Seeking Beta Reader for YA Fantasy

[Stephanie]

I would need the word count to give you a quote. I would be able to fit you in immediately.

[J.M.]

Hi Sandra,

given that you have said your manuscript is in a draft stage, I would suggest looking for a free beta reader (possibly from a reading group) to read through it for you before you pay out for an editor. Places such as Absolute Write can offer free feedback on your novel while it is still in its draft stage, and I'm sure there are plenty of beta readers here on Goodreads who would be willing to take a look and offer you the feedback you are looking for.

Hiring an editor is an important part of the book publishing process, and if you are going to spend any money on the process at all, then it should be at the editing stage, not at the draft stage, when a lot can potentially change within your novel (rewrites, removals, additions, etc). A good editor will charge for such an in-depth edit, and an unqualified editor working cheap is a waste of your limited funds. I'm a very qualified editor and proofreader (as well as an author, so I know the process from both sides!), but I wouldn't recommend you seek an editor just yet.

Try and get some free feedback, especially about your first chapter. These are the pages that should hook your reader.

The best thing is to NOT be in a hurry to publish. It's hard not to rush into it once you've finished writing 'The End', but if you take it one step at a time and stage by stage, you'll find your finished book is a much more professional product, and your pocket will not suffer as much either!.

Best wishes
Jacqui