Protecting my MS

[James]

Should I make BETA readers sign a NDA? Or is my MS safe regardless?

[Davida]

Hi There, I have Beta read for a number of authors and have never been asked to sign an NDA- but I would be very happy to do so. I usually mention that their stories are safe with me when we are setting up the process.

[James]

Awesome. Thanks for your response!

[Ray]

I've beta read for a few authors, but I'm selective. If the author asks for extraneous things like signing an NDA or filling out forms, it's a big NO. I'm more than willing to help a fellow writer, but I don't want to get spammed because they put me on their mailing list, and I'm not putting my name on any legal documentation for some stranger when I'm doing them a favor (for free). However! I'm up front about what I'm willing to do, and I delete ALL copies of their MS (even in my email) after I receive confirmation that they received my work. All that to say, asking for an NDA is at the author's discretion. Some betas will be okay with it, some not.

[Nicole]

I've never signed one nor asked someone kind enough to beta read for me to sign one. Unless you're writing the sequel to a best seller or are a famous writer starting a new series, it seems silly and quite frankly a little egotistical.

:)

[Ana]

I have had the same question. I don't think it's egotistical or silly to ask for a NDA. I also think beta readers should respect a writer's request for one-- we work hard on these books! It has NO reflection on our appreciation of betas time and work. Signing a NDA does not take any time or effort on the part of the beta.

ANYWAY. I think the short answer, as seen above, is that NDA is not a common practice, and possibly a deterrent. So, I've found that sending your MS via Google Docs with specific privacy settings seems to be the safest way. I had someone recommend that after a given timeframe the beta reader is "deleted" from given access.