Where do you get your beta readers?

[Otto26]

As the subject line says: Where do you get your beta readers?

 

[Bazzle]

Wine aisle in the supermarket.

 

[Smuttyandfun]

I married mine.

 

[StillStunned]

Betamax.

 

[AchtungNight]

Ask in the editor forum here.

 

[ElectricBlue]

When I had them, I found them through feedback they'd given on some stories, which started a friendship between us. I think that's how most beta readers relationships would start - spontaneously.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

Relevant threads on the AH. Mention length and genre, and a few kind people will often say to PM them. The editors forum, never got a peep out of.

 

[pink_silk_glove]

I have a couple of friends in chat, and also a real life friend. I throw it up on a temporary text host and send them the link.

 

[Bramblethorn]

My partner, and like-minded fellow authors.

I see you've already got stories up so prospective beta readers can see what they're getting themselves into, which is a big help. I'd be very reluctant to say yes to beta-ing a story without knowing the author's style and having some idea of how much work it was likely to be.

 

[intim8]

I wish I knew.

 

[Cagivagurl]

As the subject line says: Where do you get your beta readers?

I was fortunate enough to make friends with some felloe writers here within Lit. We read for each other...
My advice would be to respond to feedback emails, and see whether you can build some friendships...
Offer your own service in the hope it will be reciprocated...
Ask in the Editors forum...

Cagivagurl

 

[LexxRuthless]

I got a surprising amount of feedback e-mails shortly after I began posting stories here. Several of those readers continue to review my stories in progress and provide useful feedback. Also (and this was a wrinkle I never saw coming) I worked with some of those readers to develop an idea or fantasy of theirs into a story for the site.

 

[NehaGin]

I have a few lit friends that don't mind proofreading for me. But in general, you can always post that you are looking for one. Just make sure to include the topic of your story, it's length, and a link to your published stuff, if you have any.

 

[Plathfan]

As others have pointed out, finding beta readers is usually a spontaneous process that occurs by reaching out to fellow writers. However, unlike others, I don't believe beta readers need to be like-minded or fans. On the contrary, those who dislike a certain style or content are more likely to be critical and discern flaws. You should reach out to those whose writing prowess you appreciate, not necessarily those whose work you enjoy reading.

Unfortunately, many beta readers think their role is to provide a supportive review, while it is actually a demanding task that requires alertness, focus, and thorough annotation of the draft while reading.

Fortunately, my editor also serves as a highly effective beta reader. They rarely enjoy my work and never go easy on me. Their discernment is truly remarkable.

I've also had the pleasure of serving others as a beta reader. For some unknown reason, I was never asked to do it again.

 

[THBGato]

When I had them, I found them through feedback they'd given on some stories, which started a friendship between us. I think that's how most beta readers relationships would start - spontaneously.

Same here. There was one reader who left comments on all of my stories that struck me as perceptive, critical and yet supportive. They seemed to get what I was doing.

So I messaged them, thanking them for their support and asking if they would consider being a beta reader/editor (where is the line?) From my perspective it's been very successful, and I think they enjoy it too. It's worked because they already knew my writing and they read widely within the genre. Thus, we were literally and figuratively on the same page from the start.

Since then, I've also had another writer who messaged me beta read for me. I've promised to do the same in return.


Good luck!