BetaReader

The mobile app seems to have a lot of glitches. It will tell me I have a notification and then when I open it, it will disappear or it won’t show me it at all. I can’t read comments left by people either. It’s difficult to use and also doesn’t seem to notify authors when someone declines reading their story? I have gotten many messages about not responding to requests to read that I have already denied and or accepted. Not only does the app need fixing but so does the website but that’s a whole other thing. These kinks need to be worked out or I’m going to reconsider using this application for feedback on manuscripts (and I pay for the premium membership). It’s a complete mess.

I really want to love this app! I know that when the issues get ironed out it’s gonna rock! As an avid reader AND author I’m using this as both a beta reader and I have uploaded a manuscript. Things I’m noticing - also I am using the paid subscription- ~its hit or miss with leaving comments - especially online comments. ~I’ve noticed when I’m reading on the app words are cut off - I have an iPhone- so I’m unsure as I’ve seen words cut off but others haven’t… its weird ~It says that it will tel you where people are but mine all say chapter 1 even though several have gone well past chapter 1. I thought maybe be it was because they weren’t leaving comments but then someone did leave comments on each chapter and its still saying they’re on Chapter 1 ~Uploading can take a couple times. ~Comments disappear or can’t be seen on the desktop version as well as the app. I love the concept - I love most of the app - especially that I can like something or heart it and leave inline comments is super helpful for spelling and grammar feedback. I can’t wait to amend my review when some of these bugs get figured out.

It sounded like the perfect app for what I was looking for. I am a amateur writer and need beta readers. Never published a book before so I don’t have a network of beta readers as of yet, and cant really afford to start paying people to beta read write now. But after downloading the app it seems impossible to upload your own work. If it is possible, than the UI is unusually vague about it. I went to suggest a swap with another writer, and it said I have no work uploaded to swap. End of story. And when I request a chapter to read from another writer, the offer has remained pending for a week straight. I fail to see this app working out well for me or anyone else.

Love the idea of the app. But I’ve found it to be buggy. I’ll go to approve a new beta reader and it acts like I am on the free plan so I can’t approve them on the app. I go to the website. Then everytime I update something or add something the story goes off even from notifications like it doesn’t exist. Which is why I’m telling my betas to solely use the website to gain access to avoid frustrations with the app.

I can’t express how happy I am to see an app like this released. It truly fills a need in the writing community. I love the concept and the layout in the app is good too. I requested to beta read a few stories, and the authors approved me within 24 hours which was nice! My biggest concern is the glitchiness when leaving comments in the story. Sometimes I can’t highlight the words or sentence I want. Sometimes my comment is accidentally submitted before I finished writing it. And one time a reaction was left on accident and I couldn’t delete it. That’s some functionality to consider... Also I can’t tell whether multiple betas will be able to see each other’s comments (like on Wattpad) or whether the reactions and comments are only between me and the author. I would like to know! Overall I love it. I want to see the user base increase and I hope the developers will work on improving the smoothness and glitches.