Ever since I read in about alpha readers in the foreword to a Brandon Sanderson novel, I've been searching all over the internet trying to figure out how to become one.
I already review books and ARCs when I have the chance, but I can't find any mention of alpha readership anywhere.
Does anyone know how to become one?
Thanks!
Hello new forum member.
Alpha and Beta readers are rather new publishing terms borrowed from the software/gaming industry.
In the gaming industry, an alpha tester is basically someone in house that tests the game for bugs by playing the game.
A beta tester is typically someone outside of house that "beta tests" a more polished form of the game shortly before it is released in an attempt to iron out any last bugs, and to test the workability of the game mechanics.
Weather or not to use "Alpha" and "Beta" readers is a personal decision of the author, the author typically personally picks them out. I believe Jim just has "Beta" readers, but apparently Brandon Sanderson has decided to have two tiers of pre readers to help iron out any deficiencies...
Either way, Alpha and Beta reading is something that requires a huge level of trust on the part of the author. I believe Jim only has around 15 Beta readers, and is not looking for any new ones. I have also heard that one criterion is that he and his wife meet each and every one before they can be seriously considered, and I've also heard rumors that Shannon instills a certain level of fear into them with respect to any breach of trust...
I suppose that if you truly wish to Alpha/Beta read, you could get involved in some aspiring writer communities and make friends with unpublished authors and such and maybe if you build up the proper rapport you might get the chance.