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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.
Willing beta readers
- Thread starter BardSkye
- Start date
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Put a posting onto the forum then. This thread was really supposed to be for people to offer their services as beta-readers, not for people to ask for beta-readers to read their work.
I don't mind volunterring, just so long as people understand I've got kids and they ocassionally need to feed.
My reading genre is horror, sci-fi and a touch of fantasy. My writing covers most basis (except erotica, my own imagination is good enough thanks
)
Pass us a pm and let me know what you need.
My reading genre is horror, sci-fi and a touch of fantasy. My writing covers most basis (except erotica, my own imagination is good enough thanks
) Pass us a pm and let me know what you need.
Beta Reader Here...sort of.
Status: Starting up a list. If you don't mind the wait, please toss a PM to me anyway. Just know that I probably can't get to it right away.
Genres: Fantasy (especially urban), romance, suspense, and erotica.
I read everything, but I really rather not read any non-fictions right now (as fascinating as the topics may be, I have had enough of it in school). I'm not quite as familiar with YA and inspirational is rarely my cup of tea (save for a few very well written ones).
On the plus side, rarely anything makes me squeamish, so I can handle all the gory details in your horror ms.
Editing:I am brutally honest.
When I critique, it's never personal. I'll generally try to give you some reason other than "it just doesn't work for me." But I'm definitely not for someone who is in love with their ms. You have to be willing to hand me the chainsaw to tear it apart.
I did leave a few footprints in the SYW forum if you want to check out how I critique.
I usually edit via Microsoft Words (it's got that little track changes doodad that is really helpful), so it would help if the ms is in a format that can be read by Words (I'm not very computer literate so I'll just leave it at that).
Contact me via PM.
Unless it's some huge mammoth of a read, I can handle the entire dose at a time. I would like it if you can toss me a summary of your novel in your PM, just to see if I can be an accurate representative of your targeted audience (since there are just some things that don't strike a chord with me, no matter what). Also, it's helpful if you can tell me what you expect from me.
Status: Starting up a list. If you don't mind the wait, please toss a PM to me anyway. Just know that I probably can't get to it right away.
Genres: Fantasy (especially urban), romance, suspense, and erotica.
I read everything, but I really rather not read any non-fictions right now (as fascinating as the topics may be, I have had enough of it in school). I'm not quite as familiar with YA and inspirational is rarely my cup of tea (save for a few very well written ones).
On the plus side, rarely anything makes me squeamish, so I can handle all the gory details in your horror ms.
Editing:I am brutally honest.
When I critique, it's never personal. I'll generally try to give you some reason other than "it just doesn't work for me." But I'm definitely not for someone who is in love with their ms. You have to be willing to hand me the chainsaw to tear it apart.
I did leave a few footprints in the SYW forum if you want to check out how I critique.
I usually edit via Microsoft Words (it's got that little track changes doodad that is really helpful), so it would help if the ms is in a format that can be read by Words (I'm not very computer literate so I'll just leave it at that).
Contact me via PM.
Unless it's some huge mammoth of a read, I can handle the entire dose at a time. I would like it if you can toss me a summary of your novel in your PM, just to see if I can be an accurate representative of your targeted audience (since there are just some things that don't strike a chord with me, no matter what). Also, it's helpful if you can tell me what you expect from me.
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I am willing to beta read. I will read romance in the form of historical / paranormal / fantasy/ erotica.
My grammer is not the best but I know what I like when I'm reading it. I read plenty of romance novels and if it bores me or doesn't jive for me, I will let you know.
I will read full ms, or WIP at any stage.
PM me if you would like to ask me any questions. Thanks!
My grammer is not the best but I know what I like when I'm reading it. I read plenty of romance novels and if it bores me or doesn't jive for me, I will let you know.
I will read full ms, or WIP at any stage.
PM me if you would like to ask me any questions. Thanks!
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UNAVAILABLE AGAIN FOR A WHILE, WILL UPDATE WHEN FREE
Genres I've dabbled in most forms of writing, from the novel to the screen play. I read most genres - let me know what you're writing and I'll let you know whether or not I'd be the right person to beta it.
Beta-Style I'm a grammar nut, so I'm happy to point out errors in spelling and grammar. I have three basic beta modes: Line-By-Line, which takes the longest and does have a tendency to propel me into gentle snark and shakespearean comparisons;
Chapter-by-Chapter Review, where I look at each chapter and outline thoughts and opinions. Takes less time, but is less indepth.
Whole-Book Review, where I read the whole manuscript and give general opinion. This is the least in depth mode but also takes the least time.
Will read full, or WIPs. PM me if you want to ask questions.
Genres I've dabbled in most forms of writing, from the novel to the screen play. I read most genres - let me know what you're writing and I'll let you know whether or not I'd be the right person to beta it.
Beta-Style I'm a grammar nut, so I'm happy to point out errors in spelling and grammar. I have three basic beta modes: Line-By-Line, which takes the longest and does have a tendency to propel me into gentle snark and shakespearean comparisons;
Chapter-by-Chapter Review, where I look at each chapter and outline thoughts and opinions. Takes less time, but is less indepth.
