Beta Reader Group discussion
Writing Advice & Discussion
>
Where are all the non-fiction beta readers?
date
newest »
newest »
I'm sure there are other places, but I only look here. When I was looking for beta readers, I got only a handful of people interested. When I look for things to read, I'm rather particular, and might only find something once every couple of weeks or so (though it's funny how it will sometimes come in bunches). Over the holidays I posted as a beta reader and barely got any interest (though I was focused on erotica; perhaps there weren't any writers at that time).My point, then, is it may boil down to timing and luck. You may be looking for specific readers the exact moment they're busy reading instead of looking here.
Best of luck to you!
I've beta read two memoirs through this board.That said, like Keith, I'm quite selective when I browse through the "Authors Seeking..." board because doing a beta read is such a massive amount of work. I'd consider a non-fiction work, but it would have to be on a topic which grabs my interest, plus, I'd have to be available to beta read at that time.
Hi, I am available to beta read any genres and have been posting/looking on this site. I will read pretty much anything (except extreme violence and eroticism) - I have read fiction, non-fiction, workbooks, memoirs, outlines, plus
If you are interested please check out my site for pricing and testimonials:
https://macleaseread.wixsite.com/beta...
I can be reached at macleaseread@gmail.com,
I have learned to be open to discuss anything someone is looking for to see if I may be of assistance. Some things I have enjoyed very much and have learned from, have been things I would not have initially thought about doing.
Thank You
Dana
You might try posting a job on Upwork. Or, check out Critique Circle, which functions largely on a critique-swap basis. Though submissions on CC do focus on fiction and you can only submit in chunks, the site is unbelievably useful for finding writers w/ experience (many published) to review your work.
Angela wrote: "There appears to be a lack of creative non-fiction and non-fiction beta readers. Is there somewhere else I should be going for this kind of help? Suggestions welcomed. Thanks!
Angela"
Hi Angela- I am a beta-reader, and enjoy nonfiction reading and giving thorough critiques. I have copy edited two memoirs and a cookbook (would love to have many more of these), and look forward to seeing more postings for readers.
Please visit my website (www.zetterbergediting.com) for more about my freelance work and beta reading.
Best,
Polly zeepolly@ gmail.com
Dana wrote: "Hi, I am available to beta read any genres and have been posting/looking on this site. I will read pretty much anything (except extreme violence and eroticism) - I have read fiction, non-fiction,..."
Thanks Dana. Look forward to working with you!
Angela :)
Polly wrote: "Angela wrote: "There appears to be a lack of creative non-fiction and non-fiction beta readers. Is there somewhere else I should be going for this kind of help? Suggestions welcomed. Thanks!
Ang..."
Jess wrote: "You might try posting a job on Upwork. Or, check out Critique Circle, which functions largely on a critique-swap basis. Though submissions on CC do focus on fiction and you can only submit in chunk..."
Thanks Polly! I will check out your website.
Angela :)
Jess wrote: "You might try posting a job on Upwork. Or, check out Critique Circle, which functions largely on a critique-swap basis. Though submissions on CC do focus on fiction and you can only submit in chunk..."Thanks Jess. I will look into these for sure!
Angela :)
I'm a beta reader willing to read non-fiction, but that really depends on the topic, so I don't advertise as non-fiction. I do look at posts for beta reader requests and then decide based on the description
I am a beta reader, still learning the ropes, but willing to give an honest critique about what I am reading. I also have a book that is in the process of being beta read and find the comments helpful.
Diana wrote: "I am a beta reader, still learning the ropes, but willing to give an honest critique about what I am reading. I also have a book that is in the process of being beta read and find the comments help..."Hi Diana! I am interested in discussing a potential swap. Please email me at CareToAge@gmail.com. Thanks!
No problem my e mail is di_1965@hotmail.co.uk
Fiction writers seek beta readers more often, in my opinion and experience, and there are more fiction writers here, I'm sure. I'm a paid beta reader who beta reads non- fiction as well, and there don't seem to be that many authors who want me to beta read their non- fiction book. I enjoy reading and beta reading non-fiction, though.
Grace wrote: "Fiction writers seek beta readers more often, in my opinion and experience, and there are more fiction writers here, I'm sure. I'm a paid beta reader who beta reads non- fiction as well, and there ..."Hi Grace. Thanks for your information. I will keep you in mind for future projects!
