Is your book working?
Get help early and use feedback to guide your future revisions and self-editing.
Gentle Feedback With a Big Impact
ARE YOU WONDERING
- Is my manuscript good?
- Am I on the right track?
- Am I missing any key elements?
- Is my author voice developed enough?
- Am I delivering the promise of my premise?
- Will readers enjoy my book?
- Am I following genre conventions?
- Where does my book fit in the marketplace?
If any of those questions have been plaguing your mind, beta reading is a good idea. But… you need to be open to feedback which might be hard to take when you’re in love with your idea and are an expert in the material.
You’ll get big picture feedback which means you’ll also be able to improve your writing skills. Plus this is more affordable than a full developmental edit which you’ll want once you have a solid draft.
Professional Beta Reading
During beta reading, I’ll read over your manuscript once. I may leave comments or reacitons from time to time, but this is just a surface level review of your draft. I’ll summarize all of my feedback into a 2-3 page editorial letter. You’ll walk away knowing what’s working (or falling flat), your books strengths and weaknesses, areas that may be confusing to the reader (from a big picture view), questions I was left with during and after reading, and more.
I make notes as I read, acting like a reader would. You might have an idea clear later in the book, but if it makes sense to have that earlier, I’ll call things like that out. Essentially, you’re getting double duty by having a skilled professional read your book – the feedback of a reader and an editor who knows story craft.
The major benefits of a beta reading include:
- Identifying project wide issues
- Uncovering snags in content, pacing, and flow
- Feedback on author voice and consistency
- Learning about craft from examples in your text
- Getting quicker feedback at nearly half the price
- Recognizing your writing strengths
- Knowing what to address with self editing
- Improving your future writing and editing skills
- Action steps on what to do next
- A 60-minute call to go over the feedback
Beta reading is $0.008 USD per word (2-week turnaround)
*A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due when booking and 50% upon completion of the review.
“I received general feedback and specific edits from Rachel, and I was impressed. From her overall tone (upbeat, supportive, honest) to her keen eye, Rachel did not disappoint. I can highly recommend her to anyone wishing to improve their craft and reach their publishing goals.
The hardest part for me was getting started, and Rachel gently pushed me and offered me a structure to get going - and not to get stuck overworking any single chapter or paragraph (a big challenge for me!). I would have never started, let alone finished, without Rachel’s thoughtful, kind, and direct assistance. If you’re looking for a Method and Moxie, Rachel can help you.
FAQs
I have editing clients writing on a variety topics including memoir, health, personal growth, self-help, spiritual, business, career development, writing, technology, romance, mystery, paranormal, and urban fantasy.
The timeframes listed below are from the date your service starts. I often have two to four month wait lists for services so plan accordingly.
- Beta reading takes 2-weeks
- Developmental editing takes 6-weeks
- Copy editing takes 4-weeks
- Proofreading takes 4-weeks
No one can guarantee your book will be a bestseller, secure you an agent, or land you a publishing deal. If they do… run for the hills. There are zero absolutes in writing and publishing.
You can absolutely put a call out for beta readers in online communities or on social media. I encourage you to do this and get several sets of eyes on your books.
Having a skilled beta reader has several benefits. I know story structure, genre norms and marketability, how to give effective feedback, and you’ll get useful input that isn’t a reader’s opinion. This is your story after all – my personal opinions don’t matter but advice based on story craft and genre do.
Plus it helps to have a reader who truly knows the genre and publishing world to provide actionable advice to meet your publishing goals.
Developmental editing is an in-depth process that takes 40-60 hours to complete and get get a lengthy editorial letter with examples and suggestions for improvement, numerous comments in the doc, light line edits, a call with me, and more.
Beta reading provides big picture feedback without the extensive action plan, information on writing craft, edits within the document, or a call from me. Essentially, you’re getting story craft feedback from a skilled editor versus someone who may or may not consume the genre you write in.
This is the suggested order for editing services:
- Manuscript critique
- Developmental Editing
- Line Editing
- Copy editing
- Proofreading
I have a waitlist most of the time ranging from two to six months depending on the service.
I strongly recommend you look at your writing schedule and plan ahead. As a bonus knowing you have a critique or edit coming up can be incentive to finish your writing.
But remember there are no refunds for cancellations. I can shift you to my next available time slot for the service you select.
Yes, we will both sign a contract when you book a service that lays out the terms of the service, payment schedule, and NDA.
Final payment is due before you’ll receive editing files, feedback, or calls. Files are sent within one business day of receiving the final payment (excluding holidays).
US Clients:
- Stripe
- PayPal
International Clients:
- Wise
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due on booking and the remainder is due upon completion of the review.
I use Stripe and PayPal for invoices which may offer an installment plan. These plans are offered through the payment platforms, not Book Bound Journey.
A 40% nonrefundable deposit is required for editing services. No refunds are offered for cancellations or completed services.