Whole-Book Review, where I read the whole manuscript and give general opinion. This is the least in depth mode but also takes the least time.
Will read full, or WIPs. PM me if you want to ask questions.
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I'm free to beta-test.
Genres: fiction, preferably short, no longer than novella. No erotica, romantic or legal stories. I'm open to read pretty much anything else. Only completed stuff, please.
Editing: I can edit well, and will do so. Any editable file format works for me, DOC, ODT, TXT, HTML etc. etc. is fine. I will happily read but not edit a PDF.
Contact me via PM.
Genres: fiction, preferably short, no longer than novella. No erotica, romantic or legal stories. I'm open to read pretty much anything else. Only completed stuff, please.
Editing: I can edit well, and will do so. Any editable file format works for me, DOC, ODT, TXT, HTML etc. etc. is fine. I will happily read but not edit a PDF.
Contact me via PM.
I'm one of those "I'm new to this" people, and am unsure about how to get started with finding and/or being a beta reader. I like reading literary fiction, humor, and mysteries, and work as an editor, so I can be picky about grammar, spelling, and all that sort of thing. Also, I am hoping to find someone who can help me get over that massive publishing hump--I've been published in magazines, newspapers, and literary journals. Writing group pals, agents, and editors tell me my writing is great, etc. etc., but I have not quite gotten those novels picked up by publishers. So what do I do next?
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Hey CB3, I'd start a new thread with your last question. There's so much to cover there--and your situation would have to be explained: for example, who have you tried? etc.--that I think it's worthy of a thread of its own, rather than looking for answers in this different thread.
I'm sure a lot of writers would be interested in your experience and add their own thoughts.
- Danielle
I'm sure a lot of writers would be interested in your experience and add their own thoughts.
- Danielle
Thanks for your reply, Danielle. I don't know how to start a new thread, but I'll find out in a few minutes. Unfortunately, as you can see by my tardy reply, I only come here furtively and when I can get the time. I've actually had a few agents who were enthusiastic about my work and tried to sell it--without any luck. Jody Rhodes (who appears to be legit), Jennifer DuVall at Schiavone (also legit), and Mike Farris (maybe less legit). I've also submitted to Algonquin, Academy Chicago, McAdam/Cage, and some other publishers who don't need to deal with agents. All were enthusiastic, but ultimately said no. I have to admit, this has forced me to take some hard, long looks at my stuff, and I've made many improvements. I suppose all anyone can do is keep slogging along, trolling the net for new agents and publishers, etc.
I actually came here to offer my beta services, and also to ask if anyone would read something of mine, too. I promise not to slag anyone off, at least not right away. Maybe somebody can see what I am blind to in my own writing, and I can return the favor. It would be a relief from reading/writing/revising my own crap all the time.
Available
Available for YA, Action, Fantasy, Mild romance, vamp and stuff like that.
Something in the final stages.
Available for YA, Action, Fantasy, Mild romance, vamp and stuff like that.
Something in the final stages.
KLBowman
Registered
Better Beta, Baby!
If you're looking for a grammar girl, I'll be your huckleberry! 15 years editing high school essays as an English teacher... I can be cruel or kind, just tell me how you like it. Since I'm new to the site, I'd prefer to exchange partials w/ other newbie's to protect my ms a bit. Either that, or if you're experienced & you'd like to read my 55k YA & maybe have me trade w/ your WIP later, I'd dig that, too.
UPDATE:
Wow! I got a great response so far! I'm a little busy right now, so I think I'll be unable to beta for about a month. I'll post again when I'm free.
If you're looking for a grammar girl, I'll be your huckleberry! 15 years editing high school essays as an English teacher... I can be cruel or kind, just tell me how you like it. Since I'm new to the site, I'd prefer to exchange partials w/ other newbie's to protect my ms a bit. Either that, or if you're experienced & you'd like to read my 55k YA & maybe have me trade w/ your WIP later, I'd dig that, too.
UPDATE:
Wow! I got a great response so far! I'm a little busy right now, so I think I'll be unable to beta for about a month. I'll post again when I'm free.
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KLBowman
Registered
KLBowman
Registered
Oh heavens... another P.S...
I've got a 55k YA paranormal adventure ms on which I'd like feedback(general readability, etc.). I like YA overall, but will read most anything except poetry. I like poetry, but I find it difficult to critique.
I've got a 55k YA paranormal adventure ms on which I'd like feedback(general readability, etc.). I like YA overall, but will read most anything except poetry. I like poetry, but I find it difficult to critique.
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I'm disappointed that these posts are so old. I got a message from someone who wanted to beta for me but I can't find the message. The link only takes me to the thread. Should have been one of the last, but I didn't find it on the last page. I wish more recent posts could be put at the top so we don't have to read through 8 pages to find a post.
