Why Fiverr Isn’t Recommended for Beta Reading or Editing?

For many aspiring authors, the appeal of a low-cost service like Fiverr can seem like a no-brainer when seeking out a manuscript assessment or editing before submitting a final draft to a publisher / literary agent or self-publishing.

Fiverr offers a wide range of services that seem like a good deal at first blush. It can be tempting to take the route of least resistance and let someone else take care of all the heavy lifting when it comes to assessing or editing. As an author looking to hire an editor for a manuscript assessment, beta reading, or substantive editing, why would you spend months if not years on your book only to hand it over to amateurs?

The area of most concern with using Fiverr for a manuscript assessment, beta reading or editing is the question of quality. The people offering services on Fiverr are typically not professionals, and are often unreliable. These services are usually not backed by qualifications, so you are never sure whether you are working with someone who is truly knowledgeable and experienced in the craft of writing and editing.

Furthermore, there is no quality assurance or guarantee of feedback or a prompt turnaround. Even if you are lucky enough to find someone who is experienced and able to provide quality feedback, there is no guarantee that your manuscript will be fast tracked or given priority Or if it is handed back promptly, it’s most likely received a very shallow assessment.

Further Reading: Amazon Sues Fiverr Over Fake Reviews

Another major issue with Fiverr is the risk of unprofessional behavior. While the rise of low-cost services like Fiverr has allowed many authors to access services they may not be able to find otherwise, they also open the door to fly by nights willing to take advantage of authors who may be unaware of industry standards and conventions. If a manuscript assessment is incomplete or late, or if the reviewer is impolite and unprofessional, the author doesn’t have much by way of recourse.

Using Fiverr can also lead to a delay in your manuscript completion. The lack of quality assurance and the unreliable nature of many of these hustlers working in the gig economy can mean that your manuscript is substantially delayed due to the necessary revisions, rewrites, or additional proofing and editing needed to bring it up to a publishable standard. This could have a significant impact on a publication timeline, not just for a single book, but for any future writing projects as well.

Obviously, the financial commitment of hiring an editor is important. Fiverr is certainly cheaper than hiring a professional beta reader or editor, but the quality and speed of service will never match that of an experienced editor or beta reader. That being said, the savings can quickly disappear if you have to spend money addressing the issues caused by unreliable services or the lack of quality assurance.

You Get What You Pay For!

For authors seeking a manuscript assessment or editing services, it is always best to seek out a professional editor or beta reader. Working with a vetted and experienced reader, editor, or reviewer will ensure that the manuscripts you submit are of the highest quality and are up to industry standard. Writerful Books offers manuscript assessments, beta reading, and editing services from professional editors that have been working in the industry for 20+ years.

Using Fiverr for manuscript assessments and editing services is risky and can be costly in the long run. If you want to make sure your work is of the highest quality and is published quickly, our recommendation is to invest in the services of a reputable, professional editor, beta reader, or manuscript assessor. We are a trusted source for quality manuscript assessments, beta reading and editing services, and can offer timely and reliable feedback at competitive prices.

Further Reading: Why Hire a Professional Book Editor?

Five Major Reasons Fiverr is Not Recommended for Beta Reading or Editing

► Fiverr is a platform where anyone can sign up and offer their services as a beta reader or editor. This means that there is no guarantee that the person you hire has any experience or qualifications in editing or beta reading.

► Fiverr is known for its low prices, which means that many of the people offering their services as beta readers or editors are doing so at very low rates. This can be an indication that they are not experienced or qualified.

► Fiverr does not have a system in place to ensure quality control. This means that there is no way to know if the person you hire is providing quality work.

► Fiverr does not have a system in place to protect your work. This means that there is a risk that your work could be stolen or plagiarized.

► Fiverr does not have a system in place to ensure confidentiality. This means that there is a risk that your work could be shared with others without your permission.