Category: Publishing

Ditching the Beta Read!

HALOMARILeave a comment

After years of offering free beta reads, I’ve decided to make a shift—one that better reflects both my experience and what authors actually need at a crucial stage in their writing journey.

Starting now, I’ll be offering a paid Editorial Letter service in place of traditional beta reads.

Here’s Why:

Many authors come to me requesting a free beta read, but what they truly needed—whether they realized it or not—is a much deeper level of feedback. To be blunt, most authors reaching out are in need of a full developmental edit—they just don’t want to pay for one. And as with most things, you get what you pay for.

Frequently, they’d also ask for a copy edit or proofreading, when what the manuscript really needed was work at the story level: structure, character arcs, pacing, plot clarity, and world-building.

They weren’t ready for a polish—they needed a thoughtful, professional assessment. And that’s exactly what the Editorial Letter provides.

My Background: Query In-takes

In addition to working with indie authors, I’ve also participated in reviewing author queries as part of the submission process for publication. In this role, I focused on the big picture, looking beyond grammar and sentence structure to assess key elements like:

  • Is the story cohesive?
  • Are the characters emotionally compelling?
  • Does the pacing support the tension?
  • Is the world fully realized and consistent?
  • Are the stakes clear and engaging?
  • Does the story align with the publisher’s guidelines?

When responding to these submissions, I didn’t send a line edit—I sent an editorial letter. This feedback helped authors strengthen their work before moving forward with edits and publication.

Who This Is For:

The Editorial Letter is perfect for you if:

  • You’ve already had developmental edits and want a second opinion
  • You’re not quite ready for a full edit but need direction
  • You’re preparing to publish and want a final assessment beyond surface-level proofreading
  • You want to strengthen your story before querying agents or small presses

What You’ll Get (at a Special Discount)

A manuscript assessment like this typically costs $0.01 per word—the standard industry rate for this level of professional feedback.

However, as a special thank you to the amazing writers I’ve worked with through free beta reads in the past, I’m offering up to 50% off, depending on your manuscript’s word count. This is my way of making high-level editorial feedback more accessible to indie authors who are not yet ready for a full edit. Still unsure of pricing? Let’s negotiate a price point or payment plan that works for you.

What’s included:

✓  A detailed Editorial Letter covering:
– Character development
– Plot and structure
– World-building
– Pacing and scene flow
– Tone, voice, and POV
– Readability and clarity

✓  A 1-hour consultation to walk through the feedback and discuss your next steps

Note: You will not receive an annotated manuscript—this is a high-level critique, not a line or copy edit.

Why Choose the Editorial Letter Over a Beta Read?

In the past, my free beta reads were actually developmental edits. These took up a lot of my time and resources, but I did it to help the authors I believe in. While I’m grateful for the kind words from those who’ve returned again and again, it’s become clear that what authors truly need is more than a simple beta read.

What you need is a professional manuscript assessment that addresses the story’s structure, character arcs, pacing, and plot clarity—not just surface-level feedback. While beta reading has its place, it’s typically useful after your manuscript is polished. If you’re serious about elevating your story, the Editorial Letter offers a deeper, more valuable critique to ensure your manuscript is the best it can be before moving forward in your writing or publishing process.

Whether you need eyes on a first draft, guidance on your next steps, or a final review before you publish, my Editorial Letter offers the clarity and direction to move forward with confidence. It’s honest, actionable, and rooted in a deep understanding of story—not just grammar.

Your manuscript deserves more than a casual read-through. It deserves insight.

Ready to dig deeper and level up your story? Contact me today to get started.

STILL NOT SURE?

I offer a 30 minute free consultation for new clients and a free developmental edit on your first chapter.

Strange Inc.

HALOMARILeave a comment

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined Strange Inc. as one of their primary editors! Alhamdulillah. During Ramadan, I had a conversation with Aishah about our shared commitment to supporting Muslim women’s publishing goals—and how I could help Strange Inc. do just that.

This won’t affect my indie editing—I’m still here for all your self-pub and freelance projects.

But if you’re exploring hybrid publishing, Strange Inc. is who I’ll be working with to help bring your book dreams to life!

Read more about Strange Inc. and their mission to empower Muslim women.

“Strange Inc., a New York-based non profit organization, passionately empowers Muslim women writers and creatives. Our journey began with spoken word performances, evolving into publishing books to ensure authentic representation. We’re devoted to amplifying the voices of Muslim women often marginalized in media.”