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This appears to have been at one point where people were calling out for beta readers, amongst other things.

Is that still the case? And if not, where do people find their readers?

I have a couple of steadfast readers, but you need diversity in your feedback as much as in the words written. After a callout on several social platforms I've managed to get one additional person to agree to read. Though this is my cousin in Turkey, which is actually a boon as the steampunk novel I'm trying to have read is mostly set there :P

I just recently joined a FB group also and am going to give that a go.

All I can say is good luck. I've had issues with getting beta readers myself even among people who rave about my writing on Wattpad. Wait til you are trying to get reviews.

This group here offers some /group/show/... but you have to check because some ask for money. I think they have special threads though.

Brian wrote: "All I can say is good luck. I've had issues with getting beta readers myself even among people who rave about my writing on Wattpad. Wait til you are trying to get reviews."

Hmm, yeah I've never had much luck on Wattpad in general. It seems like you have to put out a lot quick to get any traction and apart from likes and follows not much in the way of feedback.

G.G. wrote: "This group here offers some /group/show/... but you have to check because some ask for money. I think they have special threads though."

Thanks. I have tried another Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ group but not had any replies. May give this one a go too.

Still haven't posted to the FB group so will give feedback on how it goes once available.

The one thing I have noticed myself, is there is a lot of blogs that do reviews. I can only imagine how many people send them review requests, and I'm sure they have to spend a lot of time sifting through for the right book they want to review.
I guess the only tip I can give, is don't waste time sending review requests to people who don't like the genre you write.
instead spend the extra time with the bloggers who want the genre you write.

I think one thing that puts people off Beta reading is what puts me off. I do do it, but only to people I kinda know online now. I used to advertise in this group that I would do it. Until one of the members (who was really active at the time) sent me his YA novel that was full of xenophobia. I was livid. And quite heartbroken really, as he'd advertised his work all over here. When it's indie you don't always know what youre going to get. And he really didn't react well to my bad review, even though I kept it private. Now I'm kinda reluctant to reply when people ask.


And I found my betas through twitter and chatting on here in various groups :)

I have to admit that beta readers are courageous angels. Unless you know what you're going to get into, it's hard to volunteer. I completely understand Bisky. Sometimes you may get something you absolutely can't do and not all authors are good with feedback that are not glorious reviews. So the suggestion I have for all authors is to respect beta readers. Respect and value their opinions. You asked for it after all.

I want to add that for those who say, "Oh but they get a free book in exchange. It's a win-win situation!"
WRONG! There are plenty of free books on sites like Amazon and the likes. Books that are finished and polished. (or at least should be) So beta readers actually do us a favor and not the other way around. Always remember that. If you're not going to, forget using them. :/ (This was not meant for the OP, but for all authors using or intending on using betas.)

Bisky wrote: "I think one thing that puts people off Beta reading is what puts me off. I do do it, but only to people I kinda know online now. I used to advertise in this group that I would do it. Until one of t..."

Oh, I only ask/read for people I "know" and whose judgement I trust. Too often have I gotten reaaaallly bad manuscripts and when I pointed things out like "Your first chapter is very vague and I don't think a publisher will request a full manuscript if you don't change it" I've gotten aanswers like "Yes, but it's supposed to be mysterious!" or "I did it because this [one writing blog] says to do it and you know nothing!".
It's frustrating

Bisky wrote: "I think one thing that puts people off Beta reading is what puts me off. I do do it, but only to people I kinda know online now. I used to advertise in this group that I would do it. Until one of t..."

Yeah there's that too. The danger here I guess is finding out things about someone you know or thought you know, compounded when that someone doesn't respond well to feedback.

G.G. wrote: "So the suggestion I have for all authors is to respect beta readers. Respect and value their opinions. You asked for it after all.

I want to add that for those who say, "Oh but they get a free book in exchange. It's a win-win situation!"..."

Oh yeah, most definitely. Someone takes the time to read and give you feedback you have to be, at the least, respectful.

And no, they did not just get a free book. If you wanted to do that you could bash out words and post it online, and the reader can find plenty of free stuff online to read for free as you said LOL. I don't get that line of thinking AT ALL. Betaing, like critiquing, is work.

Stefanie wrote: "I've gotten aanswers like "Yes, but it's supposed to be mysterious!" or "I did it because this [one writing blog] says to do it and you know nothing!".
It's frustrating ..."

My favourite is "I just don't think you get it".

Well, as a writer it's your job to make sure people "get it". If I'm the only one saying that, fine, but you should at least stop to think about whether there's something that needs clearing up. Or just don't respond to it and move on.

I am not sure some authors understand the difference between a review copy and a beta reader copy. Beta readers shouldn't be reading the final copy. Beta copy as a general rule isn't finished. It might only need minor changes, but still needs some work done to it.

Brian wrote: "I am not sure some authors understand the difference between a review copy and a beta reader copy. Beta readers shouldn't be reading the final copy. Beta copy as a general rule isn't finished. It m..."

Indeed

Brian wrote: "I am not sure some authors understand the difference between a review copy and a beta reader copy. Beta readers shouldn't be reading the final copy. Beta copy as a general rule isn't finished. It m..."

Absolutely. Same goes for the beta readers, though. There are bound to be a ton of typos, possibly issues with structure that need to be adjusted, and the pacing is likely not perfect just yet. beta reading is more about the heart of the story.