Welcome to my Beta Reader sign up page! In order to officially sign up, first you will need to register below, then answer some questions.

If you're new to beta reading, below are some general guidelines:

1. Be Honest

You can’t be useful to fellow writers unless you’re willing to be honest with them about the good and the bad of their stories. No, you don’t want to hurt any feelings, but assume that any writer who asks your opinion will be big enough to handle even a negative response.

2. Be Specific

Generalities like, “I loved it!” or “Your plot was boring!” are nice, but usually aren't much help. Even if you start out with only a gut feeling about the story, do your best to figure out why you liked or disliked something. Give your writer friend something concrete on which to build his revisions.

3. Be Respectful

The whole point of a critique is the criticism. But be a sport and don’t be too rough on a writer’s delicate ego. Say what you've got to say about the book’s faults, but in a respectful way. Imagine yourself in the author's shoes. Remember that years of the author's life had gone into this work and they only want to make it better for future readers.

4. Suggestions are Welcome

Try to avoid negative absolutes with no solution: “This book is awful.” “I hated this character.” “Your theme is nonexistent.” Focus on the fix, rather than the problem: “I recommend using a more cheerful tone.” “What if you let this character pet a dog?” “Have you considered a theme for this story?”

5. Observe Deadlines

Aside from the fact that most writers will be chewing their fingernails with anticipation from the moment they send you their precious manuscript, they’ve also probably got some serious deadlines to meet. So once you agree to a timeline, try your darndest to meet it. Yes, you’re doing the writer a favor, but they're also depending on you. If you’re going to be unable to meet the deadline, PLEASE take a moment to let the writer know about the delay.

6. Realize the Story Will Change

This is a work in progress and, based on your feedback, the story may change. While the author has done their best, it is still a self-edited manuscript, and since it is not a final product, there may be typos and grammatical errors at this stage in the game. You are more than welcome to point these kinds of things out, but as a beta reader, this is not a requirement.

7. Check Your Personal Agenda at the Door

Remember: as a beta reader, you’re here to serve the writer. If you have a dislike for characters with red hair, the word “stupendous,” or rainy scenes, keep it to yourself. There’s a difference between problems with the plot, the pacing, characters acting 'out of character' and pet peeves that are specific only to us and our personalities.

10. Respect the Author’s Autonomy

No matter how much effort and time you spend critiquing this story, there is no guarantee the author will make any of the changes you’re suggesting. Once you’ve turned over your critique, your job is finished. You’ve had your say; you’ve fulfilled your duty. You don't need to talk the writer into using all your suggestions. When the book comes out and the main character still has red hair, please resist the urge to throw up your hands in frustration or write the author a scolding email.