New CP/Beta-swap for near-future SF: Los Angeles is nuked!

[Robert]

I'm looking for critique partner (or beta reader swaps) for my 130k near-future SF novel!

The short story: Saido Edwards is a martial arts instructor (and almost ex-professor) living in a near-future Los Angeles (15+ years) when a nuclear attack forces him to protect his daughters but, once he knows they are safe, he decides he must also navigate a maze of radioactive fallout and martial law to locate his lost wife somewhere in the evacuation zone. Written from third-person (limited) point of view, there's a little violence, some dystopia, and an unobserved rape in a story that occurs over two days. There are also hints of the books to come in the form of flash-forward scenes hinting to life on Earth's first space station hotel.

About me: This is my first attempt at fiction but I'm a reformed academic with a non-fiction book and several academic journal articles published. I've begun the next book in the series (40k words in) and plan several more.

I most enjoy reading YA and Adult SF and fantasy of all types. I'm not too interested in reading/CP for horror, romance, erotica, but you can get a better idea of what I like from the books on my bookshelf.

Thanks,
Robert

[C.R.]

Hey, I'm also looking for a cp. my story is fantasy but there are some elements of horror. I'll paste in my query and you can judge if you'd like to work with me,


Lucien Mooncaster is the lead violinist in the world’s premier orchestra and one of very few pure souls left in the dying capital city of Zargo. Despite his fame, he would rather be home alone with his countless books than in the spotlight. Having spent nearly five years grieving over the loss of his parents in a tragic accident at sea, he would be happy to live out his days in his lonesome. That is, until an old friend from his youth mysteriously returns to town.

Meanwhile, dark powers have taken notice. The violinist’s pure soul is placed at stake in a bargain between a suave, powerful demon and a bewitching siren whose long lost love bears remarkable resemblance to Lucien. As each struggle mightily with their own immortality, the young violinist must come to grips with his own mortality. Ultimately, he will have to make the decision between chasing one last chance at true love and a fight for his very life.

The Violinist is a 90k word paranormal fantasy.

[Robert]

Charles,
I'd be happy to give it a shot. Send me your manuscript and your list of key questions and I can reply with my own? Tonchyaku-at-gmail-dot-com.

Best,
Robert

[John]

Robert wrote: "I'm looking for critique partner (or beta reader swaps) for my 130k near-future SF novel!

The short story: Saido Edwards is a martial arts instructor (and almost ex-professor) living in a near-fut..."

Robert
I would give it a shot as Beta reader. I'm new here, so you would have to tell me what you need from a Beta. But I do live in LA and know it well.

Best,
Jack

[Robert]

Jack,
Thank you! I would love the eyes of a new beta reader and especially one from Los Angeles. If you would give me an email address or contact me at tonchyak-at-gmail-dot-com, then I can send you the manuscript and a short list of questions. And, since you responded under the critique partner post, please let me know if there's something of yours I can read.

Best,
Robert

[Kirk]

Hi Robert (and everyone else),

I'm currently looking for beta readers for my unfinished manuscript. It's around 90k words (although I hope to chop that down) and is a dystopian sci-fi story. Here's a placeholder blurb:

"The world has reached new levels of mass overpopulation, and as the number of people continues to grow, the food supplies reach a critical low. When a corporation offers a solution to the epidemic, the world turns a blind eye to what it is they're really consuming, posing the question; what lengths will humanity go to to survive?"

It sounds very Solent Greenish, but I think (or hope) I have an original story. Anyhow, if someone reading this happens to be interested, I'm not looking for a line or copy editor at this point. Right now I want to focus on getting a broader view and get the skeleton of the script solid with regards to character, plot, and pacing.

I'm also more than willing to beta swap or become someone's critique partner. Genres I enjoy are:

Children's
Crime
Fantasy
Horror
Mystery
Science Fiction
Thriller
Young adult

I'm not too keen on romance or erotica, so I don't feel like I could give an accurate critique if that's your genre.

Private message me if you're interested.

I hope to hear from one of you soon.

All the best,

Kirk.