Authors: have you ever used a paid beta reader?

[zephyrtrillian]

I was on Fiverr noticing that there are paid beta readers in this world. Not editors...beta readers.

I've decided to dip my toe into it myself, probably on both sides of the matter. If I can get paid to read and analyze, great! But if I can also find someone who will read and analyze my work, which is hard for me to do given how close I am to it, also great!

But first, I thought I should ask: has anyone ever used a paid beta reader?

Do you recommend them? Why or why not?

I kind of think of ScribbleHub's readers in general (and RoyalRoad's...any free posting service, really) as free beta readers, right? But they also don't (typically) write multi-page reports analyzing your work, which apparently beta readers do.

I don't know, I'm learning more and more every day. Just thought I'd open yet another discussion to the horde. What do you think?

 

[mythosandmagic]

It's an expensive endeavor. I was going to submit my 75,000+ word manuscript for beta-reader input, but talked myself out of it at almost $800.
Also, looked at an editor, twice the cost!

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Depends on what you want to write to begin with.

 

[ConansWitchBaby]

Just find a bro online. I haven't been keeping up with the SH discord but there was a constant exchange of people willing to beta-read each other.