Beta Reading

This depends on a number of factors, so I am always happy to suggest a service based on a writing sample and what you're looking to get out of it! Most novels go in order of Drafting > Personal Revisions/Big Picture Edits > Beta Reading > Revisions/Self-edits based on beta feedback > Developmental Editing > Line Editing > Copy Editing > Proofreading This ensures each stage is able to achieve maximum impact in making your work as polished as possible. After all, you don't want to heavily edit a book that hasn't gone through revisions, because you'd lose all the editing work when you moved things around! To learn more about editing stages, see "How to Navigate the Four Stages of Book Editing" and "What is the Difference Between Copy Editing and Line Editing?"

Put simply, professional beta reading and editing can take a lot more time and attention to detail than one might think. When assessing quotes, I account for how much time I believe a manuscript will take based on how in-depth edits or beta feedback need to be. I also account for skill level and time in the field (like any profession, more experience can equal a slightly higher cost), the technology and upkeep costs of running a business, and what hourly rate I'll need to see a net income rather than a net loss on time. To learn more about editing costs and what freelance editors do, see "Why Are Book Editors Are So Expensive" and "The Other Reason Book Editors Are So Expensive." I do my best to be as accessible as possible, so I'm more than happy to work out flexible payment plans! I don't believe anyone should have to break the bank for their passion, so let's figure out a plan that works for you.

There are several ways to lower the time and detail needed to edit/beta read your manuscript, which will in turn lower the price. For both editing & beta reading, make sure you read through your work at least once to catch any mistakes and clean up what you can (don't forget to read aloud!). This will take care of any obvious issues so you're not getting feedback on things you already know about. You can also reach out to friends, a writing community, or a critique group who are willing to read your work for free. This allows you to get different perspectives on your work and maybe catch issues or tendencies you didn't notice on your self-read. Pay attention to mistakes highlighted by your word processor. An editor can of course correct these for you, but it adds paid time that a processor often catches for free. NOTE: If you're using Scrivener, I recommend importing the manuscript to Word or Google Docs to do a self-edit there. Scrivener is wonderful, but it's not the best at catching grammar bugs. Don't forget the revision and self-editing stages! Even if you're requesting a beta read, you want your manuscript to be at a point where you're not finding any noticeable issues. Again, this traces back to getting the most value by not having your beta reader/editor spot things you would have found yourself. Self-editing can also reduce your word count, which plays a big part in time and cost. Ask about payment plans. While this won't change the overall price, it does break the investment down into manageable payments. I never charge interest or taxes on my book services, so breaking the payment down won't affect the final cost.

The contract protects both parties from privacy and intellectual infringement (I will never sell, reveal, or use your information in any way, and I ask that you do the same). It also states that all rights to a work remain with the author and ensures clients understand the scope of work they are receiving and the amount to be paid. I also include my refund policy for cancellations or missed deadlines.

Due to the varied nature of my work (I'm an editor, beta reader, writer, and I sell merchandise that I create), I cannot guarantee a rush order on any work. Shorter works are more likely to make it to you on a tight deadline, which I'm happy to discuss with you, but it is recommended that you have a flexible or reasonable deadline for me to work within. Since editing is not my only job, I may not edit as quickly as a full-time editor, particularly on longer works. Note: This does not mean I will not be conscious of your deadlines. Just that I request they be reasonable, especially if you have a longer work and/or one that requires intensive edits. I will pass on works I feel I cannot edit on time so you may seek an editor who fits your needs.

As a fellow writer and someone who's worked in and around the publishing industry, I understand time is of the essence, and I greatly respect yours. I also know that an editor/reader who can't fall in love with your work won't be the ideal match for either party. I reserve the right to decline services if: I feel I don't have time to do your writing justice in the timeframe you need it by. Your work is in a genre or has themes I'm not familiar enough with to do justice. Your work is nonfiction or religious/political (which my statement says I do not edit/read). It violates my ethics, i.e. glorifies certain dark content or utilizes harmful tropes/themes. For editing: Your work is not at the stage you are requesting edits for. A manuscript goes through many revisions and edits before it is publishing-ready, and yours may not be at the stage you are requesting. Example: You request copy edits when your work still needs revisions or line edits. I will inform you what stage(s) I think your work needs, and you are welcome to request that other service if I provide it.

While you are more than welcome to credit me, and any mention is always appreciated, you are not required to do so. I do, however, reserve the right to list your published work in my editing portfolio, and I may reach out to you for a testimonial.