Yes, you can turn to friends and family for beta reading. They’re probably the easiest people to access, and a good option for that reason alone. But, unless you happen to have brutally honest relatives, you’re best off also looking outside your inner circle to ensure the most honest and candid feedback. Here are a few places to start.

Writing communities

These are ideal places to shop for beta readers, because the people who frequent writing communities will get it. Other writers who are also in the process of finishing up their manuscript will likely be looking for beta readers, too, and you can simply swap manuscripts and get the job done. Check out our blog post on 15 of the best online writing communities for aspiring authors, as well as the following seven websites:

·        Absolute Write Water Cooler — while this forum might seem like a bit of a maze at first, the Beta Readers, Mentors, and Writing Buddies board has been a meeting place for authors and beta readers for years.

·        Beta Readers and Critique Partners Facebook Group — this group has over 7,000 members and is moderated by a team of dedicated individuals who ensure the group remains self-promotion and spam-free.

·        CP Matchmaking — essentially a matchmaking site that pairs authors with beta readers.

·        Nathan's Bransford Forum — another beta reader/author matchmaking site, helmed by Nathan Bransford, author of How to Write a Novel.

·        Goodreads Beta Reader Group — this mecca for booklovers is also a valuable resource for writers, and this group of beta readers is just one example of why.

·        10 Minute Novelists Facebook Group —as their "about" section puts it, this is a group for writers with big dreams, and small amounts of time. Therefore, the beta readers you meet here should be good with deadlines!

·        My Writer's Circle — another very active writer's forum where you can enlist (and offer!) beta reading services.

Your author website

Have you set up a mailing list? In your newsletters, give people the option to sign up as a possible beta reader. In exchange, you can offer them a free copy of the final published title or an acknowledgment in your book.

Goodreads

This bibliophile’s mecca is not just for readers, it’s also home to plenty of groups that support writers. Like this one, which is, luckily enough, aimed at connecting writers with beta readers.

Local writing groups

Finding these can be as easy as typing “writer’s group [name of your location]” into Google. As a bonus, people are more likely to meet your deadlines when they have to see you face-to-face.

Existing author connections

You might have connections with fellow authors, either via social media or from attending conferences/meet-ups. Don’t be shy: ask them nicely to help with beta reading. At worst, you’ll get a: “No, thanks” or “Maybe next time.” An extra tip here: don’t be pushy. A no is a no.