Beta reader available

[Lin]

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.

[Keisha]

I have a full length manuscript that I would like to have a beta reader go through with a fresh set of eyes so that I can begin the work of prepping it for self-publication. It's sci-fi but it also has strong elements of police fiction and Mystery Fiction. I guess you could say it has elements of women's literature as well as I attempt to tackle many questions about sexism under the pretext of the story. It's been a while since I've touched the manuscript though because I got way too involved in starting (and finishing) work on another project, so what I'd be giving you may be a little rough around the edges. I tried to write a blurb but I'm kind of sucky at it:


David Jacobs is a man in a woman’s world. Born in a time when the rate of male to female births only numbers 1 in 10,000, David stands defiant against the notion that 10k’s should be sheltered in internment camps and successfully sues the matriarchy of the city-state of Agra for his right to go to university and pursue a career. He to study Law, but what he doesn’t realize is that his peace officer elective, taken during his studies as a law student to prove his physical prowess, is about to turn into a real world job in the old girls club of police work. Drafted on intern day by the worst precinct in the Agra city-state territory, David is sent to patrol Topside, the surface world, a decaying relic of patriarchic times, home to those unable to conform to the near utopian society underground.
But being a Topside cop isn’t nearly as challenging as it sounds—in fact, for David, it offers nothing but boredom, disappointment and drudgery. Instead of embarking on a glorious, in-your-face career as a first-of-his-kind 10k Police Officer, David’s patrols are wrought with mind-numbing boredom to a point where be begins to consider whether life in internment isn’t such a raw deal after all. One day he is awakened in the middle of the night by news reports of a group of Topsiders apprehended on the lift between Agra and the surface. Labeled “the Topside threat”, the public is alarmed by the sudden influx of gangster, vagrants and other undesirables into the pristine city state of Agra from the world above wants answers from the officers in charge of enforcing the law from David’s precinct. When the visiting police commissioner mysteriously tasks him with the chore of processing the apprehended Topsider in cell#22, David is shocked to find that the occupant is another 10k like himself, and he looks as though he’s just escaped the fight of his life.
Johanna Blackbird knows all about fights. Despite her small stature, she fought her way into Agra’s most elite police force, The Blues, only to fight her way back out of their toxic culture to become a Topside refugee. She harbors inside of her body a device known as The Blues Module, a device developed during the war of the great cataclysm, used to spy on the thoughts and images in the minds of those infected with the artificial microbes that it generates. The Blues are not about to let anyone go freely from the team, let alone someone in possession of the Module, but Johanna is skilled at laying low, that is, until she meets a rookie 10k cop who deserves answers to what has happened to the now vanished prisoner of cell #22.
Man in the Abandoned World is equal parts Police story, Mystery and Scifi. Told in 3 parts, these stories take a close look at the pervasive challenge of sexism in jobs with traditional gender roles within a futuristic gender-bend.

[Ben]

I'd love if you could take a look at my manuscript for a Beta Read.
It's a completed second draft of 82214 words that falls in the paranormal-fantasy genre with romance, adventure as it's sub-genres.
Email: TheDareDevilDiesel@gmail.com

Title: The Chosen - Convocation
Blurb:
Since its inception in Ancient Greece over two millennia ago the Imperium has stood as the pillar of civilization for those who call themselves Chosen. As a descendant of one of the founding families, Dacio Thalassa's crusade against the organization's long-established traditions has put a great strain on her relationship among the other aristocratic Patricians; including her former love, Stark Salazar.
But when Dacio given an invitation to speak at the upcoming Convocation she is faced with a choice: Can she afford to continue to stand for the disenfranchised in the shadow of the growing political strife that threatens to tear her city apart?

Thanks for taking time to read this.

Ben D

[Lin]

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!

[A.]

Keisha wrote: "I have a full length manuscript that I would like to have a beta reader go through with a fresh set of eyes so that I can begin the work of prepping it for self-publication. It's sci-fi but it also..."
I like the concept and plot of your story. Haven't read anything like it.

