Beta Reading

Let me help you tell your story.

I'll provide cover-to-cover feedback on your manuscript, using notes jotted during my initial readthrough. I'll describe my overall impressions and then look closely at standout characters, scenes, pacing, and plot arcs, citing examples from your text. This will be compiled into a reader's report.

For non-fiction, I'll analyze readability, structure, and credibility.

Why should I be your choice?

I respect the care and effort that went into your manuscript. Every book is different. After I've finished reading it, but before I begin my report, I'll send you a few questions about your intended next steps to ensure my feedback is tailored toward getting you there. I'm also happy to answer questions you provide (which I won't look at until I've finished the readthrough).

I also understand that humans vary in how we react to criticism. If you prefer brutal honesty or a gentler critique, let me know. My natural style is in between.

More than just another set of eyes on your manuscript, I do a read-through that combines the perspective of an avid reader with that of an editor who wants your story to succeed.

I don’t use AI in my process. Your audience will be human; your critiques should be by humans, too.

Preferred genres

I’ll read any genre but I’m not your best choice for romance, YA, or self-help. For those, I'm willing to provide a critical read by someone outside your target demographic. My feedback will likely be harsher than that of a fan.

If you’re unsure whether I’ll read your genre, send me a brief description.

Curious about what I read? The authors I reach for most often are Cormac McCarthy, Paul Bowles, Hilary Mantel, Andy Weir, Patrick O’Bryan, Richard Osman, Naomi Novik, Stephen King, Dennis E. Taylor, Donna Leon, Flannery O’Connor, Aaron Elkins, Nicholson Baker, Haruki Murakami, Peter Carey, Peter Clines, Octavia E. Butler, Madeline Miller, Richard Flanagan, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Bill Bryson.

Making that list was painful, because there are so many other authors whose work I adore. Consider it a small glimpse.

  • Mystery

  • Thriller

  • Science Fiction

  • Fantasy

  • Literary Fiction

  • Historical Fiction

  • History

  • Science, Nature, and Technology

a woman lying on her back, reading a short book

Vizzini (shorter)

$100

For works up to 75,000 words: a cover-to-cover read and a detailed report citing examples from the text.

Delivery estimate: 7 business days, with a status update halfway through

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a dachshund with its nose between pages of a book

Inigo (medium)

$125

For works up to 110,000 words: a cover-to-cover read and a detailed report citing examples from the text.

Delivery estimate: 10 business days, with a status update halfway through

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a woman lying atop a pile of opened books, as if she fell asleep amidst a huge reading or research session

Fezzik (long)

$175

For works up to 150,000 words: a cover-to-cover read and a detailed report citing examples from the text.

Delivery estimate: 14 business days, with a status update halfway through

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  • Yes. That's why I allow sufficient time in my packages to read, make notes, and produce a report, with no faster options. You can always message me to see how things are going.

  • Not throughout the entire manuscript, but here and there. I prefer to read on a tablet and add highlights and handwritten comments as I read. I review those and cite them as I write the report. You can have a marked-up copy if you like.

  • I have no problem with erotica. LGBTQIA+ friendly, kink-aware, non-judgmental. However, while an attack in a thriller may lack consent, any erotica I agree to beta read must have consenting, adult, human participants only. Send me a message if you are unsure about your text.

  • Please send me a message! We can find a reasonable custom option to suit your circumstances.

  • Yes, you can. If you’re part of a writers group, you can ask to swap critiques. Sometimes you can find volunteer readers online or in your network.

    If you pay for me to read your manuscript, you are getting a full read-through and detailed critique from a neutral party. No skimming, no AI, no quitting halfway through, and no unhelpful responses like, “It was good.” It takes time to read thoroughly and give you useful feedback, and I charge for that service.

  • I prefer Venmo or PayPal, but I can also send an invoice that allows you to choose from several other methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact me

Interested in working together? Please describe your project and any particular concerns, and I’ll get back to you shortly.