Lin’s Comments (group member since May 06, 2013)

Lin’s comments from the Beta Reader Group group.

Hi David

I've given instructions above on what to do if you want me to read your introduction. 15k words is a little over what I'm currently offering, but if you manage to hook me well enough I might not want to stop ;)

Just to reiterate: until I say otherwise, I'm willing to take on the first 5-10k of your novel and give you a detailed report on it. All I ask is that you send the file, plus information to include:
title
blurb
your writing experience
your intentions
any areas you wish me to look at particularly

Otherwise, I divide the report into plot, setting, voice, writing, characters and a couple more, including a summary of the content - if I have problems writing a summary, then you haven't got enough happening.

Just one quick word of warning - I'm focused on what needs to be done to ready a piece of work for publication, so if you're just looking for someone to cheer you on then you might be disappointed.

Just to add that since posting this five hours ago I've received four files...

I try to acknowledge each file received within 24 hours, and confirm safe receipt. If you send me something and have NOT heard back within 48 hours, then please do check, as sometimes things slip into the spam folder and I miss them, or I get so many that one slips by unnoticed.

Likewise with chasing up. I'll try and give you an estimate, and I'll try to get back to within that timeframe, either with the report or with an update if I've been delayed. If you haven't heard and it's after the estimated time, then a polite check-up is always welcomed.

I'm an experienced, professional editor/proofreader/typesetter and, workload permitting, I'm happy to provide a free written report on the OPENING SECTION of your manuscript - 5k to 10k words.
My website is www.coinlea.co.uk, and if you check out the blog on there you'll find several articles on beta reading generally and on the way I work. You'll also find the email address to send your file to (Word or PDF please).
As long as I don't get buried under piles of manuscripts, I'm hoping to offer a 7 day turnaround on this. It's possible that I might then be able to offer a free full read (paid reads almost always available, of course!).
As a rough guide, the last report I sent off was four pages long.

As I've said above, I'm happy to offer free reads of the opening of your novel - 5k to 10k words.

My email address is on my website, www.coinlea.co.uk - please take a good look at the blog on there as well, to see how I work.

It helps for a writer to remember that they are not their story. Their story is something that can be polished, but criticism of it is not criticism of them.
I try to shape my reports according to the writer, acknowledging what they've managed to do, how well they've done so far, suggesting areas they may need to work on and resources that might be useful - whether specific resources such as an article or book on a topic, or general resources such as suggesting a writing group or online critique group.
But a writer will get nowhere if they're not prepared to accept criticism, and if they're aiming for publication then criticism is what they'll get.
This is why I usually charge for beta reads - it's unlikely that a writer paying for feedback will get upset if they receive advice for improvement rather than pats on the back, and they've shown they're willing to invest in their work.

I'm a little concerned that you feel you need to check up on the editor. What sort of background do they have? Do you have serious concerns or just being cautious?
You're welcome to send it to me for a look if you like - my email address is on my website, www.coinlea.co.uk.
But remember - no two editors will edit exactly the same way. As well as individual takes on things, there are also different levels of editing, from a very light touch - more like just proofreading - to developmental editing, which can involve moving/deleting entire chunks.

I totally agree. Some beta readers do offer a very fast turnaround. If they can do that, that's great, but how thorough a report can they give on that fast reading?

Chances are that you've spent months writing. You should then expect to let the book rest, edit it with respect to feedback from readers, then send it off for editing and proofreading. All this takes time.

I usually find that the works I beta read can be hard going, and I have to take my time to understand and sometimes pick apart sentences for meaning. This means I can only concentrate for shorter periods than I would normally spend reading.

If you've sent a book out, then it's perfectly acceptable to send out a "just wondered how you were getting on" message if it's getting close to a deadline, but be careful not to nag, and avoid passive aggression ("I guess it's because you hate my book").

Once you receive the report, say thank you, even if it will be a while before you get a chance to read it. "Thank you for your time. Is it okay if I ask you any questions I might have after I've had a chance to consider your feedback?" is better than waiting a week before letting them know it's received.

Take care of your beta readers and they'll take care of you.

