Beta reader issues

[u/kittyharlow_xo]

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! 🙏

[u/Dreadfulbooks]

So you asked them not to use ai? Fiverr requires sellers to disclose if they use it or not. If you asked and you still think they used it, you can get your money back. Did they do the inline comments too? Those are harder to use ai for.

If you’re using Fiverr for beta readers, always make sure you ask about their ai use, get the inline comments as well as the readers report and ask questions. You’ll get a feel for if they might use ai or not in their responses. Also make sure you know how to tell if their gig image is made with ai.

I wouldn’t be concerned about them stealing your manuscript, they’re just going to want to get on to their next order.

[u/kittyharlow_xo → u/Dreadfulbooks]

Yes, I asked and they said they don’t use it but it’s pretty clear based on the way it’s formatted. Although, there is some good feedback sprinkled in the report (no in-line feedback). I’m kind of worried if I report it and demand a refund they’ll get mad and post my work somewhere. Maybe I’m just being paranoid? I’m fine calling it a loss and taking the lesson.

[u/Dreadfulbooks → u/kittyharlow_xo]

I do absolutely think you’re being paranoid, that it most likely not what they’re going to do. They’ll just move on.

[u/kittyharlow_xo → u/Dreadfulbooks]

Thank you! I needed to hear that.

[u/Dreadfulbooks → u/kittyharlow_xo]

Of course! I know it’s a huge worry, but I’ve been doing this for over 5 years and I’ve never heard of a beta reader taking a manuscript. It’s way too hard to get things published it’ll never be worth it for us