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Betas Offering FREE Services > FREE FIRST 2 CHAPTERS

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message 151: by Kearstin (new)

Kearstin Dunn | 6 comments Gio gave wonderful feedback and definitely boosted my confidence in my writing!! He was also quick and efficient despite the influx of requests I’m sure he’s had! Thank you!!


message 152: by Ian (new)

Ian Gilbraith (iangilbraith) | 3 comments Hey Gio--if you're still offering services, I have a hefty boy of a novel that's about 2/3rds done and would love some early chapter feedback. It's a sci-fi-fantasy blend written with contemporary sensibilities, meant for mature audiences. Here's the jacket synopsis:

In a period of uneasy peace between the ruling Houses, a young and cowardly soldier forced into service under the banner of the warmongering House Geiha has done what no other recruit has ever dared even attempt: run.  Finding himself in the company of an unexpected and unorthodox crew on an extravagant airship, the deserter Brann and his reluctant allies take to the skies, pursued by a draconian oligarch who hunts them with merciless and brutal dogs of war at his command: The Iron Tark, a legendary warlord now singularly focused on bringing Brann to bloody justice. 
As the nine newfound companions journey through this weird and wild world full of fantastic creatures, horrifying demons, colossal mechs, and shadowy agendas, they find themselves at odds with not only Brann and each other, but the inescapable truth entertwining their fates--traces of a long forgotten conspiracy that Brann's single act of cowardice may have unearthed. At the ends of the world they must ask themselves: is the life of a single runaway worth dooming them all, and countless innocent lives with them?

Let me know if you're down!


message 153: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Ian wrote: "Hey Gio--if you're still offering services, I have a hefty boy of a novel that's about 2/3rds done and would love some early chapter feedback. It's a sci-fi-fantasy blend written with contemporary ..."

whoa THIS SOUNDS GREAT! YESSSS PLEASE DM ME!


message 154: by James (new)

James | 25 comments Hi! If you're still doing this would you be interested in my YA Fantasy set in Antarctica?


message 155: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments James wrote: "Hi! If you're still doing this would you be interested in my YA Fantasy set in Antarctica?"

weird setting... I'm all ears!
DM me


message 156: by William (new)

William Shier | 24 comments Hi Giovanni,

If you have a chance to look at my novel that would be amazing. As a fellow postgrad in Lit, I would love to know what you think. It is a literary speculative fiction novel called THE BRIDGE (90k). Below is an elevator pitch, blurb, content warnings, and some comp titles to give you an idea.

--

The Bridge, a monumental structure, stretches the breadth of The Atlantic Ocean and THE MAN is crossing it on foot to reach his love.

--

A story of determination, hope, fear, war, and love.

The Bridge stretches the breadth of The Atlantic. At one end, THE MAN. At the other, his Love.

Considered a war hero for his actions as a conscript, The Man was living quietly in his village wanting to forget his struggles, until one day he accesses a chat-room on what remains of the near-future internet. There he meets someone who gives new purpose to his life, but they live on the other side of the world. Torn between tending to his dying hometown and starting a new life, The Man decides to journey across The Bridge and embrace the perils that come with it.

The Bridge poses many unanswered questions and presents many impossible things. Those living upon the monstrous structure would sooner let The Man die than help him for free and The Pilgrims travel counter to his heading. The Man must reckon with who he is, what he has done, and what he can still do. We learn of his past and see what he will do to secure his future.

How far would you go for your Love?

---

Some of the literary voice and architectural magicalism of Piranesi (Susanna Clarke) with the political, near-future bite of The Wall (John Lanchester). Sometimes as dark, haunting, and biblical as The Road (Cormac McCarthy).

--

Content Warnings (possible spoilers):

Death, war, graphic violence, torture, references to/implications of SA (no details or depictions), PTSD and other mental health struggles, scenes of suspense and potential horror

--

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

- Will


message 157: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments William wrote: "Hi Giovanni,

If you have a chance to look at my novel that would be amazing. As a fellow postgrad in Lit, I would love to know what you think. It is a literary speculative fiction novel called THE..."


