BETA READS
In addition to our monthly critique groups, we also have special beta reads of members' work.
A beta read is a full read and critique of a completed work. Our monthly critique groups typically only critique one or two chapters of a longer work at a time. The beta read allows you to get feedback for your completed novel. Typically you'd have a beta read of your work when you feel that your novel is nearly ready to submit to agents or publishers, but need more feedback first.
Mechanics of Beta Reads
How Do I Qualify?
At least one of the following is true:
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The first three chapters have been critiqued by a BSFW novel critique group. That takes about three months on average (around 23,000 words total).
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You have attended and submitted to at least 3 short story critique sessions. That usually takes about three months.
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You have verifiably participated in the beta read for another BSFW member and completed the BSFW Beta Read Self-Reporting Sheet on the BSFW members page. You can find other beta reads to sign up for on the Meetup Calendar or by checking the Beta Schedule on the members page.
How Do I Submit?
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Request that a BSFW organizer sponsor your beta read
- If they agree, submit your manuscript
- They will read the manuscript, and decide if it's ready for a beta
- They will work with you to set a date, time, and location for the meeting to discuss the read.
- When figuring out the time date, please allow enough time for readers to read and write feedback on your novel
- The sponsor will set up a Meetup.com event page for the beta
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Prepare some information for your prospective readers (see below)
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Tell other members about the beta!
- You and your sponsor will send out reminders periodically about the upcoming beta read
What Should I Prepare?
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A proofread and properly formatted manuscript
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DOCX, DOC or ODT file format
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Times New Roman 12pt
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Double-spaced
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1-inch margins on all sides
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Page numbers
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Your name and title in the header
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Cover page with your name, email, wordcount, title
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Information for the prospective reader:
- Title
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Wordcount
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Genre
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Sub-genre
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500-word back-cover blurb about the story
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What kind of feedback you're looking for (be specific)
Important
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An organizer may decline to sponsor your read if:
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They feel the work needs another pass
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It's a very crowded few months, with other beta reads or events happening
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Too close to a major holiday
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In these situations, it could be a matter of suggesting a later date, or participating in a few more critique group sessions with the work
At The Meeting
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The meeting will be organized using the Clarion Rules
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Usually meetings will last 2 hours
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Most meetings are done online
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Recordings of the event will be made available to you as soon as possible
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Readers are expected to have provided written notes on the work, which they will forward to you (preferably before the meeting)
If You're a Reader
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Once you sign up for a reading, the organizer will email you a copy of the manuscript to read
- You will usually have 4-5 weeks to read the manuscript
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You will be expected to have read the manuscript AND prepared written feedback before the reading
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The organizer can provide you with some examples of feedback
Helpful Documents
These downloads can help you in your own work and in your critique of others' writing. Please take the time to read the Critique Group Policies document.