[Keisha]

A. wrote: "Keisha wrote: "I have a full length manuscript that I would like to have a beta reader go through with a fresh set of eyes so that I can begin the work of prepping it for self-publication. It's sci..."

Thanks A. :) I keep a writing portfolio on Booksie if you're interested in getting a feel for what I write. Just look up my name and you should see it there.

[GR]

I'm presently going through a last look-through with my novel of 71+K words. It is about 3 boys, born in the 1920s, grow up during the Great Depression and survive WW2. They embark on a new world to make their mark. In the process, they discover the disappointments and rewards of their struggles. It is not a romance. It is not a girly story. It is not a historical novel. It is a story about life and what it does to them.

If you are interested in Beta-Reading my story, please email me at: en.heim@yahoo.com

Note: I have read your site and blog, and I know you are a highly competent professional. And, I'm looking for such a read. I don't have the funds to pay you as a service, but would appreciate your service if you consider me. I live on a retired fixed income. If I send you the first 3 chapters, you can get a feel for the story and tell me, if what you see, is worth the read. Looking forward in hearing from you. Tchuess...

[Lin]

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!)

[A.]

The Immortal Lover

If you are interested in beta reading my book contact me on Goodreads. Thanks

[Lin]

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!

[Desiree]

You didn't say what type of novels you're into reading. I would like to send you the first chapter of my book, Fallen Demon to see if you're interested.
Do I email it to you?
Thanks for your time.

[Lin]

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.

[Larissa]

I just sent you an email. :)

[Jay]

Hi,

I'm looking for a beta reader for my thrilling 75,000 word YA/Science Fiction novel, ‘The Black Heart of the Station’.

Synopsis:

Josh Driscoll, a teenager living in a mysterious underground city known as ‘The Station’, is forced to enroll as a novice monk at Saint Carmine’s, the Station’s resident monastery, as punishment for numerous petty crimes and mischief.

At first desperate to escape, he’s gradually drawn into the monastery’s scriptures, which seem to answer questions about the Station’s origin, now lost in the mists of time. From the scriptures, Josh comes to believe that the ‘Black Heart’, a computer complex of unknown purpose buried in a part of the Station critically damaged centuries ago, is vital to their future survival.

When the governing Council, of which Josh’s own father is a member, announces plans to demolish the Black Heart to open up badly needed living space, Josh forms a movement and leads a desperate battle to stop the demolition.

You can reach me at: jastorey@shaw.ca

Thanks,
Jay

[Lin]

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.

[Dennis]

Good morning Lin,

Would love it if you would be willing to beta read our newest novel The Neuromorphs.

Here is a link to the book where you can read a chapter and decide if it is interesting to you.
http://dennismeredith.com/the-neuromo...

The authors blog post here http://wp.me/pjyFJ-vM
explains why beta readers and reviewers are so important and that we do listen!

You can reach me at editor@glyphus.com

Thanks for your consideration,
Joni

[Theo]

Hi

I am a non-fiction author that is dabbling in fiction. Looking for someone to read my work and add comments.

www.fictionalblurbs.weebly.com

I would greatly appreciate any critique.

Regards
Theo

[Lin]

At the risk of repeating myself - I'm working my way through a stack of openings at the moment. I'm happy to take on others, but please follow the procedure I've given above to submit them. I don't have the time or energy to chase up posts on here to tell them exactly the same thing - please send to my work email address, which is accessible via my website. On the way, please take a look at my blog on the site, which has several articles about making the most of beta reading, and about the way I work.

[Nadine]

Hello!

I am extremely interested in working with you, I realize you wrote you take only finished script but mine is only half way there. I really feel i need a fresh pair of eyes on it at this time. I am writing a supernatural novel about a coven of witches in a fictional town.
Please let me know if you are interested!