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Beta Reader Talk
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how does one become a beta reader?
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Betty
(new)
Aug 06, 2013 12:41AM
I've been wanting to be a YA beta reader but i don't know how can someone help me
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Hi Betty, The best way to do that is to get into some writing groups via social media and let people know. Writers can always use beta readers. I recommend utilising this group, Fiction writers group on Facebook, and looking up indie writers on Twitter. You could even start doing reviews for authors if you're interested in reading complete works. Most authors simply ask that you review their work on Goodreads, amazon and maybe a blog (Wordpress are free). Good luck! :)
I am always in need of beta readers who are not afraid of adventurous fiction. I do write YA but it is edgy (like life).
I've never used one but always willing to try as I'm still honing my editing and rewriting processes. I write civil war historical fiction, a heavy emphasis on soldier lives and history.
Social media is the route to take. I mentioned once on Facebook that I beta read for an author friend and now have a handful of authors I beta read for on a fairly regular basis. It was a surprise, and I secretly love being the first to read an author's baby!
I also enjoy beta reading, but I can't see how posting on my Facebook wall would get more authors interested in sending me a copy? I typically use Goodreads, my blog, or publishers for a source. Is there a better way I'm missing out on? :)
I've just started a Blog on Wordpress and post my reviews on Goodreads and Amazon, as well as Barnes and Noble. I would love more information on becoming a Beta Reader too.
I find the best way to be a beta reader is to go where the authors go.
There are tons of groups on here that feature discussions for authors asking for betas. Just search for them with the right keywords.
There are tons of groups on here that feature discussions for authors asking for betas. Just search for them with the right keywords.
Cynthia wrote: "I would love to Beta read! I've been told by many authors that I am a 'good' reader. I've had advanced English classes and Lit classes since fourth grade. I loved symbolism, hidden meaning, etc. I ..."Cynthia, I'm the author of the HOME SCHOOLING series, most recently The Siren's Tale, paranormal historical-romance. I could really use a beta reader for the third novel, which is almost complete. Send me an email if you are interested, to annecarlisle115@gmail.com.
Also, if you'd like to review The Siren's Tale, let me know, and I'll send you a pdf.
Hope wrote: "I also enjoy beta reading, but I can't see how posting on my Facebook wall would get more authors interested in sending me a copy? I typically use Goodreads, my blog, or publishers for a source. Is..."Hope, write me if you are interested, at annecarlisle115@gmail.com I have two published novels and one that I'm completing. Anne Carlisle
I get my beta readers from the groups I belong to that read my type of book. (I write under a pen name.) I am currently writing M/M fiction and I belong to a large group that discusses that genre. Fortunately that group has a folder where authors and beta readers can connect. I would guess that huge groups dedicated to science fiction or thrillers or something would also have such a thing. But if you're in a large group that doesn't have one, I suggest creating one.
I wrote letters to publishers. Took some time but it worked!! Now I have too many ARC's on my plate....interfering with MY reading. Give it a shot....patience required.
Hi. I'm responding without reading all the comments. If you can get to NY, NY, come to BookExpo America (BEA) as what's now called a "power reader"--you can buy a ticket for a day. BEA is arguably the main publishing industry conference and it's just been opened up to readers. The next one is is May 2014. See http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Press-.... You can introduce yourself to publishers and get more galleys (same as ARCs only nicer sometimes) than you can carry. Wear comfortable shoes.
Kelly Maybedog wrote: "I get my beta readers from the groups I belong to that read my type of book. (I write under a pen name.) I am currently writing M/M fiction and I belong to a large group that discusses that genre. ..."Kelly, I'm clueless. What is M/M fiction?
I believe M/M is male/male - gay/lesbian fiction
As an indie writer of urban and dark fantasy, I have been looking for a couple of good beta readers. You can view information and excerpts of my current work on my website, A.J.Church.com to see if it's something you would be interested in.If so, please contact me at ajchurch01@gmail.com
Laurean:M/M stands for "Man on man." It is used to describe gay male romance, although almost everything written about gay men that isn't mainstream literary fiction is considered M/M romance. Yeah, it's probably not common knowledge, even among those who read.
