Beta Reads - Can They Count for Reading Challenge

[Madelon]

I posted this to Feedback and Emily suggested I post it here.

I beta read several books a year. A couple of years ago, I read one that has not yet been published. I have beta read two novels this year, both over 500 pages in length.

Emily's response to my question to the Feedback group:

"Are these books in progress or would they be thought of like advance reader copies? If they are finished books we can probably add them even if they don't make it to print.
You can ask in the Questions folder in the Librarians Group here:"

These are books in progress, and the two this year are to be published. I would not consider them ARCs because I do proofing and give feedback.

The book that I beta read a couple of years ago or so, was a 5-star read in search of a publisher. IMHO, it could make it to the top of the NYT best seller list.

When beta reading something I know will be published, I just keep searching here and on Amazon till it shows up. The two from this year will be published in June and July, so not a problem.

I guess the reason for my question is that a book like the one that I read quite a while ago now, and may never be published, would need the author's permission to list it anywhere. I know the author in question. Said author is still looking for an agent and a publisher for the book, and I wouldn't want to throw a monkey wrench in the works.

[lethe]

Books in progress may not be added to the database. If/when they have been published, they may be added.

[rivka, Former Moderator]

Madelon wrote: "These are books in progress, and the two this year are to be published. I would not consider them ARCs because I do proofing and give feedback."

Until and unless they reach at least the ARC stage, or are formally announced as forthcoming books by the publisher, they should not be added to Goodreads.

[Emily]

Thanks for all the detail Madelon! And thanks for the replies. I was not familiar with the beta reading terminology.