Beta Reading

What is a beta reader?

If you’ve finished your manuscript and are in search of feedback, you’re in need of a beta reader! My job is to read through your book from an average reader’s perspective and provide feedback to help you craft your story to its fullest potential. Feedback from fresh eyes is invaluable. As the author, you’re so close with your work that it’s easy to slip over that misspelled word or forget that just because you know a detail about a character doesn’t mean it made it from your brain and into the final draft. That’s where a beta reader comes in.

I have a slightly different perspective than your regular reader in that I am also in the midst of writing a novel. I joined a small writer’s group where we read each other’s work and provide feedback, and it turns out that I really enjoy that process. From an author’s viewpoint, I understand how important it is to not only receive praise, but also a critical eye where things may not measure up. While I enjoy hearing what works in my own novel, I crave constructive feedback far more. Both are equally important, and I make sure that my feedback contains a balanced viewpoint.

Are we a good fit for each other?

Having beta readers that enjoy your genre is just as important as having beta readers that don’t. Personally, my favorite genres include historical fiction, mystery, murder mystery, thriller, horror, fantasy, and ghost stories. I read all levels within these genres, from middle-grade novels to adult novels.

I also enjoy non-fiction books about history, especially WWI, WWII, the Victorian/Edwardian era, and the roaring 20s. Honestly, you could probably throw in any interesting historical non-fiction book that takes place between the years 1800-1950 and I’d be interested.

That being said, I don’t really enjoy sci-fi, poetry, religious books (fiction or non-fiction), or self-help books. I’m not a huge fan of spice (romance readers know what I’m talking about here), so keep that in mind if your book is spice heavy. I love a good love story or romance, but I don’t read much in the way of spice (explicit romance scenes), so I don’t feel I’d be able to provide good genre-based feedback for those novels.

What you can expect.

You can expect a turnaround time of 7-14 days for a 150k word manuscript (up to 21 days for manuscripts over this limit).
If I am at capacity, I will add you to a waitlist and contact you when I’m available. There is no cost to be on the waiting list.
Payments are accepted through PayPal only at this time. The cost of payment is due upon submission and is nonrefundable.
I work primarily in Google Docs, as I find it the easiest format to leave in-line comments and feedback.
I will not disclose details of your work, and I will not provide a review as this is not a review service.
I reserve the right to, at any time, issue a full refund for materials that I do not feel I am best suited to beta read.

AI DISCLAIMER

I work primarily as an actor. Making great film and telling stories through that platform is my absolute dream job, and I’ve chased it with every fiber of my being. Film and TV are my main focus, and just like with every other art form, AI has stuck its ugly little nose in. Aside from acting, I also play music and I write. Expression, in any form, is one of the most beautiful things we as humans can do. It’s hard work. It’s grueling at times. It bleeds us dry, but still, we create.

When you work with me, know that your work will never go near an AI model. I will not use AI to summarize your book. I will not use AI to provide feedback on your book. Nothing but my little human eyes will see your work. For better or worse, it’s just my regular ol’ human brain on the other side of this screen, doing my best to provide a fellow artist with useful feedback. In the words of Arthur O’Shaughnessy, ‘We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.’

I’d like to keep it that way.

Still not sure?

That’s ok! Your book is your baby, and paying for the service of a beta reader is a big deal. To see if we’re a good fit, I’ll happily read the first 1k words for free and provide feedback befitting the package you’re interested in. If you like what I have to offer, then we can continue from there. And if not, no hard feelings!

Beta Reading Packages

A Cuppa – $149 for up to 150k words ($10 per every additional 10k)

A full read-through of your novel
A one-page (minimum) review letter that will encompass feedback on your hook, overall plot, characters and development, readability, pace, plot holes, overall tone and vibe of your book, and more. Basically, all of my feedback, thoughts, comments, and constructive criticism in one place.

Tea and Cake – $199 for up to 150k words ($10 per every additional 10k)

Everything included in A Cuppa plus:
Periodic inline comments and reader reactions.
Author can submit two (2) questions to be answered in the review letter.

High Tea – $299 for up to 150k words ($10 per every additional 10k)

Everything included in A Cuppa and Tea and Cake plus:
Extensive inline comments, reader reactions, and editing suggestions*.
Author can submit four (4) questions to be answered in the review letter.
A 30-minute Zoom meeting to discuss their book in greater detail.

*PLEASE NOTE: I am not an editor. Editing suggestions could include noting a misspelled word, missed punctuation, or grammatical errors. These are SUGGESTIONS ONLY. I’m only human and I make mistakes as well. Double-check these suggestions before fully accepting them if you so choose to.