WHOA this sounds like quit the read.
Of course I will
DM me


message 158: by Zeec (new)

Zeec Rustom (author_zeec_rustom) | 5 comments Hi Giovanni, I am a new author from India and I've just finished writing my second book which is a standalone but spin-off of my first one. It is a YA Contemporary Romance based in India.

Would you be interested to take a look at the first 3 chapters if possible and let me know your opinion. The blurb is as under:

Sweety has always felt cut off from her family, having never felt like she belonged with them. She is a sweet, bubbly and fun-loving girl, but always overshadowed by her beautiful and elegant elder sister Sapna. At home always criticized and compared with Sapna, she is only able to be her true self with her gang of friends, who are her real family.

Sweety has been in love with her best friend Pragati’s elder brother Vivek all her life, although Vivek has never shown any interest in her. But, what happens when in an unexpected moment, she gets her first kiss from Vivek, only for him to go on and get engaged to Sapna, disregarding what happened between them?

Will Sweety become completely heartbroken over this hit from fate or will she find someone more worthy of her affections or else, will she confront Vivek about his action? Read to find out more…
Do let me know if you are interested....


message 159: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments hey there

It really sounds like a sweet read, if I'm interpreting it correctly (pun intended haha)
sure DM me and we'll chat there

regards
Gio


message 160: by Kenneth (new)

Kenneth Mitchell | 2 comments I would love you to give feedback on my first two chapters. I am writing a domestic fantasy trilogy set in Scotland and have completed Books 1 and 2.


message 161: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Kenneth wrote: "I would love you to give feedback on my first two chapters. I am writing a domestic fantasy trilogy set in Scotland and have completed Books 1 and 2."

domestic fantasy? Definitely!

DM me!


message 162: by Ian (new)

Ian Gilbraith (iangilbraith) | 3 comments I handed off my first couple chapters to Gio, and in return I got back everything I wanted and needed from a reader I wasn't getting from close friends--thorough, precise, and with an understanding of the text that went beyond a surface level read and connected with the energy I was trying to convey within the rhythm of my writing. Can't recommend as a reader enough, I'll be sending him the rest of my manuscript as soon as it's ready.

-Ian G.


message 163: by Davada (new)

Davada | 6 comments Giovanni was extremely helpful with his beta critique! Very insightful and gave me a lot of actionable advice on my fantasy book! Do not hesitate to contact him :)

- Iona


message 164: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Giving this post a bit of a bump up.
Feel free to send your chapters, guys!


message 165: by Michael (new)

Michael Cote | 45 comments Giovanni wrote: "I will beta read the first 2 chapters of your novel (only completed ones please, and no memoirs).
I'll read for flow, consistency, characters, dialogue and plot, with in-line comments and a write u..."


What email address would you like them sent to?


message 166: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Michael wrote: "Giovanni wrote: "I will beta read the first 2 chapters of your novel (only completed ones please, and no memoirs).
I'll read for flow, consistency, characters, dialogue and plot, with in-line comme..."


I'll give t to you via DM


message 167: by JL (new)

JL Nich (jlnichauthor) | 7 comments Giovanni wrote: "I will beta read the first 2 chapters of your novel (only completed ones please, and no memoirs).
I'll read for flow, consistency, characters, dialogue and plot, with in-line comments and a write u..."


Would you be willing to read the first chapter+hook to give me feedback? I have the first 2 chapters as well....but really need that first chapter to be strong.

Trena, the Memory Reader is a adult epic fantasy for readers that believe in some type of higher power, and who can relate to a female heroine who from low beginnings doubts her self-worth but through a journey learns to be brave for those around her and to motivate and provide hope. It reminds us that you have to allow yourself to be worthy in your own eyes or you wont be able to push through life’s difficulties.


message 168: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments JL wrote: "Giovanni wrote: "I will beta read the first 2 chapters of your novel (only completed ones please, and no memoirs).
I'll read for flow, consistency, characters, dialogue and plot, with in-line comme..."


Sure thing I'll have a look at it. DM me.


message 169: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Hey y'all
Giving this a bump up.

I'm offering the first 2 chapters of your complete MS to be beta read.

I've got a grad degree in English, a postgrad in English lit, currently an MA student in creative writing and have an editing certificate as well. Plus I've got quite a lot of experience editing and beta reading (PDF testimonials can be given upon request).

