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Alpha and beta readers are the often unsung heroes of literature, working behind the scenes to help perfect books before they hit the market. Granted early access to books at various stages of writing, they help ensure plots make sense, timelines flow, and flat spots are fixed. Read more below and register to become a test reader today!
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Alpha Readers
While not all authors will choose to go through the alpha reading process, it can be a great way to ensure they are on the right track. As a volunteer alpha reader, you will be granted access to the first draft of books or stories. These are diamonds in the rough and will have plenty of issues. It is important to note that this is not an editing phase and alpha readers are not editors. Your role is to read the story and look for initial readability issues, including pacing, voice, flow, and timeline. You will note if the story becomes flat, has incongruities, or has speed bumps that throw you out of the story. This role is perfect for you if you enjoy reading a good book and don't mind grammatical and other errors.
Once the story is reviewed, you will fill out a questionnaire with your thoughts and notations. This feedback will then be compiled with the feedback from other alpha readers and submitted to the author so they can begin the revising and new drafting process. You do not need to be an author or a professional in the literary world, just an avid reader. Alpha reads are broken into various genres to allow you to choose books in the genres you are most comfortable with. When the time for the beta reads comes, you will be given priority access to beta read the books you assisted with in the alpha read phase.
Click the link below for more information and to apply to become an alpha reader today!
Once the story is reviewed, you will fill out a questionnaire with your thoughts and notations. This feedback will then be compiled with the feedback from other alpha readers and submitted to the author so they can begin the revising and new drafting process. You do not need to be an author or a professional in the literary world, just an avid reader. Alpha reads are broken into various genres to allow you to choose books in the genres you are most comfortable with. When the time for the beta reads comes, you will be given priority access to beta read the books you assisted with in the alpha read phase.
Click the link below for more information and to apply to become an alpha reader today!
Beta Readers
The beta reading process comes in after the alpha reads, edits, revisions, and polishing, and happens just before publication. As a volunteer beta reader, you will be granted access to pre-publication books for a final review. While reading the story or book, you will watch for anachronistic timelines, missing or flat character arcs, confusing scenes, speed bumps, disjointed narratives, and more. Again, this is not an editing role, though if editing issues are found, they can be included in your notes, though your focus should be on the task of beta reading.
You will be tasked with filling out a questionnaire with your thoughts, notations, and final review. This feedback will be complied with other feedback and delivered to the author so they may make any final changes before beginning the publishing process. The process of alpha and beta reading is confidential. Do not share any details of the manuscript.
If you enjoy reading new books and being on the cutting edge of literature, click the link below and apply to become a beta reader today!
You will be tasked with filling out a questionnaire with your thoughts, notations, and final review. This feedback will be complied with other feedback and delivered to the author so they may make any final changes before beginning the publishing process. The process of alpha and beta reading is confidential. Do not share any details of the manuscript.
If you enjoy reading new books and being on the cutting edge of literature, click the link below and apply to become a beta reader today!
Apply to Become a Test Reader
Key points to remember before applying.
- Any and all works you review remain the intellectual property of the author and are not to be shared, copied, discussed, or disseminated in any way.
- All reviews are to be done in a timely manner. If you are not able to complete the review in a timely manner, please contact us so we may make alternate arrangements.
- Alpha and beta reviews are not editing. Though if glaring issues arise, please make a note of the issues in your final report. Do not attempt to edit the manuscript on your own.
- Do not make any changes to the manuscript. If you have notes, please include them in your final report.
- Be kind in your feedback and criticism of the works. Insults, degrading comments, and other harsh forms of feedback are not helpful and will be addressed. It is alright to dislike a manuscript, but use tact in your feedback.
- This is a volunteer position. There is no compensation for reviewing books, beyond early access to the book.
- Do not attempt to contact the writer directly unless it has been explicitly stated that contact is acceptable. Please send all feedback and questions directly to Wax Seal Productions.
- Wax Seal Productions retains the right to remove any alpha and beta reader from the program at their discretion.
