How many beta readers is too many?

[E.T. Newman 38]

I have sent off my work to family, friends, and a few critique partners in my Word Weavers critique group. 

 

Do any of you suggest paying for a "professional beta reader?"

[Zee 1,674]

I would personally not recording family members or close friends as beta readers—unless they are very, very honest and potentially also writers themselves. People from an online writing group or forum like this one are better choices, generally speaking, because they’re more informed and also (usually) more objective.

I recently discovered another site called CritiqueMatch.com where you can also exchange critiques and beta reads.

[E.T. Newman 38]

@Zee, you are the best! 

[suspensewriter 4,970]

I certainly wouldn't suggest paying a professional beta reader.

[E.T. Newman 38]

6 hours ago, Zee said:

I would personally not recording family members or close friends as beta readers—unless they are very, very honest and potentially also writers themselves. People from an online writing group or forum like this one are better choices, generally speaking, because they’re more informed and also (usually) more objective.

I recently discovered another site called CritiqueMatch.com where you can also exchange critiques and beta reads.

@Zee,

I met a few ladies on CritiqueMatch.com that have agreed to partner with me. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

[Shamrock 1,448]

Before I found this site and discovered 'beta readers' I got a sample of  my youth adult novel assessed by a literary consultancy years ago but only because I was awarded an art council bursary for it to be done.  It was useful, but I would not do that nowadays.

 

Where you might wish to get a professional to look at your work is when you are ready to sub to LAs and publishers. Advice on your covering letter/query and synopsis can never be wasted. 

 

Because I am dyslexic, when I feel my work is the best I can get it, I do pay to get it copy edited so it is ''clean' and ready to be submitted if requested.  The guy I use does all give me editorial advice and marks up a version of the MS with comments/suggestions. (which is not included in the agreement but he does it because he says he likes my writing.). 

Good luck.

[Shamrock 1,448]

Just looked at CritiqueMatch.com  - looks very good.

Again most people based in the USA. Not an issue but it seems you guys are very proactive about your writing.

[Ky_GirlatHeart 681]

Asking friends and family like Zee said isn't the best option unless they're brutally honest and don't sugar coat things. I've had a friend who read a draft of mine before and said it was too long and that she didn't like it. (I agree with her entirely. It was long for a first chapter.)

In regards to a "professional beta reader," I have never even heard of that. I didn't even know what a beta reader was until I joined this group and others were asking for beta readers. Then, after pondering it and looking it up and pondering it a tad bit more, I realized what it meant.

So I guess it depends on how well the person does...? Plus, they might be a scammer.

I really don't know. You might want to see what the others say about this.