Hey PJ, how you approach them depends on what you need but for a nonfiction book, consider using beta readers for individual chapters relating to your beta reader’s expertise, rather than for the whole manuscript. You’ll have better success that way. And flatter them. That’s almost a given when you’re asking someone to do something because of their knowledge and expertise — if they didn’t have lots of both, you wouldn’t be contacting them, right?

In general, when you write nonfiction, you want to be plugged into that topic’s community. Maybe you can do that going forward, rather than working in isolation?

Sandy

Appreciate your ongoing contributions to our improvement…
PJ

I’m so glad it was helpful, Dawn! Good luck with your launch! I hope all goes smoothly!

Sandy

I would go with beta readers. It’s possible that they’ll also write a review when the book is finished.

Sandy

Fiction! Of the historical variety 🙂

Margaret, my answer depends on what you’re writing. Fiction or nonfiction?

Sandy

You’re so right, Gabi! We’re asking launch/street team members to do quite a bit, so for the most part, members need to be people we have relationships with already. That takes time. And, as you’ve noted, all authors need this kind of help, regardless of the publishing model they use. Authorship really is a business, right?

Thanks!

Sandy