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
Yes beta reading is what you arrange it to be, as what fits you best but I think there is room for distinction here.
That is why I mentioned writers circle method: more akin to a reading partner, offering critique. This is what we do in my circle (and its very useful!) even if a member has nothing to post they will still be a reader.
What I mean by ready for the next stage, is, well, just that. Whether you are going to submit to agents/publishers or pay for editorial services prepping for self pubing, warming up to getting a cover design ect. This is the beta reader stage, a final audience test before you seriously start on your publishing options.
Again, without charge. I would not pay for services. Why would I? When I have amazing beta's that I either know personally or have met and come to respect online? Only downside of this is other's also respect them. Some of my beta's didnt have the time to dedicate to my work because they had also been asked to beta read for Jo Walton. Which I didnt know at the time, ha. But then my work was not nearly of the same quality!
My main issue with Sarah's charging is that you both describe how she has only beta read once, will not be offering services on par with an editor or copy reader yet still wants money for a relationship which is usually a mutual one.
If, later, she has beta'd a number of books and developed a reputation then perhaps there is some business to be made here. But it make's me uncomfortable. Capitalising on new writers who simply need to get their head down and improve their craft, who are not quite ready for the transition from writer to author.
In my opinion, a beta reader is what you arrange it to be between the two of you. For my latest book, I've been sending Sarah my raw work, every few chapters. But now I've had to stop since I'm coming close to the end and she'll kill me if I leave it on a cliffhanger.
When you say 'readying for the next stage', do you mean agent wise? Because I'd have to disagree. Also 'edited'. I must have edited book 1 about 20 times. But Sarah has read every edit.
Every time she's read it, I've revised something and she has read it again. Often from page 1 right to the end.
I can't see why it would be a bad thing to eventually ask for a fee for a service like this - once you start building a reputation for being good. Especially if you're offering it to multiple authors at once. It might not be a structural review or a copy-edit, but I'd pose getting a reader's opinion - one from your target audience - is sometimes better.
Love, Debbie x
I have only been a beta reader for one person so far and that is debbie, who's books are in my eye's amazing, I have been very critical which she has been more than acceptable with what I have had to say, I have helped her with punctuation and grammar, and also spelling mistakes.
I agree that it would make reading much easier if they were completed stories, but I an also understand that for people who are very new to writing books someone reading the first chapter etc might just be able to give them some point on were to go with the rest of their book, just my opinion.
I hope this makes sense, I would hate to upset anyone with what I do to help folk, but any book I read for anyone I will always tell them the truth on how I think it reads and also any spelling mistakes too.
Kind regards
Sarah