The Top 3 Ways to Find Beta Readers & Critique Partners in 2024

[@meganmoxon7956]

Lauren, I just signed up to be a critique partner! What an amazing way to not only connect authors, but give back to people so they don't have to struggle in the shadows. Thank you so much for providing this free resource, and I look forward to reading, critiquing, and seeing what avenues this can help open up!

[@laurenkaywrites]

Absolutely! So glad you're signed up.

[@chuntoon1]

& then Fiver at the end! My second thought of how to find someone! Great video, was the conformation I was looking for to follow through on a few ideas I had to help edit my book!

[@laurenkaywrites]

So glad it was helpful!

[@mattreggie4481]

The problem is that these days, most apiring writers don't accept any critique of their "masterpieces". They are profoundly convinced that their unpublished drafts are a class of its own.

[@Melleanah]

True, it’s a hurdle I’ve been trying to convince myself to jump over. I don’t think my work is a masterpiece by any means, every book has its flaws. I personally see letting other read my writing like giving them a peak at my own soul-it’s personal and can be devastating when people can’t give a good critique. But lay out how you’re a bad writer. So I’m going to aim for rejection. So I’m never truly hurt and I’ll develop a thicker skin for it.

[@Melogode]

Thanks for the video. Your videos are really nice. When will your next video be?

[@laurenkaywrites]

Thanks! I've been focusing on building writing resources and courses and strengthening my editing agency lately, so I haven't had as much time for creating videos :)

[@Belle-vm7lj]

I love all of your videos and advice!! Thank you so much for all of this helpful info.

[@laurenkaywrites]

Thanks so much for being here!!

[@FrancescaLuciana-z7o]

Hi Lauren! New anticipated author here. Would you recommend copyrighting your work before sending it to a beta reader or critique partner? Or do you have them sign an NDA? Thanks in advance! Francesca

[@laurenkaywrites]

Hi! If it makes you feel more comfortable to copyright it beforehand, you absolutely can, but it is so rare that this happens.

[@TheReluctantCoder]

Is your book out yet? :D

[@laurenkaywrites]

Yep! It came out with Harper Collins in 2023 :)

[@chuntoon1]

Stubbled onto you this AM, I was so thinking of using one of those Ai voice over and Ai pictures generators to make video audio chapters to try and get feedback .. Loved hearing you suggest it, I hear horror stories about youtube comments and wonder if it's the feedback I'm looking for though.

[@laurenkaywrites]

Glad I could help!

[@WarTheory]

How does one get a great story out into the world if they are not a writer?

[@laurenkaywrites]

You...write :) Write and write and write. Share it with friends and family, get solid feedback. Pitch stories, submit to publications, post on social media (if you're comfortable with that). Take writing courses if you can. Talk to other writers.

[@WarTheory]

@@laurenkaywrites thank you so much for getting back to me, but I am not a writer… I wish I was. I am one hell of a talker though… The story I have is pretty crazy and good sad humorous truly entertaining in so many ways I’m not ego driven I don’t even need to have my name on the project. I just want to get the story out into the world if that’s something you might be interested in what’s a good email? My story is based in New York. Granted this is not "We ship it" but my story has a very strong, female voice... The best way to do a female is to be a female.... I think that's why I haven't been able to wrap my head around it the proper way let me know what you think...

[@Melleanah]

What about critique circle? Is it any good?

[@laurenkaywrites]

I haven't used it, sorry!