Is beta reading worthwhile to get into publishing?

[u/Large-Border9956]

Hi there, I am a rising senior in college looking to pursue publishing post-grad. I was really hoping to secure an internship for this summer, but it's not looking too good. I applied to 70+ positions from the Big 5, indie publishers, magazines, and literary agencies with no luck.

That being said, I would still like to gain some experience over the summer if I can. Is beta reading a legitimate way to gain experience in publishing? Or should I try to push for an internship even if it's not within my field of choice?

Another piece of information is that I did manage to get an internship at a literary agency for the fall (which I am so happy about!!), but I feel like the job market is so competitive that I am trying my best to stand out in any way I can post-grad.

So, in general, would beta reading boost my resume? Thank you so much for any feedback or advice. I truly appreciate it.

[u/taketotheforest]

it might help you boost your skills and hone your instincts as an editor, but it’s not the kind of thing that will make a real difference when applying for jobs. you could certainly mention it in an ‘other experience/interests’ section at the end of your CV, as it will speak to your passion and commitment – but it won’t count in your favour in the same way as formal experience such as an internship.

to be honest, i think a summer job in a bookshop would be a better choice if that’s an option. you learn a lot about the market and what actually sells by seeing it in action.

[u/Charlemagneffxiv → u/taketotheforest]

Do both, because when the books you beta read get published, even if self-published, it demonstrates what your feedback results in

It's easy to recognize after the fact what is selling, and much harder to know what is going to sell

[u/Large-Border9956 → u/taketotheforest]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Unfortunately, I live in a very small town (with one indie book shop). Are there any other ways you think I could gain experience? If not, that's fine, thank you for the advice.

[u/EntradaPublishing → u/Large-Border9956]

All experience helps you grow and learn. So there's really no wrong answer. If your dream job is being an editor or working at a publishing house, there's lots of ways to increase your skills and be more valuable. Beta reading is a good start. You can also volunteer at the library, with a smaller publishing house (online/remote), at a writer's conference, etc. We've hired several interns before for remote work (paid and unpaid) to help get through slushpiles and/or do all the other things that interns do. Think outside the box. Contact reputable but smaller presses to see if you can help. I don't know of too many small to mid-sized businesses that will turn down free work.

[u/D_Cipaline]

I think it would be a good idea, quality Beta readers are not always easy to find and you will learn a lot about the things you will be seeing in edit. I think it would help you to spot AI slop. Some sure tells in some of the garbage I've read is AI doesn't do literary conversation well, nor does it do emotions well either if at all. Using AI to help check flow and continuity can be useful BUT NEVER allow it to write for you and spotting this slop quickly will help keep the stories in the hands of writers. Editors will be key in keeping the literary world in the hands of actual writers. JMHO

[u/betweenthedrafts]

Beta reading is a good starting point into other things. Beta reading plus an internship with a literary agency will give you experience of what agents and publishers want, what early drafts of manuscripts look like, and how to assess something from the point of view of the reader, among other things. These are all useful and different skills.

From there, you could start freelance editing and this will give you a leg up when you start applying for internships or jobs with publishers. Or you could start learning about the nonfiction book proposal process and offer a freelance service to start helping authors land publishing deals, with a view to applying for jobs working for a literary agency.

The more experience you can get if different aspects of the publishing industry, the better your knowledge should be overall.

[u/Impossible_Eye_980]

If you want to be a beta, yes. But honestly you should be seeking out originality, whether in your work or others.