Beta Reader Group discussion
Authors Seeking FREE Betas
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ATTENTION: Spammers and scammers in the group
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"I wanted to share a cautionary note in case others are contacted. I was recently approached by someone using the name Blessings and the email booktaylor31@gmail.com. The payment email they provided did not match the email listed on their Goodreads profile or their official website."This is false information. Simply not true. And I will gladly speak out and support Blessing. I have used her service for close to a year now, and have never had any issues with communication or payment, let alone anything else.
I suspect you may have put in the wrong information, or there must have been a misunderstanding/miscommunication.
Blessing has always been willing to talk and communicate through issues, especially like this.
I would try reaching out to her again and explaining your issues.
- Dave R
Liz wrote: "I recognize that accusing people of using AI is tricky but there have also been a few instances where the person's grasp of English (and I'm not trying to be cruel here) and how they speak casually..."OK, I don't support AI for reviews. If I want an AI review I can do it myself and not pay someone to do it BUT...
Rather than joining the witch hunt and using these rubbish 100% accurate guaranteed AI checkers that flag H.P. Lovecraft as using AI, I would approach it differently.
Was the review helpful? Did it point out inconsistencies, plot holes, or date mixups? Things like reaching in his pocket for his phone (IN 1979), Suggestions for improvement? Poor grammar,
If it did, then WTF are you bitching about? Whether a human or a machine did it, IF IT HELPED, why do you care?
The AI reviewers I’ve seen were unhelpful. Take Autocrit’s ‘Deep POV’' It’s a joke. It’s hysterically funny and not in the slightest bit helpful. Other aspects of it ARE helpful.
What it means is that if Victor Canning, H.P. Lovecraft, and many other best-selling authors from bygone days submitted manuscripts to agents or publishers. THEY WOULD BE REJECTED AS BEING AI.
Is this what you REALLY want?
Be careful what you wish for.
Mod
To be honest, I find your comments in general to be unnecessarily combative. You are, of course, allowed to post but I don't see myself in engaging with your comments in the future.
The problem here is that people are lying about using AI and passing it off as their own work. Others do have an issue with this and that is why this thread was created and people have contributed to it.
Liz wrote: "Henry,To be honest, I find your comments in general to be unnecessarily combative. You are, of course, allowed to post but I don't see myself in engaging with your comments in the future.
The pr..."
I agree with Liz.
Henry, what you have said in your most recent comments, you’ve already said before, almost verbatim.
I also don’t understand why you responded to my most recent comment talking almost solely about AI usage, when my comment had nothing to do with said topic. I was calling out unfairly tarnishing the reputation of someone just because the person used a different email for receiving payment.
Of course, everyone is invited to make their comments on this thread as long as they don’t divert from the topic at hand. But I would definitely suggest you to make a separate thread so you can keep defending AI use (as that is what I interpreted from your “I don’t care if a machine does it as long as it’s helpful” comment), or anything else you’d like, and have the people who are interested in engaging with you on this topic, participate in it.
Mod
Username: Chelly
Email: chellynora00@gmail.com
This person has been warned multiple times about posting in the free section despite the fact that they have said outright that they charge.
There are other indicators/typical behavioral patterns that suggest to me that this person might be a scammer.
Dave wrote: ""I wanted to share a cautionary note in case others are contacted. I was recently approached by someone using the name Blessings and the email booktaylor31@gmail.com. The payment email they provide..."Without wanting to sound rude, how long have you been in this group? Blessing's account is wayyyyy more older than mine and I joined this group on late 2023. I stand by Blessing!
Dave wrote: ""I wanted to share a cautionary note in case others are contacted. I was recently approached by someone using the name Blessings and the email booktaylor31@gmail.com. The payment email they provide..."Sorry, I wanted to comment on Sable's comment, not yours! Sorry, mate
Mod
Mod
Julie Catherine has changed her username to Inkworth and is now friending people privately instead of commenting publicly because she knows she will be called out.
This may be an approach others use as well.
For authors: I know this thread is a lot to keep up with but please check the list of known scammers and know that this group of people may comment on your posts seeking a beta reader, may DM you, friend you, or email you. If you cross reference, chances are you will be less likely to be scammed.
