PREMIUM COURSE: BETA READING ACADEMY
I TURNED SOMETHING I ALREADY DO AND LOVE INTO INCOME, GOT MY FOOT IN THE DOOR WITH AUTHORS, AND QUIT THE 9-5 RUT TO READ FULL-TIME—AND NOW I'M TEACHING YOU EXACTLY HOW YOU CAN TOO.
BECAUSE LOVING WHAT YOU DO AND GETTING PAID FOR IT IS SIMPLE, IF YOU DO IT RIGHT.
So what is beta reading?
- PROFESSIONAL beta reading is accepting an author's unpublished manuscript
- reading with intention to identify areas of strength and those that warrant attention
- using your solid foundation of the elements of creative fiction writing and applying the elements to your opinions to form effective, actionable, and encouraging feedback
- all with the readership's expectations in mind
A professional beta reader is a part of the writing, editorial, and publishing community and holds oneself as exactly that—a professional that's got the skills and business chops to get paid what they deserve.
SO WHAT ARE YOU GETTING IN THIS COURSE?
This course is designed to get you going from DAY 1. There are 30 modules that could be covered in 30 days, should you so accept the challenge, grasshoppa (but you can take your sweet lil' time).
The modules are comprised of videos, written lessons, templates and forms, assessments to keep you on your game, and even some samples to help you with your feedback composition and etiquette.
COURSE CURRICULUM
Beta Reading Academy Syllabus
Modules: 30—Lessons: 94
DAY 1: Welcome
This course was designed in a linear fashion with each lesson requiring completion before the next will unlock. The order of the lessons is strategically arranged for optimal efficiency.
DAY 2: Introduction to the Three Main Components of this Course
This module introduces you to The Fundamentals, The Craft, and The Business. All are necessary to become a successful beta reader. You will work on all three components in every module.
DAY 3: The Zoomed-Out View of All Three Components
In this module, think about each component from a zoomed-out view. Consider how theme unifies an author's entire work, how to get the job done with tools you have, and how to map it all out.
Day 4: Work Smarter, Not Harder
In this module, you'll learn to identify setting, time, and plot; be introduced to a snazzy app you can use to streamline your process; and determine your business structure—because this is FOR REAL!
DAY 5: The Bank Run
In this module you'll learn about character, POV, and dialogue; be introduced to some helpful forms to use while reading; and get your business ready to receive money (should be a happy day!).
DAY 6: Tackling Three Important Details
Today you'll be given resources to help you discuss tone, voice, and style; learn the importance of knowing and keeping the author's goal fresh on your mind; and you'll set up a billing system.
DAY 7: Getting All Your Ducks in a Row
Today, you'll learn about the most popular genres available to you, how to read with intention, and how to set yourself up to succeed from the get-go.
DAY 8: Choices—You've Got 'Em When You're in Charge
In this module, you'll decide on your niche, select a practice book to use, as well as create your dream author.
DAY 9: Drilling Down Some Important Details
In this module, you're going to learn how to identify theme in a book; you'll get to enjoy one of your favorite books again; and you'll get to explore how you wish to be perceived by your clients.
DAY 10: Becoming the Answer to Your Ideal Clients' Needs
Today you'll learn to identify setting and time in your practice book as well as how to view your ideal clients' issues and position yourself as the solution.
DAY 11: It's Time to Put on Your Beta Reading Hat
Today you're going to explore the plot in your practice book, begin utilizing the Professional Read-Through Worksheet, as well as consider the expenses of starting up your freelance biz.
DAY 12: Building Your Mighty Platform
In this module, you'll determine the level of character development found in your practice book as well as consider the author's chosen POV; you'll also prepare to build your mighty platform.
DAY 13: The Sea that is Social Media
Today you'll critique the dialogue used in your practice book as well as identify the overall story arc. For your biz, you'll be preparing to launch loud in the ever-growing world of social media.
DAY 14: Branding That Captivates, Fascinates, and Turns Heads
In this module, you'll discuss tone, voice, and style as it pertains to your practice novel. For your business, you'll be making some very important branding choices to give it a unique personality.
