Looking for advice on setting up a beta-reader's group

[Eileen]

I got involved in historical fiction groups here and noticed that another reader commenting on the site had opinions/ratings about books that were similar to mine. I approached her and turned out she was a retired librarian with a cultural background that meshed well with the era I write about. And she was willing to be a beta reader for me!

Involvement in subject groups is the best way to start.

[B.A.]

if you have an email list of fans from your other books, ask for volunteers. When you send out to Beta readers, given them a list of things to look for and what to ignors (like typos, poor sentence sturctures, etc) There is a Beta Readers group, but that is usually individuals and some do it for pay.

My best luck has been with my email list and my critic group.

[Eileen]

Nathan wrote: "But, specifically, how do I use Goodreads for this? I can reach out via email and recruit beta readers, but where does Goodreads fit into it?"

You can message people on Goodreads. Is that what you're asking? Also, once the book is finished and published, ask your beta readers on Goodreads for an unbiased rating and/or a review.

[Eldon, Lost on the road to Mordor]

Nathan wrote: "In other words, what does Goodreads actually offer the writer to support creative collaboration?..."

I'm going to be honest Nathan, I don't think you're going to find what you're looking for in GR. This site is set up to cater to readers more than writers. I wouldn't recommend trying to use it to set up a beta team as you could easily run afoul on here. As mentioned previously, your best bet is to use your newsletter for this type of recruitment.

[Eileen]

Eldon wrote: "Nathan wrote: "In other words, what does Goodreads actually offer the writer to support creative collaboration?..."

I'm going to be honest Nathan, I don't think you're going to find what you're lo..."

Eldon's correct. Moderators might block you for something like that. As I said, I found 1 by participating in groups and noticing someone whose interests matched mine who was kind enough to agree. You'd be better off looking for beta readers in writers' groups or getting to know people at writers' conferences.

I've heard that Email lists also help, but it didn't do so much for me.

[Gifford]

Hi, Nathan,

There is a Beta Reader group here on Goodreads, where you can ask for or offer help to readers/other authors. As far as I know, there isn't an independent forum for the groups to meet here.

Both my critique groups are set up on iO. One is private (by invitation only) but the other (Janice Hardy's) is open to new subscribers. There are many other public critique groups listed there.

There are also websites like Critique Circle & Ladies Who Critique (now open to gentlemen as well) where you can post your stories for feedback. Be sure to read all the rules first, as some of them require you to earn "points" before you post.