Anyone know about thebeta edit? I’ve seen them before on another post but I’m not sure
Are you seriously trying to tell me that feedback like this is AI-generated?Line-by-Line and Flow Notes
Paragraph 1: "She woke before dawn, unable to remember whether she’d slept at all."
This is a great, weary opening line that immediately establishes her state of mind.
Paragraph 2: "The kitchen appeared to be closing in around her." The phrasing
"appeared to be" is slightly weak. Consider a more direct or sensory description: "The
kitchen walls seemed to press in," or "The kitchen closed in around her," or even tie it to
her: "She felt the kitchen closing in around her."
Paragraph 3: "the kind of silence that felt as if it were arranged." Excellent. This is a
specific and chilling detail.
Paragraph 4: "doorbell buzzed, a raw electric rasp" Perfect sound description.
Holloway's Introduction: The description of him is fantastic. "a posture that made
apology a full-time occupation" is a brilliant line. It tells us so much about his character
instantly.
Dialogue - Holloway: His dialogue is sharp and consistent. He sounds like a worn-down,
sharp-minded ex-cop. Lines like "The brass don’t want dirt; they want concrete" are great
character-building.
Mod
"Hello Liz
I think it is now high time you address this issuing of you damaging my reputable image and pinning me as a scammer. Kindly remove my name cause I did not talk before cause am not that type of person and I think I can address what I did not do. If you want more proof I can send you my portfolio link to see the what people I have worked with said about me. So stop tainting my image
Warmly
Julie"
What do you think?
I already regret engaging with this. Henry, I know you want to defend this person and that's fine. You're free to but since many people have had negative experiences with her, perhaps take that into consideration. This will be my last exchange with you. Good day.
Well, now, your spiteful and vindictive attitude stands out. I never even said who this extract came from. You only ASSUME.I understand completely. Once you have stuck your neck out so far, it's impossible to admit that there's even a tiny chance you could be wrong.
You should read Atlas Shrugged. Proof and facts are unimportant. It's how you FEEL that matters.
This matter is CLOSED. I want nothing at all to do with you. I only hope your colleagues have a better attitude than you.
Mod
I feel as though, if one were to take a look at our comments, somebody would be labeled spiteful and mean-spirited but it wouldn't be me.
"I never even said who this extract came from. You only ASSUME."
The extract was typed up after I gave an update. Given your history of defending this person, it seemed like a reasonable assumption.
"I understand completely. Once you have stuck your neck out so far, it's impossible to admit that there's even a tiny chance you could be wrong."
This is called projection.
"You should read Atlas Shrugged."
I have.
"Proof and facts are unimportant. It's how you FEEL that matters."
Thank you for emphasizing this with all caps.
"This matter is CLOSED."
I certainly hope so! I'll be blocking your account now. I'm sorry you got ripped off. I actually am. You're rude as hell to people though so once and for all: good day.
Sam wrote: "Anyone know about thebeta edit? I’ve seen them before on another post but I’m not sure"they've contacted me about doing a beta read for my book but it's a new account so I'm waiting until more information about them comes out
EDIT: Looks like their account is deleted
Hi everyone. I wanted to say a little something in support of Julie Damsey. She has beta read two of my books, and I have interacted with her frequently. She subscribes to my author newsletter and is a responsive and supportive member of my reading community.
I've found her editing suggestions to be very helpful. She doesn't use AI to do these. I've heard that AI checkers often over-call the use of AI, so perhaps this is the issue?
I completely get your point, and I'm so glad you are trying to keep goodreads free from scammers and bots - but Julie isn't one of them. Please remember, there's a person behind this account who can be hurt by negative accusations.
Mod
I certainly find it interesting that you're the second person who has spoken up for her but am unsure how to reconcile this with others who have said she uses AI. There were other mentions of this in different threads as well.
I think what really sticks with me is this thread:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Mod
Just wanted to point out that we have two new accounts that are writing similarly to one another.
One is going by Beta George and the other is going by Dorcas. The quotation marks are not mine.
Beta George:
"Hi [Olga S], It’s great to meet another writer who’s also offering beta reading! I’m a professional beta reader myself, and I really admire how you approach authors with care and respect for their work it truly makes a difference. Wishing you the best with your first novel and your beta reading journey! "
Dorcas:
“Hi [Rob], your short story collection sounds fascinating, I really like that it mixes genres with a touch of whimsy and sci-fi alongside horror and comedy. I’d be happy to beta read and provide feedback on characters, pacing, and overall flow. A Word document works best for me, as it makes in-line commenting easier. Looking forward to diving in if you’d like to share it!
