Hi
Beta Reading
None of your relatives or close friends is available to read your manuscript? Or maybe you aren’t comfortable asking them?
Are you publishing a non-fiction book and need help checking if it suits your audience?
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?
Have you tried asking for feedback, but all you got was vague and unhelpfu, such as how amazing (or how terrible) your manuscript is?
My beta reader service 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 impressions about the plot, characters, use of language, first/final chapters, pacing, and more. You can also let me know if you have specific questions or guidelines.
Genres: sci-fi, fantasy, horror, romance, crime/thriller, and literary.
Non-Fiction
Your report will be based on this non-fiction beta-reading questionnaire, focusing on the introduction, first chapter, overall structure, and conclusion. But again, let me know what matters the most to you.
Genres: business/marketing, self-development/self-help, hobbies, memoir/biography, travel/living abroad.
You'll get with your beta-reading service:
Detailed report (4-10 pages on average).
In-line comments (20-100 comments on average).
Answers to your pre-reading questions.
Answers to your follow-up questions.
The Report
√ Concrete improvement suggestions/ideas.
√ Questions pointing at 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.
√ Comments about title and blurb (if
available).
In-line comments
The in-line comments are mostly food for thought: questions/mentions about what to improve or clarify for the reader. Some of them will be examples of what I mention in the report.
Maybe not all chapters will have in-line comments. They’ll be made only when and where they add value.
Usually, I write 20-50 in-line comments for 100k words.
The first and last chapters always have in-line comments because they are crucial to the success of your story.
Beta Reading Process
First Reading
I’ll read your manuscript to get a general feel, highlighting and commenting on what stands out to me (positives and negatives).
Analysis
I’ll go back and check the manuscript more carefully, analysing specific sections, and improving the in-line comments.
Report
I’ll write your report and finalise the commented file. You’ll review both files and send me your follow-up questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Do you use AI to beta read my manuscript?
I won’t feed your book to an AI tool at any stage of the beta reading.