I have served as both ARC reader and beta reader. Almost all of them have been positive experiences. The one that wasn't is an example of how not to work with beta readers.
In a Facebook group, I agreed to read the first chapter of a work in progress to give the writer an idea of whether they were going in the right direction. The chapter was great, I sent back my thoughts, and our interaction was concluded. Or so I thought.
Several months later, additional chapters showed up in my inbox without warning. And then alternate chapters arrived. By that point, I had forgotten what the original chapter was about.
Moral of the story: Before sending off your book baby, make sure you have an agreement with your beta reader as to what they will receive (how many words, in what format, title and subject of the book, etc.) and what feedback you want from them. Include delivery dates for each person. Even if you're not paying the beta reader, an agreement like this shows you respect them and their labor, ensures both of you are clear on the process and expectations, and wards off problems caused by miscommunication.
Wow! I am blindsided by that person’s behavior, as were you. I agree totally regardless of whether the job is free or not there needs to be some kind of agreement. Thank you for sharing your experience so that all of us can learn. K
Selecting "beta reading" in the skills box returns four pages of names. Narrow your results further by choosing options in the content areas and fiction genres sections. If you're writing a book set in another state, you can even opt to search for someone who lives and/or works in that state!
I have served as both ARC reader and beta reader. Almost all of them have been positive experiences. The one that wasn't is an example of how not to work with beta readers.
In a Facebook group, I agreed to read the first chapter of a work in progress to give the writer an idea of whether they were going in the right direction. The chapter was great, I sent back my thoughts, and our interaction was concluded. Or so I thought.
Several months later, additional chapters showed up in my inbox without warning. And then alternate chapters arrived. By that point, I had forgotten what the original chapter was about.
Moral of the story: Before sending off your book baby, make sure you have an agreement with your beta reader as to what they will receive (how many words, in what format, title and subject of the book, etc.) and what feedback you want from them. Include delivery dates for each person. Even if you're not paying the beta reader, an agreement like this shows you respect them and their labor, ensures both of you are clear on the process and expectations, and wards off problems caused by miscommunication.
Wow! I am blindsided by that person’s behavior, as were you. I agree totally regardless of whether the job is free or not there needs to be some kind of agreement. Thank you for sharing your experience so that all of us can learn. K
Another place to find beta readers is the member directory of the Editorial Freelancers Association. https://www.the-efa.org/membership-directory/
Selecting "beta reading" in the skills box returns four pages of names. Narrow your results further by choosing options in the content areas and fiction genres sections. If you're writing a book set in another state, you can even opt to search for someone who lives and/or works in that state!
Fantastic info! Thank you 🙏
This is useful information for all writers. Thank you for sharing your experience of this topic.
Thank you. Hoping to hear more from subscribers and interested readers who drop by.