Angela :)
If you're still looking for a non-ficiton beta reader, I'll gladly help. I'm pretty new, but non-fiction is about 90% of all I read and I'm starting on my own non-fiction project, so I'd be happy to help you out with honest feedback and anything else you might need with your project :)If interested, my email is edenlinkin@gmail.com
I'm definitely interested in any future projects of yours. Here is more is information on my beta reading services https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
The Writer's Reader, https://thewritersreader.wordpress.com accepts non-fiction. Please contact me at sharonmbaugh@gmail.com. Full disclosure - this is a paid service.
Angela wrote: "There appears to be a lack of creative non-fiction and non-fiction beta readers. Is there somewhere else I should be going for this kind of help? Suggestions welcomed. Thanks!
Angela"
Try me. I am an academic writer. See my site.
https://johnwilson.academia.edu/resea...
I liked your book titles (I looked after my mother before she died.) - John
email me on: eumenades@yahoo.com
Well here I am, but I charge. My preference is non-fiction
Non-fiction? Published academic and English teacher. Free beta swops initially of 15 pages. eumenades@yahoo.com
John wrote: "Non-fiction? Published academic and English teacher. Free beta swops initially of 15 pages. eumenades@yahoo.com"Yes, I saw your post (above), John. Whilst I have an 'autobio' almost ready , I have a large commission that is taking all my time at the moment (I paint as well as write). I'll get back to you at a later date if that is acceptable to you?
John wrote: "John wrote: "Non-fiction? Published academic and English teacher. Free beta swops initially of 15 pages. eumenades@yahoo.com"Yes, I saw your post (above), John. Whilst I have an 'autobio' almost ..."
Sure. No problem. Have fun!
It's next to impossible to get a beta reader on Goodreads or anywhere else unless you're Stephen King/the next JK Rowling or something. I spent a year trying to get a single beta reader and hit nil until I went to many sites that link me up with them.
It's sad that you have to pay someone to read your stuff, but when you're a new author, that's just the way it goes. I haven't built up a fanbase nor is my stuff widely available so I had to go the route of seeking professional beta readers and that's not free. If you're a new author, especially an indie author, don't let anybody fool you; it's going to take you 3 to 6 months just to get 1 person interested in reading your book as a beta reader [for free]; even if it's going to be a bestseller.
I no longer get fooled by all these places where I'm supposed to meet a beta reader - by the time someone even shows any interest in my stuff [and mind you, I'm not the best author out there/nor is my content that original to people who've never read my work - they just think it's another in the line of thousands of books like that in the genre and that's the problem; it's an ocean and I'm just a drop of water] it's time for publication or it's been published already.
Beta-reader matching services have worked wonders for getting a reader's point of view before publishing anything.
Books I was about to publish independently [even after going through an editor] have now been delayed thanks to my 3 awesome beta readers who've found so many issues I can address before launch.
And trust me, I've launched my share of "unpolished" novels to know the difference with one that's been through an expensive editor [but my editors are cheap in comparison] and double checked by beta readers with eagle eyes.
If you're lucky, and you use the services that match you up with people who are actually interested in helping an indie author, you'll get a beta reader like mine; she actually combs through the novel and line edits as if she were an editor [asking me questions about things that confused her in the notes] and I didn't even ask her for this. You won't find that on Goodreads, unfortunately, and if you do, you're very very lucky.
But why leave your career to luck unless this is just a hobby to you? Goodreads is a great way to build a fanbase, but when it comes to the business side of things, I have yet to connect to anyone who'll help out for free.
And the irony continues...as soon as you build a little fanbase; they'll come to you [as some of mine have] to help you launch your next title. It's like the chicken and the egg paradox, I swear; you need a fanbase to grow a base of readers, and without the fanbase, you can't grow one.
Did you have a compelling blurb when you sought beta readers? I've always been able to find free ones. And I've done swaps, another way to get free input.I've noticed in quite a few free beta requests that the author has provided very little information. Sometimes I'll ask them for a blurb, but often I just pass on to the next one. Of course, a compelling blurb in a genre I'm not interested in won't get me to make an offer, but I bet I'm not the only one who makes decisions based on the subject line and blurb.
I must have got lucky, for this week I posted my first ever posting to Goodreads, seeking a beta reader for my first book. I had two responses, one of which gave me great, very respectful detailed feedback within a few days. I did include a detailed synopsis of my story which evidently included subject matter that appealed to the reader, so possibly prompted this response.
Very grateful and a positive experience.
I must have gotten lucky too because although I went with a handful of paid readers, I also managed to find a couple of free ones through here.
Nevada wrote: "I'm a beta reader willing to read non-fiction, but that really depends on the topic, so I don't advertise as non-fiction. I do look at posts for beta reader requests and then decide based on the de..."Hello Nevada. Your post is four years old. Are you still beta reading?
Thanks!
Angela