Hi
Beta Reading
None of your relatives or close friends is available to read your manuscript? Or maybe you aren’t comfortable asking them?
Have you tried asking for feedback, but all you got was vague and unhelpful, such as how amazing (or how terrible) your manuscript is?
Have you written a short story or a novel and need an extra set of eyes to know how good it is from a reader’s viewpoint?
Are you publishing a non-fiction book and need help checking if it suits your audience?
A professional beta reader will give you thorough, constructive, and actionable feedback on your short story, novel, or non-fiction book crafted by a fellow writer.
Fiction
Your report will be based on a fiction beta-reading questionnaire with my comments and suggestions about these elements:
– Title & blurb (if provided)
– Genre & Target Readers
– Prologue & First Chapter
– Structure
– Point-of-View
– Characters
– Plot & Conflict
– Flashback & Backstories
– Pacing
– Dialogue
– Setting & World-Building
– Ending & Epilogue
– Use of Language
Genres: sci-fi, fantasy, horror, romance, crime/thriller, and literary.
Formats: Short stories, novelletes, novellas, novels, poetry.
Non-Fiction
Your report will be based on this non-fiction beta-reading questionnaire, focusing on these elements:
– Title & blurb (if provided)
– Genre & Target Readers
– Introduction
– First Chapter
– Structure
– Ideas & Arguments
– Conclusion
– Use of Language
Genres: business/marketing, self-development/self-help, hobbies, memoir/biography, travel/living abroad.
Formats: lead magnets, ebooks, print books.
Why Work With a Beta Reader?
Detailed Reader’s Report with developmental editing notes (4-10 pages on average).
In-line comments and reactions (20-100 comments on average).
Answers to your pre-reading questions – you can send me your own questionnaire.
Unlimited answers to your follow-up questions.
The Report
→ Concrete suggestions/ideas about strengths and weaknesses.
→ Questions pointing to what
readers might become unsure of while reading your manuscript.
→ Straightforward and analytical comments rather than passionate remarks.
→ Detailed analysis of the first and last chapters.
→ Clear differentiation between potential issues and improvement suggestions.
In-line comments
→ Examples of points made in the report.
→ Confusing sentences or passages.
→ Show, don’t tell opportunities.
→ Great lines/passages driving positive reactions.
Maybe not all chapters will have in-line comments. They’ll be made only when and where they add value.
But the first and last chapters always have them, considering how crucial they are to your manuscript.
“The goal of beta reading is to improve the overall quality of the writing.
Not to limit your creative freedom.
My job is to point out what is working from a reader’s perspective and might need to be changed to reveal the full value of your manuscript.
But you’re the author, and you always know best.”
Beta Reading Process
01
First Reading
I’ll read your manuscript as any reader would, highlighting some lines, taking quick notes, writing short in-line comments, and getting a general feel.
02
Analysis
I’ll go through your manuscript again, now more carefully, analysing specific sections, expanding my notes, and perfecting the in-line comments.
03
Report
I’ll write your report, adding ideas and improvement suggestions, and finalise the commented file, then share both files with you.
04
Review
After you receive your in-line comments and reader report, I’ll be available to answer as many questions as you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I pay someone to beta read my manuscript?
True enough, you can find free beta reading options. Many authors find great support in writing groups, from a fellow author, or from a trusted family member or friend.
But not everyone can say the same.
– You might not have someone to ask to read an entire manuscript.
– If you do, the free advice they provide might be short, generic, or unhelpful.
– If they aren’t writers themselves, they might not understand the issues, neither be able to suggest solutions.
– Family members and friends don’t always feel like they can be honest if the manuscript needs a lot of work.
– Writing groups don’t often provide enough time to go through an entire manuscript, becoming unable to replicate a true reader’s experience.
In a nutshell: if you know someone who can give you the same level of detailed feedback a professional beta reader provides, you certainly shouldn’t pay for it. Otherwise, consider the option.
Why should I pay YOU to beta read my manuscript?
- I’ve been a member of the Irish Writers Centre since 2014 – we critique each other’s work frequently during writing group sessions.
- I’ve published short stories, essays. and poems; I know the needs of authors.
- I am an avid reader (around 80 books/year).
- I’ve also written book reviews as a journalist.
In either case, please note I am not a developmental editor, copyeditor, or proofreader. What I’ll do is tell you about my experience while reading your story objectively as any other reader would. The advantage of hiring me is that I am also a writer. Therefore, my comments will be more helpful and actionable.
What isn't included?
Beta reading doesn’t include proofreading, editing, or fact-checking your manuscript. Instead, it’s about reading your book as any other reader would.
What is your fee and how long does it take?
My fee and delivery time are based on your word count: from €35 for 10,000 words (5-day delivery) to €120 for 100,000 words (14-day delivery).
Please ask me for a quote for other word counts and for urgent delivery.
Why does it take so long to receive the report?
- I read your manuscript as any reader would, meaning I don’t rush through it.
- I go through your manuscript twice.
- I take my time creating your report to ensure I share valuable suggestions and comments.
What will you need to start?
If you choose to hire me, kindly provide your manuscript as an editable Word file or Google Doc, so I can add in-line comments freely.
Do I need to edit my manuscript before sending it to you?
I suggest you only send your manuscript when you feel you have done all you could. So, yes, you should edit it before sending it to me.
But if what you are wondering is if you should send it to a professional editor, it’s up to you. Some authors prefer to have it beta-read first. Then, they hire an editor to help them implement the suggestions. Others do the other way around.
Do I need to proofread my manuscript before sending it to you?
You might consider having the manuscript proofread first if it contains a significant number of grammar or spelling errors, as these can cause misinterpretations and lead me to suggest changes that aren’t actually needed.
If you’re uncertain, you’re welcome to send me a one-page sample before starting the job—I’ll let you know whether proofreading would be worthwhile.
Can I trust you with my manuscript?
Yes, 100%. But I can sign an NDA if you like. Many authors do.
Do you use AI to beta read my manuscript?
I won’t upload your book to an AI tool at any stage of the beta reading. I also don’t use AI tools to create any section of my report or in-line comments.