Finding your first beta reader can be difficult and intimidating, asking your parents or siblings to look at your short story or book may feel like they think it’s a secret part of you and everything in it is a reflection of you, even the horny or gory stuff. Believe me, I would never dream of asking my mom to read my horror. But it was her idea to buy and read my book and I felt bad when she cried, that’s my mom I’m not supposed to cause that. But that was GOOD! Real genuine emotion from reading my work and that’s what you’re looking for in a beta reader.
You have options at the start presuming you have relatives or siblings, a friend, or even your favorite teacher. I gave a copy of one of my stories to my English teacher once. Teachers want you to succeed and become a bonafide responsible adult with a thriving career so if they see you have talent they will tell you, and likewise admit if something in your work is off. My first beta reader ever was my dad. He helped me self publish my first book and for years read every several pages of a story I never finished to help me and guide me if I was doing good or straying too far.
If you have the funding for it, I suggest going to Fiverr and looking for someone there. Some need an entire manuscript before accepting your work, others are fine with several chapters and their prices vary by wordcount. If looking for a professional, MAKE SURE they are a professional and check their reviews. Who are the reviewers, and what are they saying? Does this person have any educational background in the area, any degrees, these aren’t necessary but do add credibility and that’s what you need before hiring a professional.
So finding a beta reader can be intimidating but it is easier than it sounds. Find people who care about you and tell yourself, remind yourself, that you need their help and you have to let go and ask for it for that to happen.