This could absolutely be nothing but because the style/format was similar and they're both recent accounts, I thought I'd point it out.
Liz wrote: "Update: Just wanted to point out that we have two new accounts that are writing similarly to one another.
One is going by Beta George and the other is going by Dorcas. The quotation marks are no..."
And I thought I found it so odd that I immediately searched the other topics and this Beta George had commented only mine. I was just about to comment here, but Liz beat me to it. Also, why the square brackets around my name?
Mod
" Hi Bassey, this is really nice! I love how you explained the value of beta reading and the way you support authors. "
This user is going by James Reads.
Again, could be nothing but I did find it odd as randomly complimenting people like that is not something we see that often?
Mod
they've contacted me about doing a beta read for my book but it's a new account so I'm waiting un..."
This account looks to be back with a review mentioning their work. The reviewer joined this month and looks to have no other activity and I find that a little suspect. Again, could be nothing, but I figured I'd mention it anyway.
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
They appear to have plagiarized their bio from this person:
https://reedsy.com/caryn-rivadeneira
Their Goodreads Bio:
"A proud member of Authors Against Book Bans; INK: A Creative Collective; and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, I hold a BA in English from Calvin University and an MA in Worship from Northern Seminary. I live in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with my husband, three kids, and beloved rescue pit bulls."
The Reedsy site for somebody else entirely:
"A proud member of Authors Against Book Bans; INK: A Creative Collective; and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, I hold a BA in English from Calvin University and an MA in Worship from Northern Seminary. I live in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with my husband, three kids, and beloved rescue pit bulls."
Edit: The email being used is: jeffmaxwelleditor@gmail.com
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
They appear to have plagiarized their bio.
Part of their bio:
"I'm a passionate editor of genre fiction. You can count on me to take your light entertainment very seriously.
The developmental edits you'll receive from me come in three parts. First, I'll attach hundreds of comments to your story calling attention to each specific issue I find. I will also send you a detailed editorial letter that discusses your story's quality and flow on a more holistic level. My critique style is honest and kind. You'll get direct feedback and actionable suggestions that will leave you feeling energized and excited to dive into your revisions."
Here's where they took it from:
https://reedsy.com/mary-novak
"I'm a passionate editor of genre fiction. You can count on me to take your light entertainment very seriously.
The developmental edits you'll receive from me come in three parts. First, I'll attach hundreds of comments to your story calling attention to each specific issue I find. I will also send you a detailed editorial letter that discusses your story's quality and flow on a more holistic level. My critique style is honest and kind. You'll get direct feedback and actionable suggestions that will leave you feeling energized and excited to dive into your revisions."
Edit: The email being used is: blessingedithor@gmail.com
I'm fairly certain that Grace Nice is using AI to give feedback on books.
Hello, ditto on Grace Nice btw. I forgot where I found them and why I emailed them in the first place but I eventually realized they were most likely using AI for their feedback.I've also gotten email from joaneric692@gmail.com and cristinanoelia@gmail.com.
Ms. wrote: "You can add ismailhamzah442@gmail.com to the spammer list."I just received an email from him. Just curious...did he ask for payment?
Mod
If you'd like, you can message me on here to tell me a little bit more about this interaction.
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi everyone!I’m new on GoodRead, looking for beta readers.
I recently received a reply from someone calling himself Jerry Shultz offering to beta read my book. Email: jerryshultz03@gmail.com
At first, his messages were extremely generic, just dropping an email address with no answers to questions I asked. When I followed up, he revealed the real intent:
Am a professional beta reader... I charge 0.002 per word.
however, I'd be willing to beta read the first 2 chapters of your draft then the rest will be a paid service.
what do you see to that?
Typical bait-and-switch tactic.
I checked his profile with GPT deep search and another similar email showed up jerryschultz037@gmail.com
Hope it is helpful.
Be careful!
Mod
Thank you for bringing this to light! I have checked his profile and your concerns check out. Although he doesn't seem to be a member of this group, so there's not much I can do.
