How Reader Guild Works

Simple for readers. Powerful for authors.

📚 For Readers

1

Sign up for free

Creating a reader account on Reader Guild costs nothing and always will. Fill in your name, email, and choose your password.

2

Complete your reader profile

Tell us what genres you love, what type of reader you are (Alpha or Beta), how quickly you can read, and your preferred file format. This takes about 2 minutes.

3

Browse open campaigns

Visit the Browse Books page and filter by genre, reader type, or search for specific books. All campaigns show you how many spots are left and the deadline.

4

Apply to campaigns you love

Click Apply, optionally write a short message to the author about why you're a great fit, and submit. You can apply to multiple campaigns.

5

Wait for the author's decision

Authors review applications and approve or decline. You'll see your application status in your dashboard.

6

Read and give feedback

Once approved, the author will send you the manuscript directly. Read it and provide your feedback in the format the author requested.

✍️ For Authors

1

Create an author account

Sign up with your email. Choose 'I'm an Author' during registration.

2

Set up your author profile

Add a bio, your website or social links, and information about your previous publications.

3

Create a campaign

Fill in your book title, description/blurb, word count, genres, content warnings, and what type of readers you need. Set how many readers you want and the application deadline.

4

Launch your campaign — free

During our launch period, campaigns are completely free to run. Click Launch and your campaign goes live immediately. No credit card needed.

5

Readers apply

Readers who match your genres will see your campaign and apply. You can see their full reader profile: their genres, turnaround time, feedback style, and any message they wrote to you.

6

Approve or decline applicants

Review each application and approve or decline. Approved readers can see your contact details. Send them the manuscript directly.

7

Receive feedback

Readers deliver their feedback according to the format and timeline you discussed.