PROFESSIONAL BETA READING
READER'S HAT AND EDITOR'S EYE
So, you’ve typed “The End” on your manuscript and you’re hit with that exhilarating-yet-terrifying feeling of having brought a story to life. But now what? Well, first a round of self-editing. Then it’s time to get eyes on those precious pages.
That’s where I come in—your friendly neighborhood professional beta reader. Authors use professional beta readers to gain honest and unbiased opinions that can help them refine their work, ensuring it’s appealing and coherent before it is published or sent out to literary agents.
What We'll Explore
- Plot Development: Does your story captivate from start to finish?
- Clarity: Are there inconsistencies or things that will confuse readers?
- Character Development: Are your characters believable and relatable?
- Pacing: Does the story flow smoothly without losing momentum?
- Dialogue: Is the conversation engaging and true to your characters?
- World-Building: Is your setting immersive and well-developed?
- Overall Impression: How does a reader during and after reading your book?
Why Should You Hire a Beta Reader?
Yes, your mom, best friend, or even the nice barista at your favorite coffee shop might offer to read your novel for free, but they might not be the best people to read your book (especially if they don’t read your genre).
Digging In: With experience and a keen eye, I dig into your story to unearth its hidden gems and point out those sneaky plot holes. Think of me as your story archaeologist whose channeling her inner Indian Jones.
No Fluff: I deliver honest, constructive feedback, not just layers of compliments (though I’ll 100% tell you where your story is fantastic).
Deadline Buddy: Got a schedule to keep? I’m reliable and committed, working with your deadlines so you’re never left hanging.
Insider Knowledge: With an ear to the ground on what’s trending in various genres, I offer tips that can align your book with what readers and publishers are expecting to see.
Quirkiness Guaranteed: My feedback comes with a dollop of personality, making receiving feedback fun.
What a Professional Beta Read Is NOT
A professional beta read looks at the big picture elements of your story from a reader’s perspective. This is not an in-depth evaluation or developmental edit, so you won’t receive editorial feedback on why things aren’t working or detailed explanations on how to fix things.
Also, this is not where your prose gets polished. If you’re looking for a line-by-line review, comma wrangling, or typo hunting, hold your horses—manuscripts need at least a couple of editorial rounds before they’re ready for that kind of TLC!
WHAT YOU GET
$0.008/ word ($400 minimum) | Turnaround time 2-3 weeks
Single Pass
I’ll do one full read-through of your manuscript from a reader and editor point of view looking at plot, character development, pacing, tension, structure, and market fit.
Genuine Reactions
You’ll receive a chapter by chapter breakdown of my thoughts and reactions. This could help you determine where you want to add more details, flesh out character, speed up pacing, clean up plot holes, and more.
Actionable Feedback
Get a 1-3 page editorial letter summarizing your novel’s strengths, challenges, and what jumped out at me, what I enjoyed or wish there was less of, where a reader might get confused, and more. Plus, you’ll receive a 45-minute follow-up call (or email consultation) to discuss my feedback or ask questions.
If you’re interested in more hands-on support after your evaluation, I offer more detailed manuscript reviews and one-on-one workshopping sessions.
Upcoming Availability
- April: BOOKED
- May: BOOKED
- June: 2 available
- July: 2 available
- August: 2 available
- September: 1 available
- October: 2 available
- November: 2 available
- December: 1 available
HOW IT WORKS
When you request a beta reading, you’ll be taken to a short intake form. Here you’ll tell me about your book, any areas of concern you have, your timeline for editing, and some optional questions to help me get to know you a bit better. Finally, you’ll upload your manuscript as a Word doc.
I’ll review your information, look at your book, and provide you with a quote, an estimated time to complete the project, and delivery date options based on my availability.
You’ll review the proposal, get all jazzed about how I can help you rock your revisions, and say “Rachel, let’s freaking do this.”
Once I get that enthusiastic thumbs up, I’ll send you a contract to sign (with NDA included), and you will pay the 50% deposit. Then it’s game on!
Common Questions
Beta reading and manuscript evaluations occur before developmental editing, but from different lenses. This is reflected in the type and amount of feedback you get, and thus the price tag.
A beta read looks at your book from a reader’s perspective, not an editor’s. However, my feedback is informed by my editorial and publishing background, which results in laser-focused insights that the average reader can’t provide. You’ll get chapter-by-chapter feedback, a short summary letter, and a follow-up call (or email) to ask questions. This is perfect before investing in a developmental edit (or a manuscript review).
A manuscript review is like a baby developmental edit. I will read through your book once with some in-line comments, and I’ll summarize my findings on a 2-3 page note. This is perfect if you’re early in your writing/ revising process or have already completed a round of edits and want to see if you’ve addressed earlier challenges.
If you aren’t sure which one would be the best for you, please reach out. I can take a look at a sample of your manuscript and we can chat from there about what the best course of action would be for you.
I edit cozy mysteries, romance, fantasy, and YA. I do not edit science fiction, chick lit, poetry, literary fiction, speculative fiction, or children’s books. I occasionally take nonfiction clients based on referrals from my buddy Neno of the Writer’s Rebellion. If I’m not the right fit, I can refer you to another awesomesauce editor.
Depending on my schedule and how much time it will take to complete your edit, I might be able to fit you in. There will be a rush fee added to my normal price. Reach out via the sample edit form or drop me an email.
If an editor outright promises that your book will be on a bestseller list or land you an agent/ publisher that is a red flag. Editing is only one puzzle piece in the world of writing and publishing. I can promise to provide you with expert feedback and guidance based on my training and writing and publishing background. My goal is to help you confidently improve your prose and grow as a writer.
Workshopping
The full price of the workshop is due when you book the session.
Beta Reading, Manuscript Evaluations, and Developmental Editing
A 50% deposit is required to reserve your spot. The remainder is due upon completion of your edits. I will not send the edits until the project fee is paid in full.
Payment Provider
I use Stripe, which can accept international payments if you live outside of the United States.
Refunds
I do not offer refunds so make sure you are ready for and want a service before booking. I understand life happens so if you need to reschedule your workshop or editing service I will do my best to accommodate it if my schedule permits, but cannot guarantee this will be able to happen.
Clair Creative Co does not offer payment plans. However, I use Stripe to process payments and they often have payment plan options on the checkout page from providers like Affirm or Afterpay. If you choose one of those options the payment plan is through that company and not Clair Creative Co.