Let's get started!


message 170: by Paul (new)

Paul Vosloo | 1 comments Hi Giovanni,

Would love you to read the first two chapters. What's the best way to get it to you?

George


message 171: by BookLoverGirl (new)

BookLoverGirl 13 | 34 comments https://forms.gle/tsWikuwpb3eivUvbA
Hi, I was wondering if you could read chapter 1 and give me feedback please


message 172: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Hey y'all! Giving this a bump up!

I've got my degree in English, postgrad degree in English lit, editing certificate, and currently enrolled in an MA for creative writing.
Let's get those first 2 chapters of your polished.


message 173: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Paul wrote: "Hi Giovanni,

Would love you to read the first two chapters. What's the best way to get it to you?

George"


Hi there! I do not know what is wrong with my notifications but I saw this now only.
DM me and we can chat there.


message 174: by Jeff (new)

Jeff Smallman | 9 comments If anyone's looking for a beta reader, Gio is excellent! He read the first 2 chapters of my book, and was quick, thorough, provided excellent feedback with things to think about, and encouraging even when pointing out potential problems. You could do much worse than having him read your work!

Jeff


message 175: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments BookLoverGirl wrote: "https://forms.gle/tsWikuwpb3eivUvbA
Hi, I was wondering if you could read chapter 1 and give me feedback please"


Hey there!
sorry for responding only NOW. The site didn't notify me.
let's rather chat in the DMs please


message 176: by Helen (new)

Helen Hennessy | 3 comments Hi Giovanni
I’m working on a rewrite for my coming of age, low urban fantasy supernatural thriller with spiritual (not religious) elements. Are you still taking on 2 chapter reviews? Thanks!


message 177: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Helen wrote: "Hi Giovanni
I’m working on a rewrite for my coming of age, low urban fantasy supernatural thriller with spiritual (not religious) elements. Are you still taking on 2 chapter reviews? Thanks!"


hi there!
That sounds like quite a promising premise. I'll lookover it. DM me.

regards
Gio


message 178: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Giving this thread a bump up.
I've got a degree in English (and psychology), a postgrad in English lit, studying an MA in creative writing and have an editing certificate - so you know your first 2 chapters are in the right hands.
This site doesn't alert me to new entries on this thread, so email me for more info.

giojacobs1996@gmail.com

Can't wait to work with you.


message 179: by Shia (new)

Shia | 4 comments I took a chance and sent my first working title ever to Giovanni to get a sense of whether it was headed in the right direction, and it was a great experience.
Gio is incredibly knowledgeable, detailed, and responsive. If you value honest and direct feedback, I would recommend working with him in a heartbeat!


message 180: by Wes (new)

Wes Hubert | 72 comments Hi. I'd love for you to look at my first two chapters. It's an historical fiction based on a true story. The setting is the Soviet Union during WW2.


message 181: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Wes wrote: "Hi. I'd love for you to look at my first two chapters. It's an historical fiction based on a true story. The setting is the Soviet Union during WW2."

Hi there!
Sorry for the late reply. Sure thing. DM me and we can chat there.


message 182: by Forrest (new)

Forrest | 11 comments Hello Gio! I am looking for Beta Readers to look into my 115k word debut novel, Usurper’s Crown. Usurper’s Crown is a twisted coming of age fantasy novel that follows a young Prince Alaric Frall’s evolution from boy to man. My project has been through several rounds of editing and thus should (hopefully) be fairly polished. This book covers lots of dark themes, with extreme insight on severe mental illness and violence.

Please dm or drop your email if you are interested! Below is a synopsis I think gives a good feel for the book. Happy reading! (Not)

Prince Alaric Frall has lived his entire life destined to inherit the richest of Watree’s five kingdoms. Starsign, his home, has ever been a brethren state to the Emperors of Alern. Alongside the Emperor’s son, Crown Prince Brutus, Alaric has spent his days in debauchery- drinking, whoring, and chasing his hopeless love interest, Princess Thalia of the East. But when Alaric’s father grows tired of his degeneracy, and Alaric’s crown is threatened, he must make friends in a city where none can be trusted…

Thrones and crowns change hands like coppers in a brothel, and friends are spent just the same. Alaric’s story is one of espionage and revenge, one of love and regret. By the end of it all, the line between right and wrong has been trod upon so frequently not even Alaric knows where it once stood.


message 183: by Moran (new)

Moran Jassiah | 9 comments Hey Forrest, I'm interested in helping you with a constructive feedback.