Another option to become a beta reader is to sign up with NetGalley.com. Publishers post ARCs on the site and readers request what interests them (Preference is usually given to those in some area of the industry, such as book sellers, bloggers,librarians, etc.). You are expected to give feed back and links to any review you may write, but overall I've found it very interesting.
Betty wrote: "I've been wanting to be a YA beta reader but i don't know how can someone help me"Hey Betty. I'm new to beta readers too. I'd love for you to read my books if you'd like to sometime and let me know what I can improve on. :)
Let me know. :)
I would like to become a beta reader-I have lots of time on my hands and I always seem to be running out of books to read since I read incredibly quickly. I'd love to hear from any writers of YA, Crime/mystery, or general fiction that would like me to beta read their manuscripts.
Betty wrote: "I've been wanting to be a YA beta reader but i don't know how can someone help me"If you have a manuscript ready and are willing to swap, I have a YA realistic with a paranormal twist that I could swap for what you want me to read. An agent has requested a full of mine but has not gotten back to me yet.
Red wrote: "I am always in need of beta readers who are not afraid of adventurous fiction. I do write YA but it is edgy (like life)."I would love to read a sample of your edgy YA. I have a YA that I'd love to share.
This is an older topic, but I'd also like to say that I love being a beta reader. If anyone is looking for one, let me know and we can chat!
hi my name is sherry i would like to become a beta reader if anyone is interested please let me know .email szook28@gmail.com
I'd also love to become a beta reader i am constantly reading ya and would love to read new and exciting stories. In particular fantasy, sci fi and historical fiction please comment if you are interested please let me know!!!
Hi, my name is Beth. If anyone is interested, I would like to become a beta reader. Horror stories only and nothing fazes me. Please no bizzaro. Plot continuity, character development, misspellings and opionions. Email me at bethbrooker@att.net.
Hi, my name is Rebecca Metrejean and I am interested in becoming a beta reader. I am interested in reading almost anything. I am not a big Horror reader. I am a huge Romance and Erotica reader. I also like to read some Sci-fi. Please contact me at becky.metrejean1983@gmail.com Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Hello I am interested in Beta reading. My interests are YA, Romance, and dark reads/Erotica.
I can be reached at betareader775@gmail.com
Thank you.
Hi Kch,I might need a beta reader in a few months. Right now I have a novel that is almost finished that I started at NaNo. It is the sequel to my acclaimed novel, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor which has 24 four and five star reviews. It is YA and does have a little romance in it.
If you are interested in reading my recently published YA Romance, After, that should give you an idea of my writing. Let me know. I could use more reviews too.
Sincerely,
Barbara Ehrentreu
Thanks Barbara I will take a look at your current book and let you know.
Cheers,
Kch
I am very interested in becoming a beta reader for Y/A . I find myself running out of books to read. I like paranormal,romance, dark reads and mystery.If anyone is looking, please email me to discuss your terms.
Kisajtoo@ yahoo.com thank you.
I too am interested in becoming a beta reader! I read anything, but my favorites are romance, romantic suspense, sci-fi/fantasy, historical fiction, etc. Take a look at my profile for more interests! :) and I can go through books really fast! :) Fictionalfantasies808@gmail.com if you would like some help!
Thanks!
I am a YA writer and often need Beta readers. Friend me on Facebook and PM me. =)
Hi all, I am a fanatic reader and would love to become a beta reader, I am open to reading most books but I have to admit my passion is adult romance, romance, ya romance.I would be happy to assist any time.
Thanks
Sam x
Ok im curious guys, whats the difference between reading ARCs and beta reading? Too me i do the same thing when i do both. Except, do beta readers get paid?
ARC are advanced reading copies. These are books that are ready for publishing and polished. Beta readers read the unpolished unedited work in progress novels. Some get paid some don't.
