r/RomanceWriters • u/Silent_Win_9763 • 14d ago

Beta readers

Where are we finding them? How much money can I expect to spend on them? My book is not even finished yet but I feel like I am so caught up in the publishing process that I’m having trouble focusing on much else. I know the first step is to just write the book, to at least finish a “dirty draft” as some would call it. I’m at 16,500 words and worried that I’ve wasted my time writing all of them and that no one will even be interested in my work. The perfectionist in me has such a hard time with just continuing to write and not editing as I go.

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u/aabdelmonem 14d ago

This is a very common feeling, even if you’ve written multiple books. I still have beta readers look over early chapters to make sure they at least read well - and I usually don’t ask for critical feedback in those situations. Just the question of whether it’s interesting enough they’d want to keep reading. In fact, I just finished a manuscript that started out completely differently - I had written 9 chapters that a trusted friend read for me, and she gave me her no holds barred feeling. I needed to start over. Now, she and other readers have liked this new version. It was incredibly helpful, though I will say I had felt that the first version wasn’t coming together right. Having said that, I am also in critique groups, where I share new chapters for critical feedback.

If you don’t have a critique group, I would suggest going that route before beta testing. In fact, I’ve seen people on reddit looking for groups. I know “The Shit No One Tells You About Writing” podcast also does critique group match-ups (for a small fee). They are soo helpful. But if you do want beta readers, there are multiple paths to finding one. I’d start with friends and family who read - esp if they can be no holds barred with you. Facebook has beta reader groups you can join - many people in them are also writers, so often reciprocating is the payment - you beta read their stuff and they read yours. There are paid services but I haven’t gone that route.

But keep at it! Writing can be lonely til you find your people. Good luck!

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u/Crimson-and-clover19 13d ago

I was just about to suggest critique partners as well. They keep you accountable and motivated.

Happy writing!

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u/aabdelmonem 13d ago

I agree with this!

Someone in the thread below mentioned something about not letting them be your crutch, but I honestly find my critique groups hugely motivational. Because we focus on the things we love about each other’s work, as well as questions and suggestions for possible clarity or improvement. But we treat critique as a discussion - some groups don’t do that, it’s just delivery of critical things to fix (and that can be a little less satisfying). Overall, though, for me it’s about being connected in with other writers, because it can get lonely. I also have a writing partner - we critique each other’s stuff, but more than that we also talk all the time about craft or story ideas. It’s so helpful to have a community:)