Beta Read (Fiction) — Rates Per Word

Description

Think you’re nearing the finish line, but not quite ready for final proofs? It’s probably time for a beta reader.

Beta reads differ from edits in several key areas. First, my primary role as a beta reader is to stand in for the target reader. I’m evaluating your piece as a reader seeking to gain an overall impression of story, not as a copy editor hunting for mistakes. If you want full copy editing services, those should be purchased separately. That being said, I do have a habit of marking the most egregious errors as I see them. Consider it a bonus.

Any editorial comments will be based on Chicago Manual of Style. I work in American English by default. If you require UK English instead, please specify that in your notes.

Genres I accept:
-Romance of all kinds, including dark romance
-Mystery
-Thriller
-Horror
-Historical
-Steampunk & Cyberpunk
-Fantasy
-Children’s
-Christian/Religious Fiction
-Women’s Fiction
-Western

Because literary fiction is outside my normal wheelhouse, it may not be the best editorial fit. I may still accept it for beta reading purposes.

If content concerns present themselves, I do reserve the option to refer you to a sensitivity reader.

Why does the price look like that? Beta reads are charged by word count. Please enter your document word count when uploading in order to get the final total. I will check it against my word processor. If there is a discrepancy, I will let you know before proceeding.

Why should I pay for a beta read? Even the best-intentioned readers get busy and distracted. A paid beta read establishes a business relationship. This agreement helps ensure you receive relevant feedback on deadline. You won’t have someone telling you what you want to hear just to “be nice,” and you won’t have jealous critics trying to tear you apart, either.

What do I get? Your manuscript will be returned to you with my notes and comments, along with a summary of my impressions. If you need a tighter deadline than three weeks, please add the rush fee and specify your deadline when ordering. Your manuscript is considered confidential and you retain all rights.

Is this like charging for reviews? Nope. Reviews are published, and in most cases, charging for them is sketchy. Beta reads are done behind the scenes prior to final publication. You’re paying for my time and insights.

Why do you offer fiction if you never worked at a major publishing house? I have had Chicago Manual training for more than 15 years, and I have worked behind the scenes with plenty of students and aspiring writers. Additionally, I  have newsroom, digital, and other print copy expertise, a combination that many other contract editors do not possess. This is a space I know well and work to stay current in.

After stepping back from full-time editorial work, I chose not to offer fiction edits outside of close friends and family for several years. Recently, I’ve decided to open this option because of popular demand. The sample edit purchase is available to reassure you of my skillset.

Why don’t you offer free samples? My sample edits are discounted for your convenience. This offers a low-risk way for us to get to know each other and decide if we’d like to work together again.

It’s been my experience that free samples unfortunately tend to attract writers who aren’t truly ready for a longer edit or, worse, don’t value the labor of their collaborators. Each new customer and project takes a significant investment of my time and attention. Therefore, I only have the bandwidth to accept serious clients who present with current projects on the table. If I’m busy helping everyone who just wants a freebie, I won’t have the energy to help authors who need the scaffolding to advance.

As for beta reads, I’ve given out lots of free reads to writers I’m connected with, for years. I just don’t make that part of my business.

Do you charge for estimates? No.  You can use the Quote Request Form to open a conversation about project estimates anytime.

Ready to order? Please take note of all of the following before purchasing:

AI and Plagiarism Statement: I do not use generative AI in any of my writing or editorial work. It is your responsibility to vouch for the accuracy and truthfulness of any copy you submit to me. I recommend that you do not deploy generative AI in any work that you are hoping to have professionally published.
Students are responsible to uphold their own academic honor codes.
Writing professionals are also expected to adhere to their own professional ethics codes.
If I notice work that appears to be incorrectly attributed, it will be marked and returned for you to fix. I do not give refunds or discounts for this.

Process: When you purchase this sample package, you will be invited to submit your project as a .doc or .docx file. Please upload your document.

After edits, your document will be returned to you with tracked changes on so that you can see my marks and comments. You choose what to accept or reject.

I do not offer second-look services for sample edits, because that defeats the purpose of a sample. You can, however, purchase a full edit later that includes the updated text.

Ready to order? Please take note of all of the following before purchasing:

This service allows up to THREE WEEKS of lead time to get you scheduled and reviewed. You may receive it more quickly than that, depending on my schedule, but this is not guaranteed. If you need it finished faster, please add the Rush Fee package to your order.

I am not a graphic designer. No formatting is included in a beta read, although I may make comments if something stands out.

If you submit a document that is longer than the service you paid for, my sample work will stop when I reach the end of the word count limit, as determined by my word processor.