Since I've been on Steemit (almost a year now) I've found communities of amazing writers. Many of them have shared their dreams of completing a story and then publishing it. Some already have published too.

After NaNoWriMo last fall, I felt a lot of momentum in the group to do something with the amazing work resulting from all the focused time and effort.

I proposed the idea of a Beta Readers group to @marriannewest. She agreed it was something that fits with the mission of the @freewritehouse. She's also hinted in various comments on Steemit that I've got something big planned!

This post is to reveal more about my "secret" plans. The official announcement and details will be posted by @freewritehouse in the coming weeks.

For now though, here's the basic idea. I'm still working some details, so suggestions and questions are welcome!

Beta Readers Group Description:

The Beta Readers group provides feedback on final, or almost final, drafts of fiction manuscripts. The intent is to give the author insight into their work from a community of fellow writers and fiction readers before publishing.

The feedback is for a manuscript, but may also include a cover and the back of the book synopsis.

Once published, readers would be asked give the book reviews to help boost sales and it’s ranking on Amazon or other online retailer where it is sold.

How it works:

A writer submits their work via a Google form. This will include details about genre, length, and desired timeline for reviews.

Readers will be notified a new manuscript is available. The goal will be to get a minimum of three people to provide feedback. The writer then takes the information, uses it as they see fit, and publishes.

Expectations:

There are two roles:

• Readers
• Writers

In order for the group to work, we need to have both. While you can chose to be just one or the other, we encourage everyone to participate on both sides.

Readers:

Readers are expected to provide thoughtful feedback the writer can use to improve their work prior to publishing. It should be specific as possible and constructive.

Readers are not expected to edit it, but pointing out any remaining typos or minor issues you notice would be a nice thing to do.

If you agree to review a manuscript, you need to provide feedback according to the specified timeline.

Writers:

Anyone can submit a manuscript to the Beta group by following a few rules.

1. It needs to be finished and a final or near final draft.

2. It needs to be shared via Google docs with the ability to comment. (Do not give editing permission.)

3. Be open and willing to receive feedback. This doesn’t mean you have to agree, but you should be okay hearing what people have to say.

In addition, writers have two options to “pay” for the service.

• 5 Steem
• Review 3 manuscripts

The reason for the fee is to make sure that the writers are serious. As you can imagine, organizing and participating in a group like this takes time. We want to make sure that everyone is invested in the process.

However, we also know that not everyone has the Steem needed. So the alternative is to earn a spot by reviewing other people’s manuscripts. Once you’ve completed three reviews you can submit your work by following the submission directions.

Rewards:

Writer’s are rewarded by having a thoroughly reviewed manuscript they can update based on the feedback and then publish. Plus Readers provide reviews to help boost visibility when it is launched.

Readers are rewarded by having access to great stories for free. They can also earn SBI shares for providing reviews. We're still working the details on how the SBI shares will work.

So what do you think?

Does this sound interesting? Do you have questions?

Please let me know in the comments!