In short, a beta reader is a writer’s best friend. When they are working at their best, these are people that help us make sure our books are ready to go to editors. They are our first line of defence, and obviously, worth their weight in gold.
Where do I find them?
Elusive, hard to track, much like the Haggis (joking), beta readers are shy and retiring, but if you’ve got people that like your work or are always asking about your book, they are a good place to start. Exchanging beta reads with writers is completely acceptable too (exchanging reviews however, are not).
Also, unless they are superstars, or you’re able to, most beta readers are not paid.
Kai Wilson-Viola writes under various names, and in all genres. Co-founder and webmistress of the IAG site, she writes content on request of members.
She has written several books including the Ten Hour Marketing Plan and 12×12 – tutorials for social media.
When not writing, she can be found maintaining sites, designing themes, managing a charity called the Less than Three foundation, gaming, knitting or reading.