Become a Beta reader. Get free books.

If you love books and would enjoy reading them before they are available to the general public you will, no doubt, have a great time as a Beta Reader. Not only is it fun and rewarding but volunteer early readers are crucial for authors as they edit and polish their manuscripts before publication.

What is a Beta Reader?

A Beta reader is essentially a “test reader” who reads a manuscript in its early stages. Many, but not all, Beta Readers are the friends, family and fans of the author. Authors rely on Beta Readers to provide honest feedback on the story, characters, pacing, and overall readability.

If you have ever talked back to a book you were reading and said: “that character wouldn’t do that”, you have the ability and skills to be a Beta Reader. Unlike proofreaders or editors who focus on technical issues like grammar, punctuation, and structure, a Beta Reader offers an ordinary reader’s perspective. They point out plot holes, inconsistencies, and areas where the story might drag or need more development, or where characters seem to be less than well-rounded or doing things that seem unnatural to them. If there seem to be a lot of typos or misspellings, note that, too, but you don’t have to point out each one to the author, who should have run spellcheck before sending the manuscript to you. (Shame on him/her!)

How to Become a Beta Reader

Beta Readers read books by genre. If you read a lot of romances, look for assignments with romance authors. If you are a fantasy fan, check out fantasy authors. The same holds true of other genres, including science fiction, romantasy, mystery, historical fiction, and gay literature.

Join writing communities on Scribophile and Goodreads where you will find groups where authors are seeking Beta readers. Engage in these communities and offer your services. You can sign up today and be reading an unpublished novel by tomorrow.

On Facebook there are several groups, including one for paid Beta Readers. There are also paid Beta Readers offering their services on Fiverr. Search for Beta Readers on FB to see the range of groups available for you to join. Each is slightly different. You can also follow individual authors on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Many authors post Beta reader requests on their social media profiles. Some authors have sign-up forms on their websites for readers interested in Beta reading, so check out your favorite authors’ websites.

Many book bloggers also beta read. Reach out to bloggers and join their networks. (More about book blogs and other kinds of blogs in a future post.)

What’s expected of a Beta Reader

If you agree to work with an author as a Beta Reader he/she will send you a digital copy of the manuscript plus a list of things the author would like you to consider. Authors need genuine feedback, so don’t hold back. If a part of the story or the characters or setting doesn’t work for you, let them know. Be specific in your feedback. Instead of saying, “I didn’t like this part,” explain why and what seems to be missing. Tip: Don’t suggest how you would revise or rewrite it. Leave that to the actual author and the paid editor to decide what, if any, changes to make.

Also keep in mind that authors often work on tight schedules. Agree to a deadline and stick to it. And keep the manuscript and your feedback confidential. The author already owns the copyright on the story, and it is not yours to share. You may even be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

As for payment: Most Beta Readers work for free and the fun of seeing an early draft of a book that could become a favorite or even a huge international bestseller. You also will have “bragging rights” once the book is published and be able to tell your friends about the great new book you read at manuscript stage and offered your opinion as a favor to the author.

Meanwhile…

Exploring the world from the convenience of a computer is a favorite activity of mine–particularly this last summer when it was 100F here in Tucson every single day for 3 months straight! Part of my online wandering was on a side trip down a distant memory lane. Do you remember this song? It’s by Phil Phillips and it goes way way back in time. While I was on YouTube I came across Tina Turner’s version of Proud Mary on a show she did in the Netherlands. Her energy was amazing! And a book I’ve read recently and recommend is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. (Oh, I don’t get paid for these recommendations, but would love it if you would subscribe and become a follower. Suggestions for many interesting activities, especially ones to do from home, are still to come on this site!)