Finding a beta reader

[Jeffrey]

How do some of you go about finding a beta reader?

I have a few short stories I am hoping to get read and some comments on. They are horror stories. Kind of violent.

How do you know if the person is reputable? Is that an even relevant question?

[B.A.]

Join the Beta Reader Group here on Goodreads would be a start. If you have an email list, put it out there to them.

[Jeffrey]

B.A. wrote: "Join the Beta Reader Group here on Goodreads would be a start. If you have an email list, put it out there to them."

Thank you. I will do just as you suggest.

[Laura]

If you aren't a member of critters.org, you might want to consider joining -- especially if you write horror/fantasy/sci-fi short stories. I've been a member for over a year now & have gotten quite a few useful critiques from the authors there. YOU have to be willing to read/critique others' work, too, though.

In terms of "reputable," I'm not sure whether you are worried that potential betas are just looking for a free read, plan to plagiarize your work or aren't very good at giving feedback.

There are so many free books that have already been edited out there, that I think the first shouldn't be a concern. Likewise plagiarism ... maybe if you were Stephen King ... but otherwise, I think we are all fairly safe. But finding someone good at providing feedback ... that can be more challenging. That said, I've been able to find at least something from everyone who's responded to my work to help me improve it. But great critiques are precious and rare. Especially those individuals willing to read your work at an early stage. Blessings on everyone who does it!

[Jeffrey]

Laura wrote: "If you aren't a member of critters.org, you might want to consider joining -- especially if you write horror/fantasy/sci-fi short stories. I've been a member for over a year now & have gotten quite..."

Thank you Laura. I meant all of those things you reference, but also turn around time too. I have to confess I've never used a beta reader before. I have an editing company I was thrilled with (Red Adept) but I was looking at short stories for beta reading so I don't think the economics works with just a short story.

I really appreciate the ideas. I will look into Critters as soon as I can! Thank you!

[Tomas, Wandering dreamer]

I got some swaps via people I mutually follow on my blog, some here on Goodreads (in the beta reader group or just by discussing something with people and finding we have a similar taste) and some on the betareader.io site.

[Stephen]

Jeffrey wrote: "How do some of you go about finding a beta reader?

I have a few short stories I am hoping to get read and some comments on. They are horror stories. Kind of violent.

How do you know if the perso..."

I would be willing to help as I know how tough it is to get good critiques and reviews. Send me a message.

[Jeffrey]

Tomas wrote: "I got some swaps via people I mutually follow on my blog, some here on Goodreads (in the beta reader group or just by discussing something with people and finding we have a similar taste) and some ..."

Thanks Tomas. Much appreciated.