Where to Find Beta Readers Who Match Your Genre

So you’ve written a solid draft and now you’re looking for feedback… but not just any feedback. You need beta readers who actually read your genre, understand the tropes, and won’t get hung up on dragons in a high fantasy novel or faint at the sight of steamy scenes in your spicy romcom.

Good news: finding the right beta readers—people who match your book’s tone, genre, and audience—is 100% doable with the right approach. Here's where to look and how to build a team that helps you level up your manuscript.

1. Writing Communities and Forums

Places like The Writer’s Sanctuary’s Red Herring Society, Scribophile, Critique Circle, and Absolute Write have active communities full of writers in a range of genres. You can usually filter by genre, age category, or critique preference, and connect with people actively looking to swap beta reads.

📌 Pro Tip: Be clear about your genre, target audience, and what kind of feedback you're looking for. Example: “I’m seeking two beta readers for a YA paranormal romance with moderate spice and a strong enemies-to-lovers arc. Looking for feedback on pacing and character chemistry.”

2. Facebook Groups

There are genre-specific Facebook groups just for beta reading, and many of them are full of passionate readers and writers. Try searching:

• Beta Readers & Critique Partners

• Fantasy Writers Critique Circle

• Romance Beta Readers

• Mystery & Thriller Beta Swap

Make sure to read group rules before posting and be polite when making a request or responding to one.

3. Goodreads Groups

Goodreads isn’t just for tracking your TBR. There are hundreds of groups organized by genre and many have beta reader swap threads or critique groups.

Look for groups related to your genre—like YA Book Stop, Fantasy & Sci-Fi Writers, or Indie Romance Authors—and jump into their community spaces.

4. Newsletter or Social Media Outreach

If you’ve started building an author platform (even a small one!), don’t be afraid to ask your audience for beta readers. Readers who already follow you are likely to enjoy your voice—and some of them might be excited to help shape your next book.

Try posting on:

• Instagram stories

• Your author Facebook page

• Your newsletter with a quick form (use Google Forms to screen for genre preference and reading pace)

5. BookTok and Bookstagram

Book influencers who specialize in your genre may be open to beta reading, especially if they love helping authors or want early access to your work.

Start by following and engaging with creators who love your genre. Build a genuine relationship, and when the time is right, you can reach out to a few who seem like a good fit. (Don’t cold-pitch a dozen people—it’s not a great look.)

6. Discord Servers

Lots of genre-specific and writing Discord servers have dedicated channels for beta swaps and critique requests. These spaces can be more casual and faster-moving than forums, which is great for finding readers who are actively looking to trade.

Try joining servers like:

• Writers Helping Writers

• Fantasy Writing Discord

• Romance Author Lounge
  (Check websites like Disboard.org or social media for invite links.)

7. Use Reedsy or Betabooks

If you want a more formal approach, check out platforms like Reedsy.com and Betabooks.co. These allow you to manage your beta reader team, send out chapters, gather feedback, and track progress in a structured, professional way.

While Reedsy focuses more on hiring professionals, Betabooks is built for managing free beta reads with an easy-to-use interface.

8. Ask Other Writers

Writers in your network (even if it’s just a few people) may be willing to beta read—or they may know someone who reads in your genre. Don’t be afraid to ask! You can even suggest a swap if they’re also revising a manuscript.

Writers tend to get what other writers need—clear, honest, and constructive feedback—and they’re often your best genre-match readers.

Finding beta readers who match your genre is part strategy, part networking, and part trial-and-error. The key is to be specific, be kind, and be willing to return the favor when you can.

And remember—good beta readers aren’t just critiques machines. They’re your first real readers, the ones who help you see your book the way your future audience will. When you find the right ones, it’s magic. ✨

Happy beta hunting—and even happier revising!