How It Works

Listing Options For Writers

These are the various categories you can create a listing for on Storyfolk.

Writing Groups

If you already have a writing group or are looking to start one, you can find writers interested in joining! To help connect with the right people, you can include details in your listing such as age range, genres, meetup preferences, and the group’s purpose.

Critique Partners

If you’re looking for a critique partner, you can connect with other writers on Storyfolk who are ready to exchange thoughtful feedback. To find the best match, you can include details in your listing such as genres, tropes, draft number, and turnaround expectations.

ARC Readers

If you’re preparing to launch your book and need ARC readers, you can find interested readers here on Storyfolk! When creating your listing, you can choose between digital and physical copies and add key details about your story including tropes, trigger warnings, and even the spice level.

Reader Feedback

This category helps connect you with beta readers or fellow writers if you’re looking for early feedback on an idea, chapter, or manuscript. When seeking feedback from beta readers, it’s often recommended to start small (such as sharing a single chapter and asking follow-up questions) to see if you’re a good fit for one another.

Writing Challenges

This category selection is for If you have a fun and unique writing exercise/challenge for writers. You can host or a challenge or provide instructions for an exercise in the post. This is a great way to help inspire and educate fellow writers.

Book Promotion

If you’ve published a book, share it with the Storyfolk community! Create a showcase listing that includes your cover, aesthetic, blurb, tropes, genre, and links to where readers can purchase it. This is a great space to celebrate your work and help others discover it.

Storyfolk Listing Cover Tips

Did you know Canva was used to create all the covers seen above? We've made it easy for you to create one too!

It is easier than you think to put together a sample cover that matches the vibe of your story. You can access the Canva template through the link, find pictures or elements you love, include your name and title, download, and simple add it to your WIP listing. Consider the types of covers that typically attract readers within your genre and match it as best you can. You can also request a free sample cover from Storyfolk. We can't make a cover for everyone, but we like to surprise you guys every once in a while.

Canva Cover & Artwork Templates

Manuscript Preparation Tips

Here are some tips and suggestions to help provide the best experience possible for reader feedback and critique partners.

Spell Check

Your story should be spellchecked to the best of your ability. Simple mistakes have a knack for yanking a reader right out of a story, which we can all agree, is no fun at all. There are some amazing platforms out there like ProWritingAid that can help give your manuscript a good polish.

Formatting

The most universal formatting combination for manuscripts is double spaced, 12 point font, and times new roman. 1 inch margins and a half inch paragraph indentation is ideal. On each page include a header with your name, the story title, beta copy, and the page number on the bottom.

Checkpoints

Embed checkpoints at each chapter, or key stages of your plot . You can either write out your questions directly on the page, or include a link to a Google Form. The form is ideal because you can collect data & view trends from all your readers. Keep the amount of questions asked reasonable.

Questions

The purpose of a beta reader is to ensure the story is landing as you intended, the plot is holding their interest, and the characters feel authentic to the plot. Asking questions like "At which point were you confused or lose interest?", "What do you think will happen next?" will help provide you with useful context.

Expectations

The role of a beta reader is not to edit your story, but provide valuable feedback on how your story can improve and how they felt during the experience. It can sometimes sting when we receive critique, but it's extremely normal and will untimely help our stories and our writing craft in general.

Delivery

It is good to be prepared with two different formats depending on what the reader prefers. Some might prefer a web format such as Google Docs so they can make in-line comments, while others might require a PDF version so they can easily melt into your story on their tablet with a cup of tea.

Writer Resources

The Hard Questions To Ask Beta Readers

Over time, I’ve learned to not only appreciate the more critical feedback but also purposefully seek it out and welcome it with open arms because that’s exactly what my story needs to grow and prepare for either publication or querying. To get the most out of your experience with beta readers, I have a list of...

Feedback Form Example

Google Forms is a wonderful free tool that will allow you to not only collect the feedback, but display it as data so you can see any major trends. This can also help save your beta reader time if they are able to select fields VS write things out. I also recommend keeping any long-form questions optional.

View Sample