They should regularly read and enjoy your genre and live in the country you plan to sell the most books. Friends and family may purchase your book, but chances are, most of your buyers will be strangers. So, choosing a reader you aren’t close to can work in your favor.
Where can I find free beta readers?
You can find free beta readers on several social media platforms, in your community (for example, a local book club), and by swapping with other authors. It’s important to do your research and choose wisely, even when the beta reading services are free.
Where can I find paid beta readers?
You can find paid beta readers in many of the same places as free ones. While paid services might offer more reliable feedback, that’s not always the case. Unfortunately, scammers exist. Watch out for fake social media profiles, AI-generated feedback, and those who just want to take your money and bail. That’s one of the reasons bookabetareader.com exists, to provide authors with a convenient and safe way to get beta reader feedback. If you have questions about our services, please contact us.
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