I've moved this thread from Basic Writing Questions because some of the underlying implied topics, like paying for a beta reader, merit wider discussion.
I want to note that the concept of beta reading is one that suggests reciprocity rather than payment.
We have a
Beta Reading sub-forum here.
It's worth taking the time to read the stickies, and offer to beta read if you hope to find a congenial, compatible, helpful beta reader. You're not likely to have much luck if you start off as a new member, before people have chance to know you and your writing.
Before you ask for a beta reader, it's a good idea to try posting an excerpt(s) for crit in Share Your Work. It's a special sub-forum for critting. Crits or critiques are pretty special, and have their own sub forum called Share Your Work (SYW). You need 50 posts to start a new thread in SYW.
Lots of times new members think they know what it means to be critted, and that their work is ready for it, when it isn't. So having to have 50 genuine, engaged posts gives new members a chance to figure out how critting works.
Until you have 50 posts, why not go to
Share Your Work and read some crits, and
carefully read the stickies, and maybe try your own hand at doing a crit ?
The password for Share Your Work is
vista.