A beta read is a critique focussing on big picture issues, so you get a report on all the elements of your story but without inline editing or comments directly on the manuscript itself. It is traditionally done by a member of your target audience who will let you know their general impressions about things like character, plot and ending, and will share their level of emotional-engagement throughout. An editor can do all this too, but when they read they are able to both monitor their own reader-reaction to the text and at the same time use their literary experience to generate possible solutions to any issues they find.

If you want to work with an editor but you are on a budget or you are dipping your toes into the editing world for the first time, this kind of report would give you the insights you’re looking for, but for a lot less money. The editor still reads the entire manuscript and all aspects of storytelling are covered in their report—I generally write long reports because there is always a lot to say! Editors also have a professional standard to keep up so you end up with an overall critique which is honest but supportive. In this case, I also offer 1 hour of book coaching after you’ve read the report so I can answer questions, help you process the comments, offer suggestions and brainstorm difficult issues with you.

The Beta Read Plus contains:

• 1 editorial critique

• 1 hour of book coaching