Beta Reader / Sensitivity Reader Agreement

Handing your manuscript to a beta reader or sensitivity reader takes trust. This agreement puts that trust in writing, without the weight of a full services contract.

Beta and sensitivity reads are usually small, informal arrangements. Many are unpaid or swapped between writers. This template is deliberately short so it suits that kind of arrangement, while still covering what matters:

• Confidentiality: the reader agrees not to share, copy, quote or discuss your manuscript, or post about it on social media, without your written consent.
• What kind of read: choose a beta read (story, pacing, characters), a sensitivity read (how specific communities or lived experiences are portrayed), or both, and describe the feedback you want.
• Format and deadline: agree how feedback will be delivered (written notes, an annotated manuscript or a conversation) and by when.
• Paid or unpaid: pick a reciprocal, no-fee arrangement or set a fee and payment terms.
• Your decisions stay yours: the reader gives personal feedback only and takes no editorial or legal responsibility. You decide what to do with their comments.
• Ownership: you keep full ownership of your manuscript. The reader gets no rights in the work, and gets credit only if you choose to give it.

It comes with step-by-step instructions and highlighted placeholders, so you can fill it in and send it before the manuscript leaves your hands.

Suited to: authors engaging beta readers, sensitivity readers or critique partners on an unpublished manuscript.

For bigger paid engagements, see the Editing/Proofreading Agreement or the Independent Contractor Agreement.