Hey :) I'd love to do some beta reading for anyone who needs a fresh set of eyes. I love reading and have read over 600 books. I read a huge range of books from ya to sci-fi to BDSM. I have a lot of free time on my hands so put me to work ;D
Hello All,My name is Connor and I am a first time author. I just completed the manuscript of my novel, and I would love the opinion of another beta before my next revision.The first beta really enjoyed the story! I am posting the back page summary below so that you may get a taste. It is post 9/11 contemporary Y/A. Please shoot me an email if you are interested! (58k words)
"My father always told my brother and me to remember that Benson blood was American blood. Some respect my father as a true patriot; others denounce him as a bigot. He testifies that the slopes of Arlington are fertilized by my brother’s corpse, and that there is no ground more American that exists. If you were to meet my father, he would tell you that I am guilty of treason. He would say that I betrayed my brother, humiliated my nation, and spit in the face of our God. One glance into Soraya’s soft green eyes reminds me that I do not care about earthly forgiveness or eternal salvation."
Email: connorlachap@gmail.com
Hi, I'm wanting to become a beta reader. I love to read. I enjoy read most any and all genres.
My name is Jodee and I would love to be a beta reader for any author in need of one. Mostly lately I have been reading erotica/romantica. But I am not a book snob I read anything.
Hello all. I'm looking to meet some new authors and read some awesome new material. So I thought I'd offer up my services as a beta reader. I'm interested in sci-fi, all flavors of fantasy and romance; either YA or regular adult fiction.Message me at er-ink_editor@hotmail.com and we can figure out if we'll work well together. Hope to speak with you soon!
Hi Samantha,I am currently in the middle of writing the sequel to my highly acclaimed YA first novel, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor. I won't be ready for a beta reader until at least July. Would you be available then? I have not shown this to many people and I am interested in the reaction to it. You do not have to read my first novel, but if you want to really appreciate this one you might do that. Just a suggestion, of course.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Barbara
I would love to become a beta reader. I read a large variety of genres and enjoy many types of fiction material. Anything from young adult to paranormal romance to BDSM. Please let me know if you are interested in having me read for you!
Yes, that would be great! I am not finished with it, but I could send you the first few chapters. I am on chapter 19. I think there will be one or two more. Obviously this is a first draft, but I need to have another opinion and whether I am going in the right direction.Does that sound okay to you?
Barbara
Hi Barbara, That sounds okay with me. I am going away on holidays for this week and will be home by July 6th if you would like to send it than.Thanks Colleen
Colleen,I would love to do that! Remember this is a first draft, but I am interested in whether or not you are interested in the character and her story. She is a character from my first book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor. I want to see if someone can read this without having read the first one.
Thank you so much and I will send it then. Do you want it here or on your email? I don't have your email. Do you want to send it to me?
You're welcome,
Barbara
Hello All-I just recently found this thread. I have been an avid fiction reader for as long as I can remember. I thought I wanted to be a writer but I always seemed to hit a road block when trying to put my ideas down on paper. This has proven to be a struggle with me.
After reading many, many books filled with information on writing your first novel I have come to the conclusion that I like reading and finding ways to improve upon what is already written rather than coming up with something from scratch on my own.
This has brought me to the path of trying to get my name out there for Authors as a Beta Reader. In order to start this I am working on building my blog and have recently started providing reviews (only 7 so far) for a publishing company.
Since this thread was started a few years ago I thought I would reach out and see if there are any new thoughts or advise on getting my name out there for Beta Reading.
I pretty much like to read all types of fiction. I am optimistic in believing that if a book was published then I should be able to give it a chance. I will admit that I have always been a fan of the YA, Romance, and Mystery Genre's. However, lately I have been delving more into Science Fiction and Fantasy.
If anyone has advise to offer I am all ears. I am also available if anyone would like to take a shot and pass a manuscript my way to Beta.
Thanks for reading my ramble.
Amanda Kerr
Hi Amanda,Actually being a beta reader means that you are willing to read a manuscript that is not yet ready for publication. The author wants to know what the reader is getting and what the reader is not getting. You just give your comments on what you have read.
I need a beta reader and would love for you to be mine. I am almost finished with a YA novel called "Jennifer's Story". It is the sequel to my first novel, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, however, you don't need to have read the first to appreciate the second one. I expect to be finished by the beginning of September and all you need to do is say you will do it and I'll send you the work.
I think I had someone else here in this group say they would beta read for me, but it's good to have two different people reading it for you.
I hope you will say yes.
Barbara Ehrentreu
