This is the place to go if you are able to give up your reading time to help an author. Being a beta-reader is not the same as just reading a book, or even reading to review a book. You'll be reading it far more closely than that - not so close as to weed out grammatical errors, but close enough that you'll be expected in most cases to truly pay attention to the story. It's your job to make sure that the story makes sense, that there aren't holes that need filling - and to point them out if there are - and to generally make sure that it reads as well as any other book on your shelf does.
Some authors will expect different things. Some may just wish to know how a certain plot twist is received, while others may want to make sure that certain characters they struggled with aren't as weak or difficult to believe as they fear they are.
Being a beta-reader is a responsibility, and a massive privilege, so make sure you treat it that way.
Authors, when pitching, include the following: 1. Page length 2. Audience 3. Blurb 4. Deadline for feedback 5. Whether you're able to send a physical copy or a PDF 6. Whether you expect the physical copy back or not and if it will be at the expense of the beta-reader 7. The extent of the non-disclosure agreement (whether the whole thing is hush-hush, for example, or if beta-readers are allowed to share a photo of themselves with the book cover and a 'look what I'm beta-reading' tweet. Be sure to make clear exactly what they can't share with the public/their following and what they can, if anything. This is entirely up to you.) 7. Whether you wish to be contacted via Goodreads or through an email address or contact form. 8. Anything else you feel is pertinent to know.
Readers, contact authors directly to ensure your application is seen, and be sure to include: 1. Your country (for ease of physical book shipment) 2. Written confirmation that you understand the terms the author has outlined and that you will be obeying their restrictions and abiding by the deadline. 3. Usual reading pattern, eg. weekend mornings, or during commutes, or if time is going to be set aside specifically such as 2 hours a day. 4. Any questions you may have.
It is up to the author how many beta-readers they will accept, and they're not obligated to accept any applications if they fall short of the author's desires (eg your reading list isn't appropriate and the author feels you're not quite the right fit for the analysis they're looking for). The author is not obligated to reply to all applications, only those they accept, though they can if they wish. It's only polite.
Being a beta-reader is not the same as just reading a book, or even reading to review a book. You'll be reading it far more closely than that - not so close as to weed out grammatical errors, but close enough that you'll be expected in most cases to truly pay attention to the story. It's your job to make sure that the story makes sense, that there aren't holes that need filling - and to point them out if there are - and to generally make sure that it reads as well as any other book on your shelf does.
Some authors will expect different things. Some may just wish to know how a certain plot twist is received, while others may want to make sure that certain characters they struggled with aren't as weak or difficult to believe as they fear they are.
Being a beta-reader is a responsibility, and a massive privilege, so make sure you treat it that way.
Authors, when pitching, include the following:
1. Page length
2. Audience
3. Blurb
4. Deadline for feedback
5. Whether you're able to send a physical copy or a PDF
6. Whether you expect the physical copy back or not and if it will be at the expense of the beta-reader
7. The extent of the non-disclosure agreement (whether the whole thing is hush-hush, for example, or if beta-readers are allowed to share a photo of themselves with the book cover and a 'look what I'm beta-reading' tweet. Be sure to make clear exactly what they can't share with the public/their following and what they can, if anything. This is entirely up to you.)
7. Whether you wish to be contacted via Goodreads or through an email address or contact form.
8. Anything else you feel is pertinent to know.
Readers, contact authors directly to ensure your application is seen, and be sure to include:
1. Your country (for ease of physical book shipment)
2. Written confirmation that you understand the terms the author has outlined and that you will be obeying their restrictions and abiding by the deadline.
3. Usual reading pattern, eg. weekend mornings, or during commutes, or if time is going to be set aside specifically such as 2 hours a day.
4. Any questions you may have.
It is up to the author how many beta-readers they will accept, and they're not obligated to accept any applications if they fall short of the author's desires (eg your reading list isn't appropriate and the author feels you're not quite the right fit for the analysis they're looking for).
The author is not obligated to reply to all applications, only those they accept, though they can if they wish. It's only polite.