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.
Editorial Services 