How do I get into critiquing books for authors?

Question

I know that authors will send you copies of heir books to get an opinion from an avid reader....I just don't know where to look. If anyone does this or knows how to get into this please let me in on the fun. I am an avid reader and just think it would be interesting to see books before they go to the publisher. I'm not looking to proofread, although that is an option too, I just want to give helpful information to writers before publication. Only serious answers please.

Answer 1

Others have answered you correctly. I can add, however, that there is a writing coach who is always looking for people to give the laypersons' perspective on her students' books. Contact Monique at writehigh.com to volunteer to be a "Frank in Indiana." If you fit the profile for the target audience for certain books, you will be paid to read and comment on them.

Answer 2

As an author I know nothing of ordinary readers, however keen, being invited to give opinions on manuscripts, except carefully selected friends or associates Most authors, or publishers, would only want opinions from a reader, editor, or agent with proven track record (but I don't know how you get that unless you know the author or publishers!) - or particular qualifications. Some publisher MIGHT enlist a coterie of "civilian" readers, although they might look for some formal qualifications or track record in at least a reading group. I'd suggest you look for authors enlisting readers through "answers", or other internet sites - and perhaps go talk to a few publishers. You never know your luck! But publishing, like writing, is a tough game, and so are all the associated activities. You should try drafting some critiques; and perhaps compare them to media critiques of same book.

Answer 3

Some authors I know don’t have critique partners at all, and I’d venture to say that most big-name authors don’t. They rely on their agents and editors to point out places that might need to be tweaked.

Some authors have other writers for critique partners that do *very detailed* critiques for them and sometimes brainstorm with them. They like using other writers because often other writers will find things that an average reader might miss. Things like awkward point-of-view shifts, passive voice vs active voice, characterization issues, character arcs that need to be more developed, etc.

I know a *few* authors have beta readers, which is different than a critique partner. Their beta readers don’t actually critique the manuscript, they just read it and then share their ‘overall’ thoughts on it. The authors I know who use beta readers are pretty selective about who they use and normally only ask people they actually know to beta read for them.

So, I’m not much help :(

Answer 4

Usually authors don't send out unsolicited manuscripts to "regular people" even if it is for an opinion. It is too easy to have an idea stolen or whatever. However, there are publishing houses and editors and lawyers who specialize in soliciting manuscripts that hire readers to go through a story and create a synopsis of that book. My best guess for getting a job like this is through networking. You need to find somebody with an in, and work it from that angle.

Answer 5

i authored the book, "smells like black roses" under the pen name Eli Ree....i would love to have it critiqued