Beta Read Report (per 5,000 words)

Beta Read Report. Do you know the difference between a beta reader and editor/proofreader? Have you ever thought of having a professional read your book from the view of a reader? Contrary to what you think, getting a beta read is something more then just asking your family or friends to read your book. A successful beta reader is often a writer themselves. Sometimes they are in the same genre but regardless they will give you honest feedback on your book — no sugar coating because they don’t want to hurt your feelings.

We are pleased to announce that we will be offering authors a beta read report done by people who are either professional editors, publishers and/or writers themselves. Our beta read report will be done from a reader’s viewpoint as if we were reading the manuscript for pleasure. Please note, this is not a story edit, line edit or proofreading service. We will read your manuscript from the eyes of a reader.

Our beta reader service is done by 5,000 word increments. (Example: if you manuscript is between 25,001 – 30,000 words, please purchase 6). Our turnaround is typically one week per manuscript. The beta read report format will consist of the following areas of review and questions for the beta reader:

Opening
- Was the opening and first page compelling? Did it draw you into the story? Why or why not?
- Did you get feel you were introduced properly to the who, what, where, when and how quickly at the beginning of the story?
- Was your interest held as you continued through the first few chapters? If so, what held your interest? If not, at what point did your interest start to waiver?
Characters
- Were the main characters developed properly? What did you like about them the most? Where did you feel they needed more development and focus?
- Were the main characters relatable? Did you feel like you were feeling their emotions?
- Secondary characters? Were they developed as good supporting characters?
- What characters did you connect with the most? What characters did you dislike and why?
- Were there enough characters? Too many? Not enough? Were names or character development too similar?
- Did the main characters have chemistry and did their relationship make sense?
- Was there any secondary characters you would like to read about in their own book?
Dialogue
- Did the dialogue sound natural?
- Could you distinguish between the different character dialogues?
Plot, Pacing and Scenes
- Was the story interesting to you?
- Was there any part of the storyline that seemed to drag on?
- What scene(s) did you like?
- What areas you thought needed an elaboration with more details?
- Were there any boring parts or areas that could be compressed or deleted.
- Did anything confuse or annoy you?
- Was there any part where you were emotionally invested?
- Was there any terms or phrases used you didn’t understand?
- Was there any inconsistencies in time, places, character details, or plot?
Setting
- Could you visualize where and when the story was taking place?
- Did the “world” pull you into it?
- Did the descriptions seem real to you?
Visuals
- Were you shown the story rather told? Include any parts that might be unclear.
- Could you visualize the story as you were reading it?
- Did you have to reread any part of the story in order to understand what was going on?
- Could you “see” the characters from the beginning?
Writing Style, Voice and Tone
- Does the writing style fit the story and genre?
Ending
- Were you satisfied at the end of the story?
- Was the ending believable?
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
- On a overall story level, was there any obvious or repetitive grammar, punctuation or spelling errors?
Misc
- What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the story?
- What would you rate the story as it is right now?
Custom questions
- You can select three other questions not already included in this questionnaire to ask the beta reader.