Review Group discussion
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Critique/beta read section?
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It's a good idea Emma - it might not take off, but you never know. If it did, it could be really useful for everyone. I know this because I've been looking for beta readers myself recently!It could take the form of a thread on which people request beta readers. Three things I'd suggest:
People posting their work requesting beta readers should give a reasonable synopsis, so that [potential readers know whether they'd want to read it or not. Information should include the length (in no. of words preferably).
They also need to say briefly what they expect from a beta reader (or the mod could specify that for all books).
Also, there needs to be some mechanism for removing posts when someone is no longer seeking readers.
Does that make sense? Any other thoughts?
I was wondering how we'd arrange to 'pay' the beta readers, otherwise I think they'd lack an incentive, we're all busy people. With the reviews, you get 'paid' by receiving a non-reciprocal review.Perhaps a list such as the 'one for one reviews' I've recently set up could work, but it may take a long time to get the beta reads you might require. However we wouldn't need to stick to the 'non-reciprocal' rule as the beta reads would go straight to the author.
Perhaps doing a beta read could result in a choice of adding a book to the beta read list or the 'one for one' review list?
I think specifying what was expected should be set by the group so there are no arguments.
As for removing old posts, not a problem any mod can do that.
Indeed, there is no need to rule out reciprocal reviews in this case, so that might be the substitute for payment. In that case, a "seeking beta for beta" thread might pretty much run itself. Alternatively, doing a beta read could earn you a credit that you can then "redeem" from the group when you need one yourself.
I think this would be great. I am also looking for beta readers.Just getting to read new novels may be incentive enough (It would for me) otherwise it could be beta for beta or a free copy of the finished work - maybe a signed hard copy?
I’d love to have the services of a beta reader. I’ve gone for so long without a second pair of eyes and I think that could be affecting my sales. I do have some ground rules for anybody who’s interested:1. Kindness and honesty are equally important when giving feedback.
2. Having a strong stomach for mature content is highly recommended.
That second rule is important, because the first thing I’m going to have my beta reader critique is the one e-book in my self-published repertoire that desperately needs it the most: Dragon Machinegun. I already know that long-winded paragraphs and overusing adjectives, adverbs, and weak words are literary taboos. I plan on doing a thorough job of fixing those problems. It’s the problems I can’t see on my own that need pointing out.
Those are my two-cents on the subject of beta-readers.
I'll set up a 'beta-read' thread.At the moment, I'll have it as a 'swop' situation, so pairs of authors can negotiate between the two of you.
Let me know if you want your book removed from the list on the thread.
It'll be below the 'one for one' thread.
Check out the GR grouphttps://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I got three very helpful leads there.
If we could get something going too it would be fantastic. It is a lot of work!
Here it is Jamie https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... but it hasn't really taken off yet.
And yes, I think you should present as clean a copy as you can to a beta, but that's sort of the point. You get it to a stage when you can't see the errors, then let someone else have a look.
if so, how do you think it could work?