The Search Begins

Being a beta reader is an exciting prospect!!! I ask that you please read this post in its entirety before applying to ensure understanding for both of us. Thank you!

 

 

 

I told you I would be looking for permanent beta readers last month, and now, I’m ready to begin the search!

First of all, I’m looking for very specific things in betas. Also, I’m looking for people who mesh well with me and my style. If I don’t think you’ll be a good fit, please, don’t be offended! It’s nothing against you personally, I just don’t think our styles will match.

To be honest, I have been absolutely burned by multiple cruel critiques over the years. I’m embarrassed to say that those experiences have actually made me quite fearful about sharing my work with others, to the point where I dread even the thought of asking for beta readers. But I know I need betas!

So here, we have an issue. And this is where I cower in a corner and ask that you please be sweet and kind in all of your critiques of other people’s work–not just mine! No, I’m not saying that you have to be sickeningly sweet or say things that aren’t true, but there is absolutely a way to point out the flaws in someone’s work without being unkind about it. *rant over*

 

Here are some things I’m looking for in beta readers:

Experience.

This is a toughie, because I know a lot of people (myself included ;) ) volunteer to be betas just so they can read a book before the rest of the world sees it. That’s not the type of person I’m looking for (if you want that, sign up to be an advanced reader for me! :) ). I want the folks on my beta team to have some experience in writing, and even better, to have a particular strength they can offer me.

A love for many different genres.

Because I write in so many genres, I need betas who are okay being flexible. Having a team of betas for each genre isn’t gonna work, unfortunately. ;) To give you an idea, I’ve written historical fiction, contemporary fiction, biblical fiction, and dystopia.

Time for a friendship.

Yes, you are investing a lot of your time in me and my writing by being a beta, but I’m also investing my time in you! I don’t want people who will read the book, tell me what’s wrong with it, then disappear until the next book needs to be read. Nope nope nope. I want to be your friend! You’re helping me SO much, please let me invest time in YOU, as well. That can be something as small as interacting in comments, but it’s still time. I don’t appreciate shallow relationships.

Kindness in critiques.

I talked about this above and I don’t want to be ridiculous about it, but this is something that is really, REALLY important to me. I want constructive criticism, but it’s not okay for that right to be abused. Don’t be afraid to tell me how I can improve–I truly want to improve my writing!!–but please don’t be rude about it. :)

Commitment.

I need a team. A team of reliable people, who aren’t going to duck out after a month or two. Of course, I’m not going to chain you to helping me (I’m not quite that mean ;-) ), but I would appreciate it if you are prepared to stick with me for awhile.

Note: Not wanting to read one particular project, being too busy at the time to do so, family/personal emergencies, etc. are a separate issue. I promise I won’t be holding a whip over ya’ll! :)

 

Now that you made it through all of that, here’s some information for YOU! :D

You don’t have to read every book! For each book, I’ll be sending out emails introducing the book, providing a blurb, and linking to a google doc of the first chapter. If you don’t think the book is something you’d enjoy, or you don’t have time to beta, or…anything! Don’t feel strapped to a contract. I promise, I won’t be mad if you simply don’t want to read one of my books. :)

 

There will be times when I ask that you not reveal (online) that you are beta-ing one of my books. I’m already planning a few “surprise” releases, so I’ll need your help keeping secrets from the public. ;-) (Oh yeah, this is very much an “insider” thing. ;) )

 

I’ll always give a time limit for beta-ing projects, which can be anywhere from two weeks to a month.

 

Tis is an application/tryout process. I’ll be reading everyone’s applications, sending out a chapter or two, and deciding from there.

 

The biggest thing to note is that I’m only opening FIVE SLOTS. Only 5 new peeps get to join my beta team. It’s gonna be so hard to choose!!!!!!!

 

Let me say one thing after all of that: PLEASE DON’T BE SCARED . I promise I’m not a mean, scary person. :D

 

If you think we would work well together and would like to like to apply, please fill out this google form! I’ll be closing it on August 19th.

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