Have you ever struggled to find a beta reader? Are you looking for feedback on your entire manuscript, not just a few chapters? Do you want a long-term relationship with a critique partner?
The August 2026 Writer Matching Program is designed to help writers connect with alpha readers, beta readers, and long-term critique partners.
What is the Writer Matching Program?
The program is simple: make meaningful connections between writers. To be a part of the program, you’ll fill out a detailed form all about your work-in-progress, your writing experience, and your reading preferences.
On August 15th, 2026, the form will close, and the matching process will begin. This date may be adjusted depending on the number of submissions received to ensure that matches can be made thoughtfully and in a timely manner. Matches will typically be sent 1-2 weeks after the submission period closes. If the number of submissions is larger than expected, additional time may be needed to ensure matches are carefully selected.
I will personally review all submissions to identify up to three matches for you based on the information you provide. The number of matches will depend on the submissions received.
What happens after I receive my matches?
After you receive your matches, it is your responsibility to reach out and decide if you would like to work together. You’ll receive their email addresses and a copy of their responses, so you can determine whether they are a good fit.
This program manages introductions only. Signing up does not obligate you to work with any of your matches. JosieBethGossel.com will not manage manuscript exchanges, feedback schedules, or ongoing partnerships. How you work together is up to you!
How are matches selected?
Matches are not randomly assigned. Each submission is reviewed individually by a real person, and many factors are considered when creating matches: genre, age category, manuscript length, writing experience, reading preferences, feedback style, availability, and goals.
The goal is to match you with readers who can provide valuable feedback. There’s likely not one person who can check all your boxes. The best feedback comes from multiple readers with varying strengths and backgrounds.
How much will this cost?
This program is currently free for the first twenty writers to sign up. Thank you! As founding members of the Writer Matching Program, you are helping establish and improve this service. Because this is a new program, there may be times when the number of available submissions is limited, which may affect the number of potential matches available. In return, I ask for your honest feedback on how the program goes for you.
After that, there will be a $5 fee. Unlike automated matching services, every submission is reviewed personally. The fee helps cover the time required to review submissions, make personalized matches, and keep the program running.
This is not a marketing service for paid beta readers. The expectation for those submitting the form is that you are willing to provide feedback. What exactly that looks like depends on the individuals involved. In your questionnaire, you will have the opportunity to share what level of feedback you are able to provide.
If one of your matches attempts to charge you for their services, please email me at [email protected].
What will I receive?
Depending on the number of submissions in the submission period, you will receive up to three potential matches. These may include writers and readers alike. You will receive a copy of their questionnaires to help you determine if the match is a good fit. You will be given their email addresses if you would like to reach out. Note that this means your matches will also receive your contact information and questionnaire answers.
What do I need to participate?
You don’t need a finished manuscript, or any prior experience writing. All you need is something you want feedback on, and the ability to give feedback in exchange. Please note that you must be at least eighteen years old to participate.
What if I only want to read and provide feedback?
Readers are welcome! If you are only interested in reading and not receiving feedback on your own writing, please indicate this on your form. You may be matched with writers who are looking for beta readers.
Readers may not use this program to advertise paid services. If you are gaining beta reading experience with the goal of eventually offering paid services, you may request a testimonial or review after completing a beta read, but you may not use this program to solicit clients or advertise services.
What is the expectation for participants?
You may choose to work with one or all of your matches. The expectation is that writers going through the program are looking to receive feedback in exchange for giving feedback in return. What exactly that looks like depends on the individuals involved. While you may be matched with someone who is only looking to read, this is not guaranteed. If you are looking only to receive feedback, this program is likely not the best fit.
Participants may not charge for feedback. The program is intended for feedback exchanges, and may not be used to promote paid beta reading or editing services. If one of your matches attempts to sell you services rather than participate in an exchange, please email me at [email protected].
Additionally, participants are expected to respect the privacy and copyright of other writers. They should not share manuscripts, excerpts, or personal information received through this program.
How can I get the most out of this program?
Be as honest and detailed as possible in your feedback. Be clear on what matters to you most in a critique partner. You likely won’t find one person who checks all of your boxes. The best feedback will come from a variety of people with different strengths.
Additionally, be clear on what you like to read, and if there’s anything you refuse to read. This prevents you from being matched with manuscripts you are not comfortable reading, or cannot provide good feedback for.
An important note: writers, please fill out the content guide in the questionnaire to the best of your ability. Include any violence, sexual content, traumatic events, abuse, or religious/political themes. Readers, please include content you will not read. This will help create the best possible matches and prevent uncomfortable situations.
Refund policy
If you purchase a paid matching service and I am unable to find any suitable matches for you during the current matching period, you will receive a full refund.
A lack of available matches may occur due to factors such as a highly specific genre, limited reader availability, manuscript content preferences, or other compatibility considerations.
Refunds will not be provided based on dissatisfaction with a match. The purpose of this service is to provide introductions to potential beta readers or critique partners; JosieBethGossel.com cannot guarantee that a match will respond, accept a manuscript, provide feedback in a particular style, or become a successful long-term partnership.
Disclaimers
- Only share your work with those you trust. JosieBethGossel.com is not liable for any copyright disputes between writers who met as a result of the program.
- Your matches depend entirely on the writers who sign up during the submission period. While I will do my best to match writers based on form answers, you are taking on the risk that you may not be satisfied with any of your matches.
- Do not include anything in your questionnaire that you do not want shared with potential matches.
How many times can I participate in the program?
As many as you’d like! If the program opens again, and you’re looking for more matches, you are welcome to participate.
Who is this program not for?
This program is not the right fit if you are:
- Looking for guaranteed feedback.
- Looking for professional beta reading/editing.
- Unwilling to provide feedback to other writers.
- Uncomfortable sharing contact information with other potential matches.