Beta Reading
None of your relatives or close friends is available to read an entire manuscript? Or maybe you aren’t comfortable asking them?
You've received feedback, but it was vague and unhelpful, such as how amazing (or how terrible) your manuscript is?
Would you like to hear comments and suggestions from someone who understands what an author needs?
Are you looking for someone who will take the time to replicate a genuine reader's experience?
Does your writing group can only read short pieces or give you limited feedback?
A professional beta reader will give you honest, straightforward, thorough, constructive, and actionable feedback on your manuscript crafted by a fellow writer.
What You’ll Get
1. Detailed reader’s report with developmental editing notes (around 4-10 pages).
→ 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.
2. In-line comments and reactions (around 20-100 comments).
→ Examples of points made in the report.
→ Sentences or passages that read confusing, repetitive, or over-explanatory.
→ “Show, don’t tell” opportunities.
→ 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 both the first and last chapters will always be commented, considering how crucial they are to your manuscript.
3. Answers to your pre-reading questions – you can send me your own questionnaire.
4. Unlimited answers to your follow-up questions.
The goal of beta reading is to improve the overall quality of the writing.
Not to limit your creative freedom.
You’re the author, and you always know best.
My job is to point out what is working from a reader’s perspective and might need to be improve to reveal the full value of your manuscript.
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
– Author authority
– Structure
– Credibility & Trustworthiness
– Originality/Practical Value
– Engagement & Pacing
– Argument Quality
– Quality of Exercises (If applicable)
– Conclusion
– Use of Language
Genres: business/marketing, self-development/self-help, hobbies, memoir/biography, travel/living abroad.
Formats: lead magnets, ebooks, print books.
Testimonials
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.
About Me
– Member of the Irish Writers Centre since 2014 – we critique each other’s work frequently during writing group sessions.
– Member of Carlow Writers’ Co-op since 2025.
– Published short stories, essays, and poems.
– Former journalist (Arts & Entertainment) and book reviewer.
– Researched, interviewed, wrote, and edited a 227-page print book documenting a 40-year institutional history.
– Supported over 60 authors to complete their books.
– Avid reader (around 80 books/year).
Pricing
Fee
From €35 (10k words) to €150 (100k words).
Delivery
From 5 days (10k words) to 15 days (100k words).
Alternatives
Ask me about other word counts or urgent delivery.
FAQ
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.
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.