What is a BETA Reader?
Beta readers read your manuscript with the eye of an average reader.
A beta reader is not an editor. They do not replace editors in any way, shape, or form. (You need an editor, guys.) It is not the beta’s job to catch all your typos (though they will probably catch some). It is not their job to brainstorm solutions to plot holes and problems, or fix your boring dialogue.
Don’t confuse beta readers with alpha readers, critique partners, or sensitivity readers. An alpha reader is the first person who reads your manuscript, normally when it’s in the very early stages. Critique partners are other writers who look at your manuscript as another writer would: with an eye for writing craft issues and mistakes. A sensitivity reader is a professional who reviews a manuscript to provide feedback on how well it represents specific cultures, identities, or experiences that the author may not have direct knowledge of (and they are usually paid).
What is an ARC?
Advanced Reader Copies, or ARCs for short, are copies of unpublished books offered free of charge in exchange for honest reviews.
While a review is requested they are not required. When leaving a review on Amazon do not mention you received the book for free, while not against their rules, most do not get published.
If you DNF (Did not finish) a book, no explanation is required to be given (some authors like to know, some don’t).
Submission Guidelines for Beta Reads or ARC Reads
- Create or Log In: Access your Author account by creating a new account or logging into an existing one.
- Navigate to Advertising Profile: From your account dashboard, click on “Advertising Profile.”
- Add a Listing: Select the “Add Listing” option.
- Choose Listing Type: Select either “Beta Reads” or “ARC Reads” based on your needs.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all required fields in the form accurately, then click “Submit.”
- Select Package: Choose the Beta/ARC package. Proceed to payment (note: these packages are free).
- Finalize: After submission, your listing will be active for 30 days. Renew as needed.