The easiest to find are online groups. Many writing organizations—like OFW— list resources such as online critique groups on their sites. From these groups, it is possible for a writer to find trustworthy and competent beta readers. The key to finding the right group online is research. The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Online Writing Workshop (OWW), for example, provides writers in these genres a great place to learn, critique, and polish their work.
However, a children’s fiction or romance writer looking for beta readers is not going to find this site helpful. Google is a handy tool and will list associations, clubs, etc., that we can explore to find groups to suit what we write. It’s up to us to determine whether the members are helpful, knowledgeable, and serious about writing. We’ve seen a few groups online that are simply a gathering place calling itself a review group. Search the group’s forums, ask other writers for suggestions, and search writer’s pages to find sites that will provide the level of beta readers sought.
The easiest to find are online groups. Many writing organizations—like OFW— list resources such as online critique groups on their sites. From these groups, it is possible for a writer to find trustworthy and competent beta readers. The key to finding the right group online is research. The Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Online Writing Workshop (OWW), for example, provides writers in these genres a great place to learn, critique, and polish their work.