Do I really need a beta reader?

The Chatters
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I will be on the first draft pretty soon, but the thought of finding a beta reader is most troubling. As I can’t seem to find a beta reader, I’m wondering if I truly need one in the first place. I don’t use social media because of reasons. I don’t own a car nor do I get out in my community. I don’t have anyone in my family or friend group that can beta read for me. I am stuck wondering if I really need a beta reader. I get having a fresh different set of eyes is nice, but what if I can’t find anybody.

I have to rely on myself for this. I’m also not great at being a critique partner neither.

I want to one day go with publishing traditionally, but the road to getting there is rough and long. And I haven’t gotten any rejections yet. I am nowhere near that point.

So, answer me honestly if a beta reader is legit necessary for publishing.

Thoughts and feelings?

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A second set of eyes helps a ton with showing you where you’re needing work–as long as they’re a good set of eyes.

I almost never look for anything outside my own home because I’m not that serious AND I’ve got another writer in-home.

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I don’t even have that. How will I find one without paying?

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Well, I’ve got a Beta I’m supposed to be doing right now, and I try not to pick up another until I’m done, myself. I’ve got no direct goals this summer so I can focus on my kids more.

But there are still communities like Dreamland:

And some of them still have discords. I’m not in them because, as I said, I’ve got less need for them.

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I deleted my Wattpad account.

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Aww, that’s understandable. Generally, online, outside that,it’s trying to bump into a random group. The document is usually some sort of shared cloud document.

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I’m sorry if I seem difficult but I’m at a major loss on where to find one.

Ugh!

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They aren’t absolutely necessary but they are a big enough help that they really are worth it. I know it’s a huge pain in the ass trying to find beta readers but the feedback you can get can be incredibly helpful. If you plan on publishing, it’s an extremely good idea to have at least one beta reader, if not more. If you are just writing for yourself, no, you don’t need one.

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The issue is finding one. How do I find one or a few?

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It’s understandable, though.

Hrm, in a big city with helpful librarians? You might be able to get some leads on local help.

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I am close to trying Fiverr, very close.

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This has some groups to check out, to see if any of them fit you well enough.

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yes.

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I went back to Scribophile.

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Thanks.

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I tried asking friends and family, advertising on social media, and using the beta reads request forums here on wacky writers. You could also ask the local public library if you can post an add asking for beta readers on their community bulletin board.

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Never used one, don’t know if I will… Maybe in time, but not yet…

SD

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Having a different set of eyes always helps because not only can you get an idea of how a reader may react, they can also pick up on things you haven’t. So, yeah, while you don’t necessarily need a beta reader, it can be helpful

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