On Writing : Hi all! Looking for beta readers. by Stephen Carter

Question: Why would anyone want to protect the hybrids?

Because things are not always as they seem.

Entrada Publishing offers beta readers for $85. I've been researching beta readers for a while and I've discovered that paying for a beta read is a lot like paying for script coverage - some good, some bad. Some think it's worthwhile, others think it's a scam. My view is you get what you pay for - and $85 isn't bad for "coverage" of a novel.

Great, thanks, John. I'll check them out. I don't mind paying, I'm looking for honest and helpful notes from sophisticated readers.

Visit FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) Section on Stage.

To what end?

HI Stephen, Logline looks great. Would love to help you out.

Stephen - I believe the key to success with a logline is stop thinking of it as a description, and start thinking of it as a marketing pitch. Don't describe it, sell it. Here's my suggestion: When a group of genetic hybrids, Homo Novus, goes on a killing spree, an LAPD detective has to figure out whose side he's on.

Thank you, Daisy!

Thanks, Alex, that would be awesome. I'll shoot you a PM.

Thanks, Richard. Sweet improvement!

Stephen - You're welcome. How many pages is the novel?

It runs 388, Richard.

how many words? I'm a beta reader working for Random House as well. It's the word count that matters, not the pages. I can't offer you my services, since I'm far too busy these days, just a couple of info for you to find the right person: 1) be sure they read extensively in your genre;

2) 85 dollars is really too low, for a true professional. I charge 200 dollars (VAT INCLUDED) for a 100k words book. It takes me at least 8 hours to read a book of that length 'professionally' and another hour to write a detailed editorial letter;

3) By 'detailed editorial letter' I mean a letter underlining the weaknesses and plot holes, as well as the story's strong points. IT HAS TO BE BETWEEN 500 AND 1000 WORDS AT LEAST, or it's a scam.

Hope that helps, let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks for the tips, Louisa! I wish you could read it. :-( The book runs about 113K

Hi, I've used Fiverr for several services and highly recommend wbproofreading as a beta reader/proof reader. For editing, mmacrae is the best!

Stephen - If things open up for me in early June, I'm willing to give it a read.

Logline sounds good! But unfortunately I don't have the time right now.

That picture looks familiar.....

There's a company called Beta Reads that offers beta reading at a cost ($85 and up). I've never used them and to be honest, as a freelance book editor as well as novelist, it sounds more like a manuscript review than a beta read. But here is their URL: https://www.betaread.com/

Thanks, Richard. I'll check back with you. Maybe you could do round two. Thanks, Robin! It's a free template, David. Thanks, Martin! I've since found a few. Good Reads finally produced a couple for me, and Fiverr had a couple. One was a complete waste of money. I'm going to get through this first round of notes and go for a second round of beta reads. So far, the response has been 100% positive, with very few actionable notes. Not sure how I feel about that. :p

It sounds like an interesting premise. Keep working on the log though, to tighten it up some.

Log line tweak: make 'genetic hybrids, Homo Novus, has been killing' read: 'genetic hybrids, Homo Novus, have been killing'

I've never heard of beta readers you don't pay handsomely. You could suggest a barter with other writers, but word of warning: don't use your friends!