I know I’ve written about Beta Reading in the past: how hard it is to find reliable, free readers, differing expectations of what beta reading entails, the pitfalls of unbalanced feedback. There are so many writers out there with so many writing styles. Which means even if you find someone whose writing you jive with, you still might not click when it comes to working together. That being said, I wanted to share a positive beta reading experience. 

In the past, I’ve used free beta reading groups online to find writers and swap work. My goal has always been to form long term partnerships with other writers. So, when I’m stuck, need feedback, or a read-through, I have a handful of trusted people to contact. Face it, organizing beta reading with strangers online can be time consuming. There’s introductions, manuscript blurbs, outlined expectations, timelines, pressing questions, follow up. Honestly, I got to the point where the idea of reaching out felt exhausting. Still, I’ll occasionally skim other people’s posts who are on the hunt. Recently one caught my eye. The post was concise, polished, and even had a graphic for the upcoming book. I visited the writer’s page, finding a professional website. It included info on two published books, which both sounded like good reads. So, I reached out. 

When Anna Lenore messaged me back, she did something I hadn’t seen before. After chatting a bit, she sent me a link to a questionnaire where I had to apply to be a reader for her.  

That’s right: apply.  

This is possibly more common place than I realize, but I couldn’t help but be impressed. She was essentially putting it in the reader’s hands to tell her why they should have the honor of reading her work. She didn’t use the word honor, but honestly, writers put a lot of work into their craft, so maybe this type of screening process is warranted. I don’t want to trust just anyone with my book baby. I need the best people to help me grow it into something special to share with the world.  

When she picked me, I felt honored. I always want to do justice to the work of other’s, but in this situation I was especially eager. From the start it seemed kind of like I was chatting with a kindred spirit—maybe it’s because we’re both Anna’s?!—who might share a similar writing process. So, when she picked me to read her book, I saw possibilities. Ones that included future projects. (It’s true, Anna Lenore, I hope I’m not freaking you out.) 

Anyway, a great part about beta reading is that it can make the reader a better writer. Reading Anna’s descriptions of setting was especially helpful to me. This has always been an area of weakness for me, so seeing how she worked her descriptions into her scenes had me seeing hypothetical lightbulbs and nodding a lot. Thankfully no one was there to notice my silent communication with a manuscript and question my sanity. 

When I finished reading, I was happy about the feedback I’d given and excited to see Anna’s end result. Good news: you can see the end result, also. Anna Lenore’s contemporary romance, The Promise, comes out March 19, 2024.

You’re in luck, today, March 18, you still have time to preorder The Promise for $2.99. Just click on the book title to reserve your copy.  

And, of course, when you get it, don’t just read it, experience it!