I'm a fan of fantasy, and will gladly help with honest critics.

here is my email
moranjassiah248@gmail.com


message 184: by Liz (new)

Liz (joycecarolnopes) | 533 comments Mod
Moran,

This is Gio's thread where he is offering his services as well as client feedback.

Generally speaking, it is considered rude to leave a comment like you just did. Please delete it. If you'd like to offer your services, you are more than welcome to make your own thread.

Thanks,

Lisa


message 185: by Giovanni (last edited Jun 27, 2025 09:27AM) (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Forrest wrote: "Hello Gio! I am looking for Beta Readers to look into my 115k word debut novel, Usurper’s Crown. Usurper’s Crown is a twisted coming of age fantasy novel that follows a young Prince Alaric Frall’s ..."

Ooo this sounds like good old fashioned intrigue and I'm HEAR FOR IT hahaha. PLEASE do DM me because this site doesn't notify me when you reply on threads, and your DMs are turned off.


message 186: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Wes wrote: "Hi. I'd love for you to look at my first two chapters. It's an historical fiction based on a true story. The setting is the Soviet Union during WW2."

Hi there!
Are you still interested in having your work beta read?


message 187: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Giving this a bump up for all those who need their beginning pages polished!


message 188: by Crystal C (new)

Crystal C Martinez | 10 comments If you want honest and detailed constructive feedback, I highly recommend using Gio for his services.
He communicates very well about what are ways to improve your manuscript and is fun to work with.
I will be using him for my future manuscripts as well!


message 189: by Ms. (new)

Ms. C | 23 comments My name is Mary and I have a manuscript for a novel called "Mullo". I am looking for beta readers to read and critique it, and I saw your advertisement in a Goodreads "Beta Reader Group". I would describe "Mullo" as historical fiction, horror, romance (LGBT). It goes back and forth between a story that takes place in the past and one that takes place in the present. Here is a blurb I wrote for it:

"THEN
In 19th century Romania, death is always just around the corner. Zorya, a Roma healer woman, knows this well. But when a stranger unexpectedly calls on her expertise, she, her husband, and her children, find themselves in a place they were once forbidden from entering. But even as their life becomes more stable and prosperous, it may only take one tragedy for things to fall apart."

"NOW
Nick Alicea isn’t having a bad day. He’s having a bad life. Stuck in a dead-end job, drowning in debt, and haunted by a tragedy from his past, he's struggling. So, when a chance encounter leads to a friendship with Mirza Durvari, a quiet doctor with a mysterious illness, Nick’s life starts to seem a little less bleak. But even as their relationship becomes more intimate, Nick is forced to ask himself: Who is Mirza Durvari?"

Let me know if you are interested in beta reading the first two chapters.

Looking forward to hearing from you..

~Mary


message 190: by Giovanni (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Ms. wrote: "My name is Mary and I have a manuscript for a novel called "Mullo". I am looking for beta readers to read and critique it, and I saw your advertisement in a Goodreads "Beta Reader Group". I would d..."

Hi there!
Holy macaroni am i sorry I'm responding so late. That sounds interesting! I would definitely have a look at that. DM me for sure.


message 191: by Giovanni (last edited Sep 02, 2025 08:29PM) (new)

Giovanni Jacobs | 382 comments Giving this a bump up
I've got
1) a grad degree in English
2) a postgrad in English lit
3) currently doing a master's in creative writing
4) have an editing certificate
5) experience in beta reading and editing.

Can't wait to work with you.


message 192: by Greg (new)

Greg L | 2 comments I sent Gio my first chapters and he totally got what I was going for. He reads with real attention and picks up on the little things that make the story work, which is rare. His enthusiasm was encouraging, and exactly the kind of early confidence boost I needed. Looking forward to hearing his thoughts on later chapters.
Greg


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