I’m just now recruiting beta readers. How do you guys that have regular beta readers reward (bribe/coerce), them for doing all that work?
Rewarding the Beta Readers
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My own Beta Reader, found on in this forum, has also become a dear friend. The reward to her is that I write a genre she thoroughly enjoys/knows. And I put my best down on paper. I don't dare insult her with sludge.
The reward for me is that she's honest without shredding. She has no qualms telling me the parts that made her hiccup, grammer that I can't get away with unless J.K.Rowling is my name, or something that just flat out isn't going to work.
So too, she's complimented me in ways that encourage me to keep writing when I was ready to throw in the towel.
She keeps me humble.
The reward for me is that she's honest without shredding. She has no qualms telling me the parts that made her hiccup, grammer that I can't get away with unless J.K.Rowling is my name, or something that just flat out isn't going to work.
So too, she's complimented me in ways that encourage me to keep writing when I was ready to throw in the towel.
She keeps me humble.
OK, so you both can write well enough to keep a beta reader interested. But what about us new guys that don't have the talent but need the input to learn the craft. Anyone else with beta readers reward them for their work?
Well, if you really want to get gifty about it, I can't think of a writer who would turn down a Barnes and Noble or Amazon gift certificate.
Or big bottles of booze.
HEY!, The booze is MINE!
I rewarded my beta reader with a signed copy of my book.
As for input, you're more than welcome to PM me with your opening chapter.
I won't do grammar checks unless it screams at me. But I'll be honest in letting you know if it caught my attention, and where it seemed to drift--if this applies--or if you quite simply rock and should be considered the next Goodkind.
Not sure what you're looking for, so excuse the assumption my reading might help.
kb
When in doubt, sift through the list of beta readers here. They've posted what genres they're interested in, and to what extreme they'll critique you. That's how I found mine. Actually, I was rather nervous about approaching her; she's gifted.
MDSchafer
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ooooooooooooooooooohhhh....I like thiiiissss idea.You can always get them a Starbucks Card!
Ducking and running!
I like it a lot.
I include their names (not that they beta read) in the acknowledgments.
I also send each a signed copy.
C
I also send each a signed copy.
C
Yep, I like the booze and starbucks card idea. Anything else?
Signed copies assume that I will be published and it's not an imediate reward.
Signed copies assume that I will be published and it's not an imediate reward.
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All my betas got acknowledged in LOTTERY and they were thrilled-
It depends on how much work you make them do- one of my betas came from the copy place I had print my manuscript up to do edits on hard copy (I had them bind it so it was easier for me to work with) she kept on reading the first few pages and wanted to read the whole book - she's now one of my best betas!
I'm good to my betas - starbucks...lunches...whatever it takes!
It depends on how much work you make them do- one of my betas came from the copy place I had print my manuscript up to do edits on hard copy (I had them bind it so it was easier for me to work with) she kept on reading the first few pages and wanted to read the whole book - she's now one of my best betas!
I'm good to my betas - starbucks...lunches...whatever it takes!
I usually read just in hopes they'll return the favor later for me. But I just did a beta read for someone on this board and they sent me a beautiful box of handmade chocolates from where they live...and wow, were they yummy! Not to mention the reward of an excellent story! Really excellent story!
Not to mention the reward of an excellent story! Really excellent story! 
I just read for someone and got a dead mouse in a box. Okay, it was a horror novel, but I didn't like the implication. Maybe a live gerbil...
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My beta gave me a fifteen dollar online gift card to B and N.
Which made me feel bad because I didn't give her anything.
But it was still very sweet, and I didn't feel guilty enough to not use it!
Which made me feel bad because I didn't give her anything.
But it was still very sweet, and I didn't feel guilty enough to not use it!
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Great thread topic. I have a remarkable beta reader (and a few other people that help out with chapters here and there)--from this forum, and would love some ideas for rewards! I am deeply indebted to this person for all the excellent advice, encouragement, and for just the time he's taken to read my work. I mean, that is such a gift.
I know if I ever publish, I'd want to put my beta readers right at the top of the acknowledgments page--but publication's iffy, and I'd like to do something tangible now. So I'll be reading this thread.
I know if I ever publish, I'd want to put my beta readers right at the top of the acknowledgments page--but publication's iffy, and I'd like to do something tangible now. So I'll be reading this thread.
I always thought the typical reward for beta readers was to do the same for them. But, hey, gift cards, coffee and booze all sound terrific to me. You can give me those in advance, even. That way I'll be able to stay awake, or keep a healthy buzz all while reading your manuscript. This will best simulate the mental state of future readers, too, be they caffeinated or drunk.
I had one beta for my last novel -- she wasn't a writer, just my "target" audience. I acknowledged her in my book and took her out for lunch.
I have a new beta now and will probably do something a little more (i.e., send her a gift of some kind), because she's fantastic.
I have a new beta now and will probably do something a little more (i.e., send her a gift of some kind), because she's fantastic.
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Acknowledgement in the book and a signed copy. Actually, I promised them a signed copy of the one they've read AND a signed copy of the first one, so I'm up for about $400 in books and postage (10 beta readers.)
Worth every cent, though.
Worth every cent, though.
I took the people who beta-read my last novel out for a meal (lunch or dinner) and discussed their comments over pasta. For this novel, probably much the same. Nothing like food to say "thank you", and "you totally rock for reading my stuff".
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