I have been a beta reader for my friend Debbie Ellen Carr who has been writing Balancing Syrestia, and have so far have enjoyed every minute of her books.
It got me thinking though that I would love ot become a beta reader for other authors too. So I was told to come on here and let you all know who I am.
Sarah
All the lols. I cannot claim ownership of Jo Walton. (represses urge to waffle about Yllish socks). I respect her and the situation amused me, tinged with a note of embarrassment.
To be crystal clear this comment thread is the inception for a greater discussion re the cottage industry, integrity, charging for services and understanding landing points in writers journey.
You seem to be reading an attack on an individual where there is none but rather an ethical discussion regarding the greater context. Which arose because of the clear comments regarding payment.
Of course readers are *good*. Writer's need them, it is essential in making your craft the best it can be. It is clear that Sarah is coming from a good place, but there are many people who will, and do, take advantage of naivete.
I believe she has accepted work already from people on this site and has not asked for a penny. Money was not what this post was about. Hence the word I used: 'eventually'.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Whether they've beta read for 1 person or for your Jo Walton.
I find it quite disheartening that you believe she is 'capitalising on new writers' when you can see from the above posts that there is no evidence of that whatsoever. And also, you can see that they are jumping at the chance for someone to take an interest in their full MS. How is that a bad thing?
I have never said I want paying, it was suggested to me by someone, I have only ever planned to do this as part of my hobby of reading, I only want to help people like have done for Debbie, I understand that majority of writers will already have someone they trust to be a beta reader for them which is great but not everyone has one or if really new to writing knows what a beta reader is. I am not out to capitalize on anyone I would never dream of doing that, I am a stay at home disabled mum so I have the time to help folk and it gives me something to do when I can't move around much, it keeps my mind occupied if I am helping someone out with their books.
I hope this helps clear up any negative thoughts of me being a beta reader for others.
Sarah