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Important Update (January 2025): After opening up author applications to other countries around the world, we now have about an equal number of student and author applicants. We will be working hard to make matches over the next week.
THE BETA READER PROJECT
Student and Author applications for the Beta Reader Project are now closed. If you have applied, please stay tuned for information about a match.
What is it?
The Beta Reader Project connects AICS students (age 11–19), who need SasA/CAS credit, with authors from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), who need feedback on a complete, unpublished draft of a novel.
How does it work?
Once students are accepted into the project and matched with an author, they will first receive training on how to provide constructive feedback. Then they will read the novel and answer a series of questions (either in writing or in a video) to help the author to understand what works, what doesn't work, and what needs improvement in their novel.
How do I get started?
Click the "Apply Here" button and submit the application form. An AICS Librarian will get back to you about next steps.
Important Information for Authors
Authors are fully responsible for determining a safe method of transfer for their manuscripts. The AICS will follow author instructions for providing the manuscript to the Beta Reader.
Still have questions?
Contact us to learn more!
Student Applications are Closed
Author Applications are Closed
BETA READER GUIDE
(For Students)
Beta Reader Guide
(This links to a YouTube video by author Vivien Reis. Due to school restrictions on YouTube access, you may need to hold the control button down, click the link, and open in an Incognito window to view the video.)
WHAT IS A BETA READER?
(For Authors)
How Do Authors Find & Work with Beta Readers?
(From the Reedsy Blog: Understanding Publishing)
Sample Questions for a Beta Reader
When Beta Readers provide feedback, they are often given questions to consider in advance, such as the questions listed below.
What were your favorite aspects of this work?
What did you think about the main character(s)? Was the character's personality clear & consistent? Was the character the agent of his/her/their own story? Did the character have a clear arc? Is a character arc necessary for this story?
What did you think about the supporting cast? Overpopulated, too sparse, or just right? Defined or underwritten? Should any secondary characters become main characters or vice versa?
What is the story question? (Authors: find out how to develop a story question here.)
What works best about the plot/structure/arc of the story? Is there room for improvement?
What works for you in relation to language/diction/narration/voice? Were there any stumbling blocks?
What age group do you think would be interested in the story?
Do you know of any similar titles or worrisome stories that are ‘too close’ to the manuscript?
Any recommendations for future research or reading or how the author might start off revising?
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