Authors, are you looking for feedback on your finished manuscript? Well, you came to the right place! Allow me to help you identify any problems with the readability of your story, BEFORE you query any agents, publishers, or decide to self-publish, yourself.
I know what you are thinking, “But, I can have my *insert “best friend”, “partner”, or “mother” here* beta read my book for free!” Here’s the thing, when you ask someone close to you to beta read your manuscript, you will likely get, “That was good!” Which is great to hear, but how does that help you? Let me help you grow as a writer with a professional critique!
While I won’t reveal all my beta reading secrets, the following is what to expect if you choose to work with me.
Constructive Criticism that focuses on the following:
Your opening scene – does your MS begin in the right place? Does it create a desire to read more?
Your characters and their motives – in regards to likability, plausibility, and their influence on the plot.
Plot/Conflict – Are there enough stakes/tension to keep it a page turner?
Pacing – Does every scene add to the story? Is there a lot of info dumping/backstory that moves the story backward instead of forward?
Setting/World Building
Dialogue
Craft
Overall Impression
To sum up, you will get constructive criticism on your finished manuscript, focusing on the above issues. I will also let you know what I enjoyed about your story. I don’t just focus on the negatives! Also if you have any specific questions about your novel, I am happy to delve deeper until you are satisfied. I hold on to my notes so if down the road you have further questions, just email me and I’m happy to answer your questions. I have beta read for many traditionally published, (as well as self-published), authors, and haven’t received a complaint yet. I also review approximately one hundred novels a year. – You could say reading is my life! 🙂
I would also like to mention that I provide a beta reading service not an editing service. I will not make any marks on your MS. I can however refer you to an editor if you are interested.
Please note; I will not smash your hopes and dreams, as I fully support authors and their endeavors, but I won’t sugar coat my opinions either.
If you are interested in a professional beta read, please contact me at April.L.Wood@Outlook.com. Include in your email, the genre of your story, word count, and that you are interested in a beta read. I am accepting romance, women’s fiction/chick lit, fantasy and horror, but will consider other genres as well.
I recognize that you are the creator of your book, and I won’t interject how I feel the story should be. I am only here to evaluate your manuscript for readability, and to provide valuable feedback. I have beta read for traditionally published, as well as self published authors in the past and I understand the marketability of books, as well as what publishers are looking for. If this is a service you are interested in, below are my reasonable prices, based on word count, which can be paid with any major credit card, through Paypal. You do not need to have a Paypal account to pay for this service. I will simply send you an invoice via email.
Beta readings are completed within 7 days upon receipt of Paypal payment.
75,000 words or less: $30.00 USD
75,001 – 100,000 words: $40.00 USD
100,001 – 125,000 words: $50.00 USD
125,001 – 150,000 words: $60.00 USD
Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon! Let’s make your manuscript shine!
A Well Read Woman 