Do people beta readers charge?

[Sarah]

I know this is a pretty old post topic, but for writers who are coming here and just getting their feet wet thinking about looking for beta readers or revision advice, I thought it might be helpful to sum up the salient points:

--The term "beta reading" is most commonly thought of as a single hobby reader who agrees to read a draft manuscript for free, for fun, and give some basic feedback

--If a beta reader charges for their services, it's likely (or should be) because they're offering you more than what you get from a free beta reader:
--a guaranteed delivery date (people who read for free must necessarily put your MS behind their other life commitments),
--an outline of exactly what you get from them, (i.e., detailed feedback, the length of their critique and revision suggestions for major areas like Plot, Character, Setting, Grammar, etc)
--a summary of their qualifications
--sometimes a sample option so you can make sure that you're a good fit.

--Paid beta reading services are in the editorial realm of writing services: in-depth feedback from a trusted source that should give you clear direction for a revision. These are worth it, depending on your goals: getting a traditional publishing deal, becoming a successful chart-climbing indie author, etc. Writing well takes a lot of work, and though you can do it on your own, writing services from professionals to help you get there should and do cost money. If you know you want in-depth feedback, you can search for "manuscript critique" services, and developmental editors also usually offer something like this.

--Did I miss anything?

Full disclosure: I run a company that offers a 30 page manuscript critique based on three full beta readers' comments. We do charge because we hire specialized qualified readers by genre, and because we analyze consensus between the three readers to give you a full breakdown of what's working/not working in every aspect of your manuscript. (If three experienced Romance readers agree on a flaw in your arc, you'll want to pay attention). So in terms of safeguards we do tell you exactly what you get for your money, give you a sample critique, a money-back guarantee, etc. https://thespunyarn.com/purchase

As a writer myself and a beta reader, I've found this thread incredibly insightful. Hopefully other writers who find it will as well.

[Temidayo]

Though this is an old topic, but I do want to thank Sheri and Kathy for clarifying the role of a beta reader in writing as not just merely a "I like or do not like your manuscript", but as a service that deserves more reckoning and worth. Thanks for improving the image of beta readers.

[laura8759]

I know this is an old topic but i have been beta reading for free since November 2020 i have beta read 14 books and in the last 5 years have reviewer over 122 books and done 10 Q and A's with authors and was wondering if i included a book review and Q and A would it be okay to charge a small fee for beta reading.

[Lockart]

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[Lockart]

it keeps saying I need to verify my email? testing it here.