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    • 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.
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Request for a Beta-Reader

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ChopinsMuse

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Hi Fellow Writer,

I’m ChopinsMuse, and I’m looking for someone to beta-read my YA novel of around 64k words (subject to change).

Requirements:
• Here (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zXm80EfeGUB00S-Eo9-YKnZVJ9byhToAL8eoI5fU6Y0/edit?usp=sharing) is what I’m looking for in terms of feedback.
• Must be comfortable reading about serious issues such as mental illness, cutting, rape, alcohol/drugs. However, if I were to rate my story according to the MPAAF (Motion Picture Association of America Films) rating system, it would be a PG-13.
• Must be familiar with Copyright Laws (https://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-general.html). (Not pointing fingers, but better safe than sorry)
• It’s not a prerequisite, but I would prefer someone to be familiar with critiquing queries and synopsis’ too. Simply because I am looking to go down the traditional route of publishing.

Please contact me if you’re interested. I’m willing to swap. :)
 
davidjgalloway

davidjgalloway

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Welcome, ChopinsMuse! A couple thoughts on your post:


  • You've given a content warning, which seems wise considering your subjects. But what's the book's genre? How about a nice blurb to get folks interested? Pitch it to betas just like you'd pitch to your agent (and it's good practice).
  • A knowledge (or lack of knowledge) of copyright law isn't going to affect whether someone steals your work (which is not likely in the first place.) There's a sticky on this issue.
  • It's great you're offering a swap. Too many people ride in here, demand a beta-read, and offer nothing in return. But if you don't get as many offers as you might like, consider signing up in Willing Beta Readers, as well as doing a few reads without swapping. You can make great contacts there.
  • This may just be me, but your feedback sheet, though specific and clear, smacks of a homework assignment (!). I've done a lot of reads here in my short time, and no one has ever given me a sheet like that . Remember that a good beta-read is the gold standard of writerly help--a big investment of time and effort. Because of that, and especially because you are lucky sometimes to find a beta who finishes the book, let alone gives you an exhaustive and useful critique, I think it's better to not start off so specific. You can hash out the details when you connect with someone.

Best of luck finding good readers for your ms.
 
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