Every writer needs a few good beta readers to take a look at their book before it’s published, and give constructive feedback – while there’s still an opportunity to apply it. Reviews are vital, and can be extremely helpful when putting together the next book – but they can’t do anything to fix the current one. Authors need folks who are willing to read their work and share their honest responses, offering a glimpse at readers’ experiences before the book is published.
Think that might be you? Have you ever read a book and thought to yourself, “If only the author had done this, the story would be so much better!” Well, here’s your opportunity.
What it means to be a Beta Reader:
You’ll receive a free, advance copy of my unpublished book – a first look at what I’m currently working on. You’ll also have direct contact with me via email, where you can offer your opinions about anything from story structure to character development. If we work well together, I’ll contact you directly when another book is ready for feedback.
You’ll get to see some or all of your suggestions incorporated into the finished book – I take what my beta readers say very seriously, and more often than not, use their constructive advice to polish the story. You’ll also get first crack at any sales I run on current and past works.
In exchange, what I ask is that you agree to read the book in a timely manner – you don’t have to take time off of work or anything, but I do expect feedback within a month at the latest. I also respectfully request that once the book is published, you take the time to download an updated copy (at never more than ninety-nine cents) and post an honest review on Amazon.
What it does not mean to be a Beta Reader:
I’m going to be blunt here – this is not an opportunity for you to get mean. If I get the feeling that your sole purpose is to take your love of internet trolling to the next level, I will sever all contact. I have a strong theatre background, so constructive criticism is something I’m entirely used to and in favor of. But non-constructive criticism – ie. “This book sucks, you should keep your day job” – doesn’t help anyone. It won’t augment the story in any way, it won’t encourage me to use your ideas, and it will get you cut off. It will also return to you in threefold and bite you in the ass eventually – the Universe is awesome that way.
If you think being a beta reader sounds like something you’d like to try, sign up below!