Finding Beta readers at your local university?

adam smith said:

I was wondering if anybody had ever tried to find beta readers (or proofreaders or other editorial assistance) via the English department at your local college or university?.

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I would avoid it at all costs.

You're better off with beta readers on AW.

I say this as English Ph.D. and frequent teacher of undergraduate English lit and comp classes.

Don't do it.

There are far better people on AW.

I did this for free through my school's proofreading (et al) service. The catch is, it was summer and dead slow, so they didn't mind looking at my non-class related fiction.

Unfortunately, after the first two sessions, I had to pull teeth to get the guy interested, and I couldn't tactfully get someone else who might be interested to have a look.

To be fair, it was an early draft, so I don't blame the guy for losing interest fast. He taught me a few things, all of which were reinforced by AW and other folks around the same time.

So unless this is very common and you find someone very open to it, I suggest not wasting everyone's time.

Lastly, I wouldn't pay a dime. Either there's a free service available and you can try it, or just look for another option (like AW).

In my opinion you're far better off with other writers in the same boat you are -- either trying to get published or previously publsihed. They will be able to give feedback relevant to the current market.

English majors and professors are not always attuned to these things. Their interests and specialties can vary significantly, and even if they are among the age group you're seeking, they tend not to represent the majority of the reading public.

Why not just take a workshop class and workshop the novel? You can also do it at a community college for much less money. Check your library too as there are sometimes free writers groups (check your Craigslist there too, and also Meetup.com -- writing groups and writers looking for people to read/ exchange reading).