If you’re at the stage of finding beta readers for your manuscript, congratulations! You’ve done the hard work of writing, and now it’s time to get some outside opinions. But where exactly can you find these beta readers? And what should you keep in mind during the process? Here’s a look at a few popular avenues and some crucial considerations.
Facebook Beta Reading Groups
Facebook has a wide range of groups dedicated to beta reading. Many writers have found success by joining these communities and connecting with readers eager to help authors improve their manuscripts. Simply search for “beta readers” on Facebook, and you’ll find several groups where you can post your request. Just be clear about what you’re looking for; genre, preferred feedback, and deadlines, for instance.
Genre-Specific Facebook Reader Groups
A more targeted approach is to join Facebook groups specific to the genre you’re writing in. These groups tend to attract readers who love your genre and are often willing to read and critique unpublished works. For example, if you’re writing a mystery novel, join a mystery reader group and ask if anyone would be interested in serving as a beta reader. Not only will you get feedback from genre enthusiasts, but you might also gain potential future fans of your work.
Scribophile’s Beta Readers Directory
Scribophile is another fantastic resource, especially for writers looking for detailed feedback. Scribophile’s beta readers directory allows you to find beta readers within its platform, many of whom are writers themselves. Since the community revolves around critiquing and improving writing, the feedback you receive is likely to be insightful and actionable.
Goodreads Beta Readers Group
Goodreads isn’t just for book recommendations and reviews, it’s also a haven for writers seeking beta readers. There’s a dedicated Beta Readers Group where you can request feedback on your manuscript. Just like on Facebook, genre-focused groups can be beneficial here, too. Post your request in appropriate threads, and you’ll likely find a handful of readers willing to offer constructive criticism.
Absolute Write Forum
The Absolute Write Forum has a section dedicated to beta readers and critiques. This long-standing forum is a great place to connect with people who take writing seriously and are often willing to help others fine-tune their work. Since the forum has a mix of experienced and emerging writers, it’s a good spot to receive varied perspectives on your manuscript.
Critique Match
Critique Match is a platform built for connecting writers with beta readers and critique partners. You can create a profile, list your manuscript, and connect with others looking to exchange feedback. It offers a more structured environment for finding readers, which can be reassuring if you’re looking for a more formal critique setup.
Paid Beta Services
If you prefer to take a more professional route, there are also paid beta reader services available on websites like Reedsy. These platforms connect you with vetted beta readers who provide detailed feedback. While this can get expensive, it’s an option if you’re looking for thorough feedback from experienced readers. There’s also potentially less risk in these managed paid services.
Why I Don’t Use Family and Friends as Beta Readers
I’ve blogged about this before [Start Your Story from the End], but it’s worth mentioning again: I never ask family and friends to beta read my work. Why? Because they tend to be biased, often leaning toward either excessive praise or an unwillingness to provide tough feedback. When you’re looking for honest critique, it’s best to go with someone who doesn’t have a personal stake in your success. Their feedback will be more objective and likely more useful.
Emotional Reactions to Feedback
Receiving feedback can be a tough pill to swallow, especially when you’ve poured your heart and soul into your manuscript. Some comments might feel harsh, but it’s essential to approach them with an open mind. Try not to take critiques personally, especially when the same points come up from multiple beta readers. It’s easy to feel defensive, but remember, the goal is to make your manuscript the best it can be. And let’s be honest, sometimes the hardest feedback is the most valuable.
Don’t Edit Until All Feedback Is In
One piece of advice I always give is to avoid editing until you’ve received all your beta feedback. Reviewing and editing too early can lead to unnecessary changes or confusion. Plus, if one beta reader points out an issue that no one else sees, it might not be a widespread problem. By waiting until everyone has completed their read, you can get a more comprehensive view of what needs work.
Protect Your Manuscript from Plagiarism
One concern many writers have is protecting their manuscript from falling into the wrong hands. While it’s rare for someone to steal your work, it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips to help safeguard your manuscript:
1. Use a trusted platform: Stick to well-established platforms like Scribophile, Goodreads, or Critique Match, where users have a reputation to uphold.
2. Limit how much you share: Consider sharing only parts of your manuscript, like the first few chapters, until you build trust with a beta reader.
3. Keep records: Keep track of who you’ve sent your manuscript to, and when. You can also send yourself a copy of your manuscript before sharing it, which serves as a time-stamped record of your work.
4. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): If you’re feeling particularly cautious, you could ask beta readers to sign an NDA before reading your work. However, this may deter some volunteer readers.
Summary and Conclusion:
In conclusion, finding the right beta readers takes time, but it’s worth it. There are plenty of avenues to explore, from Facebook groups to dedicated platforms like Critique Match and Scribophile. Be patient, protect your work, and keep an open mind when the feedback starts rolling in. And most importantly, don’t let negative feedback bring you down, it’s all part of the process of becoming a better writer.
- Facebook Beta Reading Groups: Join general beta reader communities.
- Genre-Specific Facebook Reader Groups: Find beta readers who are fans of your genre.
- Scribophile’s Beta Readers Directory: Connect with a community of writers offering detailed feedback
- Goodreads Beta Readers Group: Join the Goodreads community and tap into genre-specific groups
- Absolute Write Forum: Use this long-established forum to find serious beta readers.
- Critique Match: A structured platform for matching with beta readers and critique partners.
- Paid Beta Services on Reedsy.com: Get professional feedback through vetted beta readers.
About me:
If you’d like to check out some of my other creative endeavors beyond writing, take a look at my YouTube channel, where I share my long-distance hiking adventures, amongst other things. For stunning nature photography, you can visit my Shutterstock portfolio.
Exciting news! My debut historical novel, set in the breathtaking landscapes of Windermere, is coming soon. It’s a gripping tale of mystery and betrayal that’s sure to captivate. Don’t miss out – subscribe for the latest updates and sneak peeks here.
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PJ Scribbans Author 