No, readers cannot download the manuscript. Beta Copies on StoryOrigin are only readable in the browser making your manuscript much more secure than simply sending out a Word doc or EPUB file.
Gather & manage beta reader feedback
Readers unlock each chapter by leaving feedback on the previous chapter or answering questionnaires
Get more & better feedback from your beta readers
Feedback Required
Readers unlock each chapter by leaving feedback on the previous chapter
Questionnaires
Embed questionnaires between chapters to collect over-arching feedback
Slice & Dice Feedback
Sort feedback across versions, readers, and keywords
Track Progress
Track each reader's progress through the book at a glance
Control Access
Secure content and control each individual reader's access and expiration time
Unbiased Feedback
Readers only see their own comments, so they don't bias each other's feedback
What other authors have to say...
StoryOrigin is the third beta reader feedback service I've tried. I think it's perfect. I've no plans to use any other service, ever.
Kate DarrochStoryOrigin has made gathering feedback for my novel The Void Beyond the Walls, as well as other shorter stories, a breeze.
Relvin GonzalezI love the StoryOrigin beta-read feature. The functionality is simple and easy to use for both writers and readers. Highly recommended!
Lynne Basham Tagawa...switching my beta reader process over to StoryOrigin I have seen both the number of people who complete the beta process and the quality of feedback increase.
Jamie DaltonI used the beta copy option for the first time last fall. All of my beta readers loved the setup... it proved far easier for all of us compared to sharing documents separately as I did in the past.
Althea DamgaardI love how the beta copies feature makes it easy for me to approve readers, collect all the beta feedback in one place, upload new versions for review or new readers, and track how I approach my edits.
Ingrid MoonThe single best feature I've used is StoryOrigin's beta-reader management system... every book I write in the future will take advantage of the StoryOrigin system.
John PearceI absolutely love the beta reader feature. Its suggestions and customization has helped prompt my readers to give me more in depth feedback. Super easy to use!
S. T. SanchezThe beta reader feature has been a game-changer for me in getting centralized feedback for the books in my series. I would have gone crazy managing this with Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Steve PantazisReaders Leave Feedback to Unlock Chapters
Readers have to leave end-of-chapter feedback to unlock the next chapter.
Add critique guidance or questions at the end of each chapter solicit specific feedback from readers.
Track Reader Progress & Control Access
See how far long each beta reader has gotten through the book.
Set access expiration dates for beta readers or turn off their access anytime.
Collect Inline Comments & Mark To-do's
Beta readers can leave short inline comments on specific words, sentences, or paragraphs.
Mark & filter comments as to-do items or filter inline comments to only see comments by specific readers.
View End-of-Chapter Feedback
Filter end-of-chapter feedback by chapter, reader, keyword, or status (unread, to-do, etc.).
Readers can only see their own feedback, but everything is compiled and easy to sort through on your end.
Ready for better feedback from beta readers?
Upload your manuscript Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the beta copies feature?
The beta copies feature on StoryOrigin allows authors to securely share manuscripts of their books to beta readers to gather feedback before the book is published.
Can readers download beta copies?
Are there any restrictions on the types of books that can use the Beta Copies feature?
No, the beta copies feature is available for all types of books across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, etc.
Note: the Beta Copies feature does not support uploading images, so it does not work well for books that depend on readers being able see pictures embdedded along with the text.
Do readers need to pay to have an account on StoryOrigin?
No, the Beta Copies feature is totally free on the reader side.
Readers do need to create a FREE account, so that StoryOrigin can tell you who left which comments / feedback.
Can I control who gets access to my beta copy?
Yes, you can add questions to the application process and choose to approve or decline requests from beta readers based whatever criteria you want (genre preferences, # of books they've read before, etc.).
Can I set a deadlines for beta readers to submit feedback?
Yes, authors can set deadlines for beta readers to submit their feedback. This helps to manage the beta reading process effectively.
Can I revoke access to my beta copy?
Yes, you can turn off access to your beta copy to any particular beta reader at any time.
Can I communicate with beta readers directly through StoryOrigin?
StoryOrigin provides you with your beta reader's email address, so you can email them directly.
You cannot communicate with beta readers directly through StoryOrigin.
Can I track the progress of readers?
Yes, you can see how many chapters each reader has completed, so you know how far along each beta reader is in the process.
A 1-stop-shop for authors
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Read moreWhy do authors recommend StoryOrigin?
Is there a 5 star rating system on this? Because StoryOrigin is at least 6 stars. At least! I've used the other platforms... and none of them approach the flexibility and power of StoryOrigin
W.H. LockI used to use several sites and groups to facilitate things like newsletter swaps, multi-author book promos, reader magnets, and reviews, but I can do it all and better on StoryOrigin.
A. F. StewartI love StoryOrigin. I've used other sites for promotions and newsletter swaps but this one is easier and more author-focused. Highly recommend for new or serious authors.
Gina KincadeStoryOrigin changed my life, and it's the BEST tool that actually works with increasing sales, subscribers, and reaching new readers.
Anca-Melinda Coliolu... compared to a lot of similar sites designed to help authors, StoryOrigin has the best UI, the most features and a great community of authors.
Dave WalshStoryOrigin is absolutely the must-have author tool. You can build your newsletter list with interested people, sell your books, find newsletter swaps, get reviews, and more
Katherine GilbertHave more questions? Just shoot me an email
