• Read this stickie before posting.

    • In order to reduce the number of new members requesting a Beta reader before they're really ready for one, we've instituted a 50 post requirement before you can start a thread seeking a Beta reader.
    • You can still volunteer to Beta for someone else; just please don't request someone to Beta for you until you're more familiar with the community and our members.

To be or not to be a beta

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thisisobservantme

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Up until about two weeks ago I had no idea what a beta was. Recently I have started to write a new novel and I really want to find some who will give me some......constructive criticism!
So....how exactly do beta's work? How do I find one and...like...how do I know they're not going to steal my manuscript or something?
I have trust issues I'm sorry! It is the internet.........
So if someone could explain it to me that would be really great!
 

Kylabelle

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Looks like the Stickies in this very forum speak to all these questions, observantme.

Protecting Yourself and Your Work

What is a beta reader?

and

Beta or Share Your Work - Options

all seem likely to address your questions, and then if you find you still have questions these threads have not answered, you can ask more specifically. :D Also there are other Stickies that may have more info you need, if you go to the main link for this forum, here: http://absolutewrite.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30 you'll see the list of them.

Good luck and I hope this helps.
 

starbelly35

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I had the same questions when I first joined this group. I also belonged to another online critique group and was feeling too chicken to share my work. I have never had a problem with anyone passing my work around. Having beta readers is extremely helpful to the writing process, in my opinion. Personally, I like to swap chapters for chapters. I feel that by doing that, things get back and forth in a more timely manner.
Good luck:):)
 
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