I have studied writing and editing extensively, and have several years' experience in the publishing trade. I offer a variety of services to help you produce your book:

I offer paid beta reads, with a detailed report covering areas such as characters, plot, setting etc, to help you develop your story. This allows you an introduction to the way I work

I offer copyediting services, making sure your story is consistent and well written

I offer proofreading services, offering that final look over to pick up any remaining errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar and layout

I offer formatting services, producing the final files for print or ebook.

Details of all my services can be found on my website:
http://www.coinlea.co.uk/publishing-s...

I look forward to hearing from you.

I do paid reads, and I have a bunch of testimonials on my website to reassure authors. I also have authors who return time and again with each new book.
Beta reading is time-consuming, and the fee I charge doesn't cover all the time spent, but it does bring in a little money, and it's an introduction to my services as an editor/proofreader.
My site is www.coinlea/co.uk
http://www.coinlea.co.uk/my-beta-read...

I did say above "I read most things except erotica or extreme violence, but focus mainly on fantasy, women's lit and non-fiction."

But sure, I'm quite enjoying the idea of "tasting" the books, and happy to give feedback on the opening.

My email address is on my website.

I've now received two full novels and a few first chapters. If you think you've sent something to me and you haven't heard back that I've received it safely, then please contact me again. Otherwise, I'll get back to you once I've finished the read.
Guess I'd better get reading!

Hi folks

Thanks to all who asked me to beta for them. I took on the first two projects on this thread, and daren't take on any more until they are done. However, seeing the post by GR above, if those who have already asked would like to send the first two or three chapters I can give feedback on the opening if you like. Not too much - I'll probably give each one good session and then give you feedback on that. (If I ask you for the rest, you're onto a winner!)

Martin wrote: "Go, Dakota!

But one question. Where do swap offers belong?"

That would be the "critique partners and swaps" folder :)

Just to let you know that I will be the moderator mainly responsible for monitoring this folder from now on. Please contact me via direct message if you have any concerns.

This folder is for people offering paid services to writers - whether this is beta reading, editing, proofreading or anything else.

Please make sure that if you are charging for your services you are in a position to do a good job. Please make clear what service you offer and where to find out more about your business.

Posts do fall by the wayside after a while - you are welcome to either boost your own post or repost your services, but PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH.

Please do not chase writers who have posted to the free services forum. If they want to use a paid service, they can look in this folder.

Writers, feel free to browse the services offered. Please bear in mind that editing, particularly, is a highly skilled, time consuming job, and should be charged accordingly. Be wary of those who offer very cheap rates.

The moderators of this group bear no responsibility for any services offered - it's up to you to make sure you get the service you pay for!

Okay, I'll take both of those on. Please send a word file or PDF to my email address (on my website, link above). I'll acknowledge receipt and ask for any other info I need. I look forward to getting started!

Hi folks

Just for once I find myself able to offer a free read or maybe two. I'm an experienced reader, and also work as an editor, proofreader and formatter, so I bring a lot of experience.

I read most things except erotica or extreme violence, but focus mainly on fantasy, women's lit and non-fiction.

I only ask that you are serious about your writing, have a completed manuscript for which you have plans, and are prepared to listen carefully to comments. I give a thorough report, and focus on problems rather than praise, although I will also point out what goes well.

There are more details on my blog post http://www.coinlea.co.uk/how-do-i-beta/ as well as several other articles on my website that any writer might find useful. My email address is on my website (make sure you mention this offer), or you could reply to this message with your back cover blurb and background information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

This is not a folder to offer paid services. Please respect the fact that there is a folder for paid services, and if a writer wants a paid beta they are welcome to ask for one.
Anyone offering paid beta services within this folder is in danger of having their post removed.

I'm an experienced typesetter, looking forward to helping you shape your manuscript for print or ebook. I use industry-standard software in order to make your layout the best it can be.

I am also a trained proofreader. Why not combine typesetting with a final proofread?

You'll find details of my services at www.coinlea.co.uk.

readmyscript - I notice that you've posted several of these messages on different threads. Please note that there is an area for paid services, and we'd appreciate not having the same thing posted on every single thread, thanks. Beta reading is not the same thing as editing.