That said, thank you for putting him on everyone's radar!
Another one is known as Climant F. who advertises on Beta Reader Group discussion > Betas Offering FREE Services > Experienced beta reader available for all your genres. Email is climantf@gmail.com. Claims to live in Lagos.
I have experienced the scam, by a member advertising beta reading services in the Betas Offering Free Services community. (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...)I submitted my manuscript to Climant f. after reading her listing in the group. In her post, she explicitly stated: “I’d love to get back into beta reading as a hobby… I beta read in exchange for a review.” She made no mention of charging for her services, and her message aligned with the group’s purpose — offering beta reads free of charge.
She provided feedback on my first two chapters. (I did wonder if the review was AI generated). Shortly afterwards she informed me that she would only continue if I placed a paid order with her on Fiverr. When I reminded her that her Goodreads listing described free services, she responded by saying she is a professional beta reader and that her services are paid.
This bait-and-switch is misleading, goes directly against the stated rules of the Betas Offering Free Services community, and takes unfair advantage of authors who submit work in good faith.
I believe this matter should be dealt with by the moderators of the group and appropriate action taken to maintain the integrity of the group.
Mod
Thanks for the information. This person has been removed from the group, the listing deleted, and reported to Goodreads.
I'm sorry you had that experience!
Mod
Mod
https://www.stage32.com/profile/11840...
Here's her new Fiverr where she says she is from Nigeria (I have no idea where this person is actually from)
https://www.fiverr.com/esthersandra630
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https://www.instagram.com/esther_beta...
The reason why I was able to figure this out is because a quick google search of the user name "Julie Catherine" with "beta reader" led to this account. She used to have it as Julie Catherine before she changed it to Esther Sandra, and it linked to her Fiverr account as well.
In addition, here is another account on a different platform:
https://www.royalroad.com/profile/811786
She has linked it to this new Fiverr account:
https://www.fiverr.com/modevid
She claims here she is from Austria and is a book editor with 25 years experience.
I think it is safe to say that at any one time, she has multiple accounts on multiple platforms.
To recap:
-Julie Catherine on Goodreads
-Inkworth on Goodreads
-Esther Sandra on Goodreads (Pretending to be an asian woman from Georgia)
-Julie Catherine on Instagram
-Esther Sandra on Instagram
-Esther Sandra on Royal Road
-Esther Sandra on Stage32 (Pretending to be an asian woman from California as well as an actor)
-Deactivated or deleted Esther Sandra account on Fiverr saying she is from Nigeria
-BetaJ on Fiverr saying she is from Austria and an editor with 25 years experience
In addition, here is the description on Instagram, which sounds similar to the language she used months ago when she was initially confronted with accusations of AI usage:
"Am a beta Reader and book editor.I help authors in refining their book, and give feedback on developmental edits and book formatting before publishing"
Y'all, if that ain't enough to tell you this person is a scammer, I don't know what is.
I'm sorry to the people who got ripped off by her but I feel comfortable enough with all of this that if this user shows up in the community again, she will be banned.
Thanks and stay safe,
Lisa
After a year away, I just finished my short synopsis and came here to see this. Ouch! So sad to see things have devolved like this. I use chatgpt a lot but only as a discussion tool to poke holes in my ideas. As a writer, it's a joke. Perhaps that will change some day, but people really need to understand that it is not intelligent. It just predicts words (and numbers!) based on its database, and prioritizes generative flow. It will tell you as much.
Best of luck everyone.
Also, I just want to mention again that voluntarily using AI is different than handing your manuscript off to somebody who then feeds it to AI without your knowledge.
Edit: I also just want to add onto this and speak to something with as much empathy and sensitivity as possible. I do not believe in profiling people. I do not believe in discriminating against anybody based on gender, sexual orientation, race, nationality, etc.
A beta reader being internationally based is no reason to automatically be worried.
However, I do think it should be acknowledged that some of what we're seeing is individuals in developing nations with a less than perfect grasp of English using AI to make a quick buck. (Helen Mary, Julie Catherine, DennyProof, etc.)
I get it. It's potentially a lot of money, it's easy, and you could be facing hardship in a way that I simply do not understand. It's a quick buck, but it isn't an honest one. Therefore, while I am sympathetic, I still believe it is unethical.