This service is for fiction or memoir projects or partial manuscripts of any length. Beta reading offers feedback on a manuscript from a reader’s perspective, not an editor’s; it might involve answering any of the following questions (and more!):
- Does the opening pull a reader in?
- Does the pacing lag or move too quickly?
- Is the character relatable?
- Is there enough conflict to keep the reader interested?
- Do all the story elements make sense?
- Is the manuscript meeting reader expectations for a given genre?
- Is the ending satisfying?
Beta reading gives you a crucial second opinion on your manuscript—one that can move your project forward.
How it works
You can either fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page or email me directly at grahamadk@outlook.com. Make sure to include the following information:
- Your name
- Your email address
- Your manuscript’s word count
- A brief description of your project and your goals for it
I’ll contact you within a day to schedule the beta read, at which point you send your manuscript and payment.
You can expect two to three pages of feedback within a month of submission on longer projects and within a week on shorter projects. You’re also welcome to send up to ten questions regarding the project, including but not limited to the examples given above.
Manuscripts must be submitted as a single Word document, in 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced.
When
You can book a beta read at any time.
Cost
All prices are in CAD.
- On short stories or projects under 5000 words, the cost is $50 plus GST
- On long stories or projects under 20 000 words, the cost is $80 plus GST
- On novellas or projects under 40 000 words, the cost is $160 plus GST
- On novels or projects under 80 000 words, the cost is $300 plus GST
- On long novels or projects under 100 000 words, the cost is $425 plus GST
- On projects over 100 000 words, the cost is $0.00425 per word plus GST
Payment is through e-transfer (preferred) or PayPal.
Grants for writers can often be used for professional development, including this beta read. Check out the Canada Council for the Arts and provincial arts councils to see if this funding is a possibility for you.
Looking for something more in-depth? Consider the manuscript evaluation service, offering a big-picture overview of how your story is working and how you can take it to the next level.
Commitment not to use AI
I offer real, authentic, handmade editing. At no point do I use AI to write or research for the beta read, nor will I use it to summarize or edit your manuscript in any way. Everything you receive is 100% human-written, drawn from my 100% human reading of your 100% human story.
Contact
You can contact me at grahamadk@outlook.com or through the form below.