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CALL FOR BETA READERS

Tripp Wants Your Input on New Books

What Does a Beta Reader Do?

Beta Readers, as it turns out, read. You'll get an early draft of a manuscript which you can read and enjoy. Based on what you find in the book, you then provide Tripp with feedback that helps him fix mistakes and make the book better. 

Do I Need Experience?

Not much. Do you love to read? Then you can do this, with the caveat that many of Tripp's books are gritty, so please be old enough to handle the sharp objects and the resulting leaks.

Will I Get Instructions?

Yes, in maybe more detail than you could wish. See below.

How Much Work Is This?

Tripp can write four to eight books a year. There is no requirement to read all of them. But if you miss a couple in a row, he might email you and, lacking a response, cull you from the ranks. If that happens, feel free to sign back up here.

Is There Compensation?

There is no financial compensation. You'll be a volunteer. However, you will get: an early version before anyone else, your name in the acknowledgements, Tripp's undying gratitude, and a free, signed hardcopy once the book is released. See below.

Will Tripp Use My Comments?

Maybe. He'll read all of them. He may or may not use yours. Don't be offended. With multiple beta readers, he simply can't incorporate every comment. And maybe your feedback sparks some other idea that makes it into the book. All feedback is helpful and will be considered.

Okay. How Do I Sign Up?

Complete this form. This will sign you up for Tadd's Quarrel, Tripp's not-to-often newsletter, and you'll get an email with further information and instructions. 

INSTRUCTIONS

What You Need to Know About Beta Reading

What to Think About as You Read

  • Foreshadowing. Note it if you find any.

  • Plot Twist. "Oh, I'm so surprised!" or "Nah, I figured that out X chapters ago."

  • Plot Holes. "This character is so stupid. Why didn't they just do this instead?"

  • Discontinuity. "Wait, I thought she had blue eyes," or "That dude has one arm, so how is he cutting that steak?"

  • Exclamations. "I literally laughed out loud." "Snort." "Tripp, for all that is good and holy, do not remove this line."

  • Boring / slow parts. "This slogs like a hobbit in a swamp."

  • Exciting / fast parts. "I turned pages so fast I cut my thumb."

  • Redundancies. "I got that the first time you told me."

  • Ambiguity. "I'm lost. I have no idea who that is or what's going on."

  • ​Coarseness. "Gross. That's in my brain now."

  • Hatred. "If you kill off one more character, I'm going to fart in a Pringles can and mail it to you."

Extra Credit

  • Favorite moment. It rocked your world. 

  • Favorite quote. Tripp drops nuggets of biblical wisdom in the books for readers to find. Did you highlight anything?

  • Bleh. What part did you not like, and would you change it?

  • Bloodshot Eyes. Did you stay up late and now you're useless at work? What part kept you up? Why?

  • Typos. There are some. Beta readers do not need to correct typos, but if you see one, feel free to redline it.

  • Homophones. I am super week with homophones. If you spot won, please let me no.

The Main Thing

  • Point things out.

  • A beta reader doesn't need to fix anything. Just point it out. Fixing it is Tripp's job.

  • ​Except homophones. They make Tripp loose his mined.

Method of Delivery

  • Preferred. Tripp will send you a Word file. Set it to track changes, make corrections in the body, and leave Review Comments to the side. This is easiest for Tripp to incorporate and use. When done, email the doc file back.

  • Notations. Read the book however you like. You'll get a pdf so you can use an e-reader or whatever. Then, in a separate document (Word, Notepad, OneNote, email body, but please no Apple files) make notes as you go. Do not use page and line numbers, because the master document gets convoluted, and then Tripp can't find the spot you mean. Instead, note chapter name and the first few words of the paragraph, then make your comment. Email to Tripp.

  • Redlines. If you must have a hardcopy, print the thing out, get a red pen, and go to town on it. Tripp can't pay for the printing. Sorry. Once done, either scan and email to Tripp or snail mail the whole book. Tripp will reimburse postage.  

Communication and Schedule

  • When Tripp has a book finally ready for you, he'll email you. The email will contain:

    • Book title​

    • Doc file

    • PDF file

    • A link to this page

    • Deadline.

  • Tripp will send a reminder as you proceed. 

  • Tripp will send another on the deadline date. 

  • What if you don't finish by the deadline? Then send what you got done. Any comments are welcome, even partials.

  • Did you keep going even after the deadline, and now you're done? Send it anyway. Publication will still be a way off, so Tripp will review them. 

Leave a Review

  • Tripp will email you again before the book publishes, asking for you to leave a review on amazon.

  • This is your final task. Please leave an honest review. Eloquence not required. 

  • Why? The amazon algorithm. More reviews = more putting the book in front of potential readers. 

THE FINE PRINT

Because You Need to Know

The beta reader understands and agrees to the following Terms and Conditions by signing up, receiving a copy of the book, or providing beta reader comments:

 

  1. Certain Acknowledgement. The beta reader has visited this website, read these terms and conditions, and understands them. Should a beta reader not understand a term or condition, they are instructed to write to Three Strands Publishing, LLC (3SP) prior to proceeding.

  2. Copyright Protection. Copyright law protects the words author Tripp Berry writes as soon as he writes them. The beta reader will not, or cause to occur: copy, share, or otherwise distribute the book or other information without written permission from 3SP.

  3. No Remuneration. The beta reader is a volunteer. No remuneration, financial or otherwise, is stated or implied, except that if the beta reader submits comments, then: their name will be stated in the acknowledgements section of the book, and they will be mailed a signed hardcopy. 

  4. Ownership. Comments, once submitted, will become the property of 3SP for use by author Tripp Berry to use or not use, in whole or in part, as he sees suitable. Should any comment or comments be paraphrased or quoted into the book, the beta reader agrees to receive no compensation or recognition beyond stated above.

  5. Brainstorming. During the course of communication and beta reading, new ideas may be put forth by the beta reader, beta readers in a group, or the author. An idea put forth by the beta reader that results in a writing project by 3SP belongs to 3SP unless the beta reader disputes ownership of the idea in writing to 3SP within thirty days of discussion of the idea. 

  6. Right of Publicity. Beta reader comments, reviews, opinions, and first names can or will be used in marketing and advertising materials for the book the beta reader reviewed unless stated otherwise in writing to 3SP.

  7. Rights. 3SP reserves all rights, including the right to discontinue a beta reader relationship with anyone at any time and for any reason.

  8. Return or Destruction of Copyright Material. The beta reader will return or destroy any and all materials submitted by the author or 3SP, including physical material, electronic files, and physical material printed from electronic files, at the written request of 3SP. 

  9. Privacy. 3SP will not share the beta reader's email or contact information with anyone. Ever. 

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