ALPHA READS OR ADVANCED BETA READS

A Mini Manuscript Assessment/Developmental Edit

Using family and friends as alpha and beta readers can be great, but the feedback they provide is often vague. As a writer myself, I know how frustrating that can be! Many professional editors also offer beta reading services, but the problem is, they are often constrained by what they are NOT allowed to include in their feedback—including things like plot holes, character arc problems and structural issues. Things that aspiring authors really need to know!

The good news is, I don't have those constraints. When I alpha or beta read a book, what you will get back is something like a mini developmental edit. I will identify the issues that are holding your story back and endeavour to give you concrete suggestions on what to focus on in your next draft. In particular, I will focus on identifying:

• missing macro level plot beats (eg. inciting incident, statement of theme, all is lost, climax + others)
• character arc problems such as fuzzy goals, inadequate motivation etc
• redundant scenes
• pacing issues
• inconsistencies in continuity or characters
• confusing, contrived or lacklustre opening image
• repeated misuse of grammar constructs, spelling and punctuation (yeah, I'm a bit of a proof-reader!)

At the half-way point I'll give you some initial feedback on your story, or, if you've shared the doc with me on Google Drive or OneDrive, you will be able to see my comments in real time. This is actually a fun and collaborative way to work!

On completion I will give you:

• a comprehensive feedback report (approx 6-8 pages) including answers to common beta reader critique questions, a macro analysis of your book's major plot points, my overall impressions of your character development, pacing, continuity, worldbuilding, use of emotion, theme, structure and genre conventions using elements of both Save The Cat! and The Story Grid.
• an annotated manuscript with my findings, thoughts, and suggestions (and perhaps a TEENY bit of line editing—mostly to illustrate correct grammar constructs or alternate opening styles)
• an optional 1hr zoom call for any clarification, and/or email support for up to two weeks

How useful would that be! I know it's something I would have loved to get after completing my first draft. Instead, I had to muddle through what I THOUGHT my beta readers were getting at, write a second draft that I HOPED addressed the issues, and study the parts of writing craft that MIGHT help my weak areas. I was essentially flying blind, but you won't have to! For a small investment, you can have peace of mind that your story has solid legs to stand on (or know which legs you need to add!) before you go to the (much greater) expense of hiring a developmental editor or book coach.
 

On the fence? You can read some more testimonials of my work here.

Want to get a more concrete idea of exactly what you'll get from me?

You can find an annotated outline of the feedback report here. 
 

RATE

AUD$2 (~US$1.25) per 1000 words, so roughly $200 for a 100 000 word manuscript (this is WAAYYYY cheaper than either a full developmental edit or manuscript assessment—but remember, this is macro level analysis only, I can't analyse every scene for a price like this!)
50% deposit, 50% on report release.

Use the contact form or email cathryn@eclectaperennial.com to get in touch and discuss your needs!
 

CONDITIONS

I am most suited to beta reading fantasy, science fiction and other speculative genres, though I also enjoy historical fiction.

I will not read:

• horror or thriller (too scary, sorry)
• erotica (really not my thing)
• manuscripts with spice (open-door sex scenes), or creepy romance 
• manuscripts with a lot of swearing (I can handle occasional outbursts)