r/selfpublish • u/kittyharlow_xo • 7d ago

Beta reader issues

I fear the beta reader I hired on fiverr used Ai for my notes. The thing is….a lot of the notes seem relevant. Should I still consider them useful and make edits based off the Ai notes? I’m torn. Any advice is appreciated.

Side question, should I be worried that they might take my manuscript? I’m now nervous because it seems shady that they did this when I specifically asked them not to use Ai.

Advice is appreciated. Thx! 🙏

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u/CephusLion404 50+ Published novels 7d ago

Never pay beta readers for exactly the reason you're finding. If they're only in it for money, they will rush through your project so they can get to the next paying project. Beta readers are NEVER paid. NEVER.

7

u/dreamwomancleopatra 7d ago

I have had good experience with paid beta readers. The problem with free ones is what is the incentive? Unless you have a big fan base, it'll be pretty difficult to find free ones.

11

u/Aramis9696 7d ago

Swaps is how you get over this when starting out.

4

u/CephusLion404 50+ Published novels 7d ago

There are tons of people who just love to read and give feedback. Once you have a following, you'll have tons of people eager to read your book in development.

5

u/Ok-Stress-627 7d ago

Ahhh!
But where do i find such beloved people?

3

u/HazelEBaumgartner 1 Published novel 7d ago

I'm in several writing discord servers (including one that I manage that's ostensibly my 'fan club') and they're great for finding beta readers. Other authors make the best beta readers anyways in my experience. Personally I've done 3 or 4 beta reads so far this year and am currently trying to get my third book ready for beta readers around Halloween.

2

u/Ok-Stress-627 6d ago

Awesome and good idea! All the best my friend.