DAY 15: You're Halfway There!
Today you'll be wrapping up the fundamentals and taking a break from the craft, but that's because you'll be getting started with a big component of your biz: the website.
DAY 16: Putting It All Together
In today's module, you'll learn an efficient way to make sense of all your notes as well as about a significant element of your personal brand.
DAY 17: The Heart (or Core) of the Matter
In this module, you'll learn how to organize the notes you're taking throughout the manuscript using an app on your tablet as well as determining what you present as your business's core elements.
DAY 18: It's Not What You Say...
Today, you'll learn how to review your feedback and craft it in a way that's typically better received by the anticipating author. You'll also begin honing your branding choices into unique elements.
DAY 19: ...It's How You Say It
In this module, you'll continue to work on reframing your feedback for optimum receptivity as well as use other wordsmithery to craft business content that converts.
DAY 20: A Love Letter...or Hate Mail?
In this module, you'll learn the best practices for crafting a letter of feedback for your authors as well as begin building the most important page of your website.
DAY 21: Your Potential Clients Want a Piece of You
Today, you'll continue to explore ways to ensure your feedback always has the author's best interest at its heart. You'll also craft your About Me page on your website to showcase your awesomeness.
DAY 22: You Can't Hide—Well You Can, But That Would Be Dumb
In this module, you will craft a letter of your own. For your business, you'll ensure your potential clients can get in touch with you easy peasy lemon squeezy.
DAY 23: To Blog or Not to Blog?
Today you'll have the opportunity for more practice on your letter. You'll also decide on a method for delivering content to your followers (potential clients).
DAY 24: Manners Goes a Long Way. Never Forget That.
In this module, you'll be introduced to the preferred beta reading etiquette as well as some tips for keeping happy authors. You'll also establish your portfolio so that you can begin adding to it.
DAY 25: The Final Countdown Begins—FIVE!
In this module, you'll learn about the expectations that surround beta reading—both from the beta readers themselves and the authors—as well as consider a few more pages for your website.
DAY 26: The Final Countdown—FOUR!
Today is a BIG DAY! You will begin reaching out to authors via the various suggested resources to gain experience for your author services portfolio.
DAY 27: The Final Countdown—THREE!
Today you'll be fine-tuning your social media profiles to assure each reflects your personal brand as an author services provider as well as preparing your website for its active role in your biz.
DAY 28: The Final Countdown—TWO!
Today you will be deciding what policies you will incorporate into your biz to assure superb customer service as well as begin creating the autopilot component to your marketing strategy.
DAY 29: The Final Countdown—ONE!
In this module, you'll determine how you can apply your knowledge and craft to your marketing content as well as create a marketing schedule for your budding business.
DAY 30: Holy Hennessy! You Did It!
Congratulations! You have completed all 30 modules and should have a business in place and a portfolio in the works. From here, the sky is the limit!
GOT QUESTIONS? I'VE GOT ANSWERS...
When does the course start and finish?
The course starts upon enrollment and is finished upon your completion.
How long do I have access to the course?
After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course throughout the course's lifetime—across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
Please review all information provided and take thoughtful and thorough consideration prior to enrolling. This is an investment in education, not a retail purchase.
Once enrolled, you have access to copyrighted information of Dedrie Marie. Do your research and determine if you are ready to take action. If so, I am happy to have you! If not, no hard feelings.
Also, if you have questions or concerns once enrolled, please do not hesitate to contact me. My mission is to be successful in delivering a quality and applicable education to students just like you, and the success and satisfaction of those students is pivotal to that. Having said that, I stand by my course and have no desire to keep your hard-earned cash if you don't want to be here. So you have 30 days from time of purchase to decide. If after 30 days you do not feel the course is valuable, you can request a full refund by emailing [email protected]
Can I enroll if I live outside the U.S.?
You can, but keep in mind that being a native English speaker is important, as this course is geared toward American English writing.
If I finish this course, will I find work?
That's a tough question that only you can answer. I cannot guarantee employment for you, just as I cannot guarantee that you'll put forth the effort during this course. What I can guarantee is that you will be given all the necessary information you need to beta read fiction.
