#beta-readers

A question that comes up a lot in the writing groups I’m part of is the question of what alpha-readers and beta-readers do. What’s the difference? What is the purpose of each? Today, I wanted to tackle those questions and help you understand how best to work with each group. (more…)

What’s the story about?

Letters from the Underside is a fantasy novel set in Thanà, a capital with the looks of a bright summer idyll; though darker threats loom beneath its surface.

Esther is a loyal and dedicated immigrant girl. She is also a Djinn, gifted with cryptic visions of the future and the power to "listen" to the past of objects. People like her are not supposed to work for the Militia. There are better uses of their powers than law enforcement, and — with spies and traitors on all corners — few places where Djinns are truly safe beyond the impenetrable walls of the Hillside Temple. No matter: Esther has always dreamt of becoming a decorated Milician, and she will be damned before anyone takes her away from her family.

To protect her freedom and ambitions, she keeps her magic a close secret. However, when she discovers a series of murders proven by nothing but her powers, can she truly stay silent without compromising everything she believes in?

Peter remembers songs from better days, and writes letters to quiet the noise. Fire burns in his veins, and everything about him seems to be the exact opposite of Esther. 

Is he?  

What would beta-reading consist of?

Over the span of April and May, I will send you one chapter a week, each 9-10k words on average (the novel consisting of 10 chapters overall). 

You would then annotate your feedback as you read (as informally as you wish!), then answer a short questionnaire about the chapter. 

It’s perfectly fine to be busy and take longer than a week every once in a while — just keep me posted. 

With that said, if you find the schedule daunting or know you won’t have much free time in that period, you might be better off not applying. 

What kind of readers am I looking for?

All kinds! If the blurb sounded like something you would enjoy, then you’re welcome aboard. The audience ranges from YA to Adult. I’m looking for a diverse set of beta readers, and given the novel’s cast, I would especially value the opinions of:

people of colour 

immigrants, or people of immigrant descent

transgender people 

generally, anyone from the lgbtqa+ community 

disabled and/or chronically ill people