Sci-Fi, fantasy and speculative Indie Authors Review discussion

Yeah, I know, probably a dumb question, but I'm wondering about the context. Is it a request for critiques to get feedback on the work prior to publication? Is it a request for reviews that will be posted somewhere to help promote the book? Or is it just a request for an opinion to test the waters?

Beta reads are usually to check that the story hangs together well prior to publication.

R&R or review is usually a case of an author giving out review copies of their book just prior to publication in echnge for an honest review, in order to have some reviews already when the book is released. These review copies are called ARCs (Advance review copies). Though writers may also do the same after publication in order to get reviews up on a book.

And 'book exchanges' generally means that you find someone who writes in a genre you like who is willing to swap manuscripts with you, so you beta read each others work. However some people may wish to exchange finished books, agreeing first on giving n honest review - bit more tricky that as you are exchanging reviews. Everyone has to be adult about it!

Thank you!