Please know that with any career, it takes time and effort. With great effort comes great reward!
How long will the course take to complete?
Becoming Lit-Lucrative with Beta Reading is a self-study course offered within an open-ended time frame within which you determine the pace.
Are there prerequisites for this course?
No. Anyone can enroll in this course.
Who is this course for?
This course was designed for the book lover who has a love for fiction and a desire to help authors. A background in publishing or editing is not necessary. Its modules address the fundamentals of fiction, the application of them to an author's work, the optimal method used to beta read, and how to establish a freelance business as an author services provider.
Is this a get-rich-quick scam?
Haha! Busted. Just kidding.
No, I'm not in the business of scamming folks. I'm a normal person that happens to feel grateful that I can earn money while reading. Just sharing what I've learned so that you can too.
Will I have any additional expenses other than tuition?
I am assuming you have a computer, though I suppose you could camp out at your local library. (Go libraries!) If you do not have Microsoft Word, you will need it. Nothing else is absolutely required to beta read, but I will recommend some reference materials and programs that will make your life a whole lot easier as well as efficient. Once you've enrolled in Beta Reading Academy, you will see recommendations for business expenses.
How much does a freelance beta reader make?
As with any self-made business, you reap what you sow. And depending on your biz chops, you get what you demand. But to give you an idea, if you look into hiring a professional beta reader via freelance finder sites, rates range in price (on average) from $0.001 to $0.005 per word. For a novel length of 80,000 words (average), that range would earn $80 to $400.
On that note, studies show that freelancers are only earning 1/4 of what they could be charging. You don't have to be a statistic.
Is there enough business out there?
Oh, my goodness, yes! There was an industry report conducted by Bowker stating that the number of self-published titles has increased by more than 375% since 2010. 375%, People! Given the increased number of self-published authors topping the best-seller lists, I'd say that there is a definite need for beta readers!
On top of that, figure in that my research concluded that most self-publishing authors believe beta readers are a must. It's there. Beta readers are in demand.
How much time a week should I set aside for this course?
This course was designed with the go-getter in mind. I'd say that if you set aside seven hours a week, you could swing it in a month. But luckily, you can set your own pace.
This course runs in a linear fashion—a series of 30 modules (a module a day to have your business up and running in one month), each unlocking the next. Each module will address the three main components: The Fundamentals of Fiction, The Craft of Beta Reading, and Establishing Your Biz.
By the end of the course, you'll know your fundamentals, be able to apply them, will have practice under your belt, a business to launch, and a budding client portfolio in place.
What if I have trouble using the e-course platform?
You can always contact [email protected]
—Jamie B.
And What This Student Had to Say...
"This was a very exciting and in-depth course...fascinating. Your presentations are gratifying and easy to follow. I especially like the humor you interject throughout the videos. I really learned a lot, and I'm sure that I will be able to assist current and future authors with the information, and guidelines that this course has outlined...and can honestly say I was blown away! Thank you for putting this course together."—Roger C.
ONE LAST LITTLE NOTE, FROM A BELIEVER IN TAKING LEAPS...
This may not be the course for you. Beta reading may not be the work that makes you swoon just thinking about it. (Seriously though? I curl up in my comfy clothes, drink my coffee, tea, wine, whiskey—sometimes water—and read all day. And get paid! Though I also proofread and copyedit...which beta reading opens the doors to.)
My point is, if you find yourself spending your evenings ugly crying into your vodka because you hate your soul-sucking job, YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE A CHANGE.
FUN is a legit career strategy, I promise. If you're stressing about all of the different things you could do, try looking at each one through how much fun it'll be for you. Seriously. Forget straight-laced practicality—it's for the birds. And people born 100 years ago.
So do something, anything, just don't remain mired in the muck. I have a feelin' you're too damn good for that.
Now let's stop dragging our feet and get started. If you get your rear in gear, you could have your new author services biz up and running in 30 days!
Just click the button above so we can get crackin'.
See you on the inside, nerd.
XOXO Dedrie
