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Early manuscript review (beta reading) service for independent authors

What does a beta reader do?

Beta readers (or betas) read books before they are professionally edited or published. You could ask friends and family to beta read your story, but it is better to find someone who can give an objective and unbiased opinion. Picking a beta who is familiar with your genre can also be very helpful. They can give you an insight into the minds of your potential readers.

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Please keep in mind that a beta read is not a professional edit. A beta read focuses on the big-picture elements of your book (plot and characters), whilst an edit focuses on the smaller elements (spelling, punctuation, grammar and flow).

Early manuscript review (beta reading) service

I will provide an analytical, objective and honest opinion of your manuscript.

To ensure that your story gets feedback of consistent quality I will:

  • provide a thorough review with the help of an early manuscript review form (PDF)

  • provide feedback and offer comments and suggestions about the strengths and weaknesses of your book

  • make comments in your manuscript using Word Track Changes (or the Adobe commenting tools on PDF if you prefer)

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I prefer two weeks for an early manuscript review (dependent upon the length of the work submitted), but I can work with you if you need it done sooner.

My feedback covers:

  • opening scene

  • character development and motivation

  • plot and conflict (including any plot holes)

  • pacing and flow

  • setting and worldbuilding

  • dialogue (including any head hopping)

  • craft

  • my overall impression

  • any additional questions or comments that I may have

First chapter reviews (samples)

If you would like to see an example of the feedback I provide, please request a first chapter review. You'll be able to evaluate my service with a real example and both of us will be able to see if we would be a good fit.

 

I charge a nominal fee for first chapter reviews, which would be deducted from the final invoice if you were to proceed with the full manuscript review.

How it works

The first step is to send me (tori@seymourproofreading.co.uk) the following:

  • a description of your book and exact word count

  • your schedule/deadline and budget

  • the service you require (beta read)

  • the format of your file (Word or PDF)

  • your manuscript in Word or PDF format (or the first chapter if you are interested in a first chapter review)

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I can then let you know if the work can be fitted into my schedule.

 

If you would prefer not to send your manuscript until I can confirm availability, then please send details of your work, word count, deadline and budget.

My experience

I’ve been an avid reader since the age of five. Without giving too much away about my age, that​’s more than 30 years of reading, on average, two to three books per month. I have experience beta reading YA (young adult), MG (middle grade), fantasy, romance, thriller, action-adventure and women​’s fiction. I am happy to work on other genres, but I​’m more familiar with the above.

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For a list of my training and CPD, please visit my qualifications page.

 

She was thorough [...] and her feedback was clear ...

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“I was very happy with Victoria’s beta reading service. She was thorough – even checking the accuracy of date stamps – and her feedback was clear. She kept to the deadline agreed and, in general terms, was highly professional in all my contacts with her.”​

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—Joanne, author

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