Summary

FAQs

• Why do I need to pay for a beta reading? Can't I just ask people to do it for free?

  In most cases, beta readers work for free; they are the author’s friends, family, acquaintances, or volunteers recruited through their publishing company. However, these people also have busy lives with other priorities, and sometimes they might be unable to give you the feedback you requested, or give you enough detail for the feedback to be useful. Sometimes it’s difficult for them to be honest with their critique due to not wanting to seem impolite or too negative. And sometimes, especially if your beta readers are volunteers you don’t particularly know or are close to, there might be confidentiality issues. So, while looking for unpaid beta readers is always a good first step (and encouraged!), there can be many benefits to paying for a beta reading—not the least of which is an assurance of the reliability and usefulness of the feedback, and confidence in them keeping that feedback 100% private. It also helps that beta readers like me, who have worked in the industry, have the advantage of having read manuscripts of all types, so we have a clearer idea of what works and doesn’t work, how to improve it, and what next steps it might need to make it better, particularly when it comes to the editing process.

• How much does a beta reading cost?

  The cost of a beta reading will depend on the length of your manuscript. A beta reading will cost you $0.0025 USD (0.25 cents) per word, or a base fee of $25 USD if it’s under 10,000 words. For manuscripts over 10,000 words, a $25 USD non-refundable deposit will be charged upon receipt, and the rest upon completion.

• Does my manuscript need to be edited before I book a beta reading?

  It is not necessary for your manuscript to have been edited before you submit it for a beta reading, but if if is difficult to read or understand, I will make a note of it in my feedback report. I can refer you to a freelance editor if needed.