Need Beta Readers – HATS (30,000-word Novella) > Likes and Comments

Genre: Weird Fiction / Literary Speculative Fiction / Allegory

Hello everyone,

I am seeking a small group of beta readers for a completed 30,000-word novella.

One morning a hat shop appears overnight in the small Midwest town of Bellwether.

No permits.
No contractors.
No one remembers it arriving.

The sign simply reads:

HATS.

Inside, a quiet hatmaker offers bespoke hats to anyone willing to be fitted. As townspeople begin accepting his invitation, Bellwether's carefully curated history—and eventually reality itself—begins to change.

The novella combines elements of small-town fiction, speculative fiction, civic satire, and allegory.

Comparable influences include The Twilight Zone, C.S. Lewis, and Susanna Clarke.

I am looking for feedback regarding:

• pacing
• clarity
• character development
• overall reader engagement

PDF, EPUB, and DOCX available.

Thank you for considering it.

This sounds very interesting. I’m in between projects at the moment and would be happy to give it a read through for you. I can be reached at amberhemingwayeditorial@gmail.com.

Thank you, Amber! I really appreciate it. I’ll send you an email with the manuscript and a little context.

Jonathan wrote: "Genre: Weird Fiction / Literary Speculative Fiction / Allegory

Hello everyone,

I am seeking a small group of beta readers for a completed 30,000-word novella.

One morning a hat shop appears over..."

Hello Jonathan,

Are you open to having a paid reader? My rate is $1.00 per 1,000 words with a 7- 14 day turnaround. You can view testimonials and detailed service information on my website: https://thebookconn.wordpress.com/

If you're interested, please contact me at ikthebeardman@gmail.com

Regards,
Ik