Beta Reads and Critiques!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

We've had a suggestion (thank you, Jordan!) to create a place for all the many authors/writers in the group to connect to seek feedback for their projects (books, short stories, etc). It can be very difficult to find beta readers, so we hope this will become a place where authors can swap beta reads, as well as find members who are interested in beta reading.

Rules/How it Works
1) Post your projects in this thread, including:
a) your title (or working title or untitled if you haven't titled it yet)
b) genre (including target audience)
c) the length of your project
d) a brief description/synopsis for your project.
e) timeframe for feedback
f) how many readers you're looking for and whether they must have any requirements (eg prior beta reading experience, etc.)

2) Potential beta readers can ask questions and express their interest in this thread.

3) Provide potential beta readers with details on where to contact you (e-mail or Goodreads) to discuss file formats available and what is expected.

4) Provide files to your agreed beta readers!

Note: David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite provides this thread to help authors find beta readers, however, does NOT take any responsibility for the actions of the authors or beta readers, including theft of intellectual property.

Beta Reading Tips
These are just my own tips from my experience as a beta reader and as a receiver of beta feedback :)

For Authors
1) Be specific as to what type of feedback you are looking for! Do you want your readers to focus on anything in particular?

2) Provide as many file formats as possible, to ensure the best reading experience for your readers. Ensure the files are formatted properly. Personally, I provide mobi (Kindle), epub (Nook, iPad, etc), and pdf.

3) Avoid sending editable (MS Word) files unless you implicitly trust the person.

4) Give at least 3-4 weeks for your readers to read and provide comments. Be cognizant that beta reading is much more time consuming than pleasure reading.

5) Remember that each beta reader's comments are their own opinions and meant to help you! Don't react emotionally to constructive feedback. Consider whether you agree with each point and whether they're consistent with other beta readers' comments and decide whether to make revisions.

6) Include your beta readers in your acknowledgements and offer them free ARCs before the final book is published!

For Beta Readers
1) Be specific! This is hugely important to the writer. If you can quote the line your comment refers to, that really helps the writer to locate the place in the book and make revisions.

2) Give positive AND constructive feedback! Beta reading isn't all about bashing the author's hard work. Also tell them what you enjoyed about the book, so that the author knows what NOT to change. Of course, also note what you didn't like, or suggestions you have, so the author knows where to focus their revisions.

3) Finish the read! Remember that the author is counting on you, so do your best to finish their book, even if you aren't enjoying it. You might just love the ending, which is important feedback for the author to know. Or you might really not enjoy it the whole way through, which is also important feedback. The important thing is that the author gets comprehensive feedback on the entire book, so they can make it a book you WILL like.

4) Try to hit the author's deadline, and if you won't make it, let them know ahead of time.

5) Have fun with beta reading, and enjoy being part of creating something!

[Jenny, Always smiling! :-D]

These are great tips, David, and I think this is an awesome thing for the group!

[Karen’s Library]

Agreed!! :)

[Ela]

This is so well timed it's scary! I was just wondering how I could get involved with authors and beta reading and all aspects of writing. I am not ready to share anything (yet?) but I'm on board for beta reading and what not :)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Awesome, thanks Ela!! Hopefully we'll get some authors using this new group program soon!

Authors, there's already a potential beta reader for you...Ela!