First paid beta reader

According to the Collins Dictionary, a beta reader is “Someone who reads a literary work before it is released to the public. A beta reader is not a professional in the field of writing and publishing, which allows them to offer objective feedback from the perspective of an ordinary reader.”

 So hiring a professional beta reader is a contradiction in terms. But that’s what I wanted to do since I like the idea of getting a detailed report by a deadline. I posted this request on a freelance service: “I have a 94,000-word second draft of a literary novel in English. I will self-publish in the first half of 2023. I am looking for three Beta reader evaluation and recommendation reports from readers familiar with modern literary classics. My background is in literary fiction, but this contemporary coming-of-age novel (set in a near-future California) builds suspense with intertwining subplots concerning politics, family history, and the environment. Later on, I will need editing, proofreading, and cover design.” I picked out three who seemed to be the best fit for my project.

I gave a five-star review to the first report: Nadene did it within the ten days promised and exceeded all expectations. She answered 18 generic questions and commented on specific sentences and paragraphs via clickable highlights inserted into the manuscript. Her suggestions are worthy of an experienced editor. I intend to follow up on all of them and will consider myself lucky if I have a chance to hire her again. Nadine lives in South Africa. She charged $50. I am so happy I have her opinion.

While hiring beta readers is not for everybody, my first experience worked out well. Any thoughts?

(first published on 26 Sept 22)