If anyone is willing to beta a YA fantasy novel, please contact me privately - I'm willing to beta back, but if it doesn't catch my attention I'll say so, and maybe we can try something else.
If anyone is willing to beta a YA fantasy novel, please contact me privately - I'm willing to beta back, but if it doesn't catch my attention I'll say so, and maybe we can try something else.
Willing to Beta (exchange) with someone. Someone with experience with YA and who has been on AW for awhile.
As for me, I will look at just about anything. I will serve you best if it is YA, middle grade, contemporary (as far as knowing the genre) but as far as structure and style I can take on anything. PM me...let's do this!
Rachel
As for me, I will look at just about anything. I will serve you best if it is YA, middle grade, contemporary (as far as knowing the genre) but as far as structure and style I can take on anything. PM me...let's do this!
Rachel
I am willing to Beta for any type of YA or Urban Fantasy. If anyone is up for beta reading my YA SF/Fantasy novel, Obscure Origins, please check out my thread.
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I can crit:
YA and MG
Romance
Fantasy (incl. paranormal, urban fantasy, epic, etc.)
Mystery
Christian
Chick lit
Basically, I'm a genre girl. I'll read light or dark, though if there are scenes with graphic animal deaths or torture, please contact someone else. I'm fine with gruesome human deaths.
My critiques are thorough and blunt. I try to offer encouragement along with criticism, but I have made a couple people cry. I'm a professional editor, and I will approach your MS the same way I approach my paying clients' work.
-Since I put a lot of effort into crits, they take a while for me to do. Please give me a time frame and make it reasonable.
-If your story is over 150K, please pare it down before contacting me about it.
-I prefer to start with the first chapter only. Then, if we work well together, you can send me the whole book.
ETA: You guys are FAST! I'm not taking on any more crits at the moment. I'll update this post when I'm through with this first batch.
ETA 2: I haven't forgotten anyone! Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm slowly but surely working through all of the crits.
YA and MG
Romance
Fantasy (incl. paranormal, urban fantasy, epic, etc.)
Mystery
Christian
Chick lit
Basically, I'm a genre girl. I'll read light or dark, though if there are scenes with graphic animal deaths or torture, please contact someone else. I'm fine with gruesome human deaths.
My critiques are thorough and blunt. I try to offer encouragement along with criticism, but I have made a couple people cry. I'm a professional editor, and I will approach your MS the same way I approach my paying clients' work.
-Since I put a lot of effort into crits, they take a while for me to do. Please give me a time frame and make it reasonable.
-If your story is over 150K, please pare it down before contacting me about it.
-I prefer to start with the first chapter only. Then, if we work well together, you can send me the whole book.
ETA: You guys are FAST! I'm not taking on any more crits at the moment. I'll update this post when I'm through with this first batch.
ETA 2: I haven't forgotten anyone! Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm slowly but surely working through all of the crits.
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Rowdymama: The following post was meant for someone else, but it applies here, too. This thread was meant for people to offer their services as beta-readers. If you're looking for a beta-reader you can create a new thread asking for one, and/or look through this thread for someone with the qualities you're looking for.
If you look at other replies throughout this thread, you'll see that most are offering their beta services, not asking for beta readers.
I don't understand what you mean by "these posts are so old."
I don't think whoever contacted you did so in this thread, because I can see both your posts within the same page, and no one responded to you between them. Your posts are #177 and #196.
I bet whoever contacted you did so by either PM or in your Rep points, and I bet they linked here to show they were referring to your post here, where you were looking for a beta reader.
I'd suggest you create a new thread asking for beta readers here.
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Beta reader or critter
Hi, I'm new here and I would be willing to be a beta reader or critter. I am interested in reading something of 60 pages or less. I would be happy with chapters, rough draft, etc. I do not do punctuation or grammar. I will read the piece and let you know what I think of it, if it garnered my attention, what I think works and doesn't work, etc. I will try one piece from someone and see how it goes. Any genre okay.
Hi, I'm new here and I would be willing to be a beta reader or critter. I am interested in reading something of 60 pages or less. I would be happy with chapters, rough draft, etc. I do not do punctuation or grammar. I will read the piece and let you know what I think of it, if it garnered my attention, what I think works and doesn't work, etc. I will try one piece from someone and see how it goes. Any genre okay.
Count me in as a beta reader. I don't do well with horror and excessive violence, and I'm not much for the hard sci fi. My general suggestion is to send over the beginning, and we can both decide after that if we want to continue to relationship.
My current WIP, like 90 percent of AW, is urban fantasy, so I'm somewhat up to date on parts of that genre.
My current WIP, like 90 percent of AW, is urban fantasy, so I'm somewhat up to date on parts of that genre.
Swallowtail
Registered
Hi guys! I love reading (duh) and I would be happy to beta-read anyone's work!
Just for reference sake: I love fantasy, sci-fi, humor... I don't do well with horror or historical fiction.
Just for reference sake: I love fantasy, sci-fi, humor... I don't do well with horror or historical fiction.
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