Beta reading is a valuable resource for independent and self-published authors, and it is also a service used by professional authors and mainstream publishers too. One reason beta readers are important is that authors may be so closely involved in their own story that it is easy for them to overlook key facets of the plot, or they may visualize a character or event but fail to describe it sufficiently for the reader. Beta readers can provide an author with useful insight into how readers may perceive their book’s plot, characters and writing style. Beta readers are typically hired after a manuscript is completed but before it is published, in order to identify any issues with the book before customers and reviewers read and review it publicly. After a beta reader considers the manuscript, they will provide the author with a detailed analysis of their opinion of the book, including specific examples of things that they believe the author did well and things that could use some improvement. While a professional editor will do a more thorough job, often including a line-by-line edit of a book’s manuscript, beta readers can provide an author with similar feedback for about a tenth the cost. Below is a list of beta readers, along with their prices.
LIST OF BETA READING SERVICES
| Website | Pricing* | Genres |
|---|---|---|
| APackedLunch.com | $75 | Contemporary, Fiction, Historical, Horror, Memoirs, Mystery, Paranormal, Poetry, Religious, Suspense, Thriller |
| BookABetaReader.com | $130 | All, Fantasy, Historical, Juvenile, Horror, Memoir, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, Poetry, Science Fiction, Thriller |
| ChapterChatsWithCaroline.wordpress.com | $50 | Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Historical, Short Stories, Novellas, LGBTQ, Children’s |
| EntradaPublishing.com | $85 | All |
| HolliesHappinessAndHealing.wordpress.com | $15 | Romance, Horror, Poetry, Memoirs, Fantasy |
| LillysBookWorld.com | $20 | Romance, Young Adult, Teen, Fantasy |
| LiteraryTitan.com | $90 | All |
| ProBetaReader.com | $100 | All |
| SelfPublishingReview.com | $130 | All |
| TheMoonWhoListens.wixsite.com | Unknown | Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Teen, Young Adult, Historical Fiction |
| WordTinkerer.com | $450 | Romance, including Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and YA Romance |
| WriterfulBooks.com | $155 | All |
| YourBetaReader.com | $200 | All |
Prices were verified in 2023 and may change at any time. Visit individual website for a more specific quote.
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