Beta Reading

Ever had a goblin read your writing?

As an avid reader, book blogger, fantasy writer, editor, and marketer, I wear many mushroom hats—all of them pertaining to storytelling.

If you need someone to help patch plot holes (I have big sticks and little sticks), hiss at your characters when they step out of line, and screech into the void when something doesn't make sense, I'm your goblin.

About

Jordan graduated with a BA in English and a marketing minor and began editing freelance that same year. Following internships with a small press and as a blog writer, she joined the Quill & Crow Publishing House editing team alongside her day job as a library programs coordinator.

Eventually, Jordan departed the library field to launch her author-centered business and now helps fellow wordsmiths on their writing quests full-time.

For Jordan's full editing credits, see her editing page!

Services

I primarily beta read YA and adult fiction. This includes novels, novellas, and short stories. I have the most experience with fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, romance, dystopian, suspense/horror, and literary gothic. I accept works with nearly every type of content, but please include content warnings with your request so I can make an informed decision.

I do not offer beta reading for nonfiction or memoirs, and I will decline work on any project found to have used generative AI. Please see FAQ for more details. If you are unsure whether your writing falls under my expertise, contact me with a description of your work.

New clients are offered a free sample review and beta summary of the first chapter (up to 3,000 words) for works 50k words or over. Note that this will not reflect the extent of a full beta read, but if you are satisfied with my commenting style, the sample will be used to help determine your final quote.

General Read

A general read is one read-through that notes issues and areas to focus on in rewrites. This is recommended for authors who want publishing-focused feedback to implement as they see fit. I will:

Screech at plot & logic holes and offer sticks to patch them accordingly.

Sniff out narrative & character inconsistencies and poke them until they make sense.

Scurry around awkward pacing or confusing passages until they're more confused by me (and shape up).

Point and hiss at sections that can be cut or added to.

Bonk overused phrases to look out for.

Leave gobliny commentary, including all the things that please my eyeballs or make me wail in eternal sadness.

General Read Pricing

General Guideline

(rounded up after 500 words)

$0.003 per word

10k words — $30

20k words — $60

50k words — $150

90k words — $270

100k words — $300

Detailed Read

A detailed read includes everything a general read does, with a follow-up read-through to ensure changes have been implemented successfully and to address remaining concerns. This option includes targeted advice on ways to incorporate changes at the author's discretion.

This includes suggestions for:

Sections and/or chapters to trim or move elsewhere for better pacing and clarity.

Adjustments when dialogue, character actions, or thematic messaging are not in line with the author's vision or established characterization.

How to weave fae magick through plot and subplots so they flow well and have a satisfying resolution (if applicable).

Note: The detailed read is not meant to stand in for developmental editing and will not suggest drastic changes. Though it targets a lot of the same elements and can be an affordable alternative to dev editing, it is feedback to base your rewrites on and not editorial guidance.

Detailed Read Pricing

General Guideline

(rounded up after 500 words)

$0.005 per word

10k words — $50

20k words — $100

50k words — $250

90k words — $450

100k words — $500

These prices are guidelines to help estimate cost. Since each project is unique and requires different types/levels of beta reading, please contact me for an official quote. There is no obligation to hire me for requesting information.

Payment

After the beta reading agreement is signed, half of the total cost will be due before work begins, with the remainder due upon project completion (with the exception of projects under $100, which will be due as one payment at the beginning). Invoices will be emailed on both counts.

I do not charge taxes or service fees. The final quote I give is the only amount you will pay.

I accept payment through PayPal, but alternatives will be considered upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on a number of factors, so I'm always happy to suggest a service based on a writing sample and what you're looking to get out of it! Novels often 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 In indie publishing, some of these stages might be combined based on your personal needs, strengths, and goals. For example, beta critiques and personal revisions may get your plot to a place you're happy with, so you may prefer to skip developmental editing and look for a line editor who will clean up the writing flow. Or you may prefer a copy edit to clean up grammar and typos rather than a full line edit.

I'm happy to consult on your goals and recommend the editing that best fits what you're looking for. 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?"

When assessing quotes, I estimate 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 my skill level and time in the field, the technology and upkeep expenses of running a business, and what hourly rate I'll need to see a net income rather than a net loss on time.

What might seem like a large editing cost all at once is really an accumulation of work hours that'll be spread out over days, weeks, or months (depending on project length). 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 a manuscript, which can in turn trim up 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, and/or a critique group for feedback. This allows you to get different perspectives 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 will of course correct these for you, but it adds time that a processor often catches for free. NOTE: If you're using Scrivener, I recommend importing the manuscript to another word processor to do a self-edit there. Scrivener is wonderful, but it's not the best at catching grammar bugs.

Revision and self-editing stages can save time by addressing any larger, noticeable issues before it gets to the editor. 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.

Due to the varied nature of my freelance work (I'm an editor, beta reader, writer, and I sell merchandise that I create), I cannot guarantee rush orders. Shorter works are more likely to make it to you on a tight deadline, which I'm happy to accommodate as able, 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. Only 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 an editor/reader who can't fall in love with your work won't be an ideal match. 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 uses generative AI in any part of the process. If this is not disclosed and I discover definitive proof of AI use, I will terminate any current contract and refuse a further working relationship.

It violates my ethics, i.e. glorifies or otherwise promotes harmful views, or focuses on topics I feel a sensitivity reader would be better suited for.

I prefer not to read Christian fiction. Books using Christian mythology as a basis for fantasy or that contain Christian characters are fine; I do not feel I am a good fit for books centering around modern Christianity, however.
I will not read books with graphic SA. Allusions to and non-graphic discussions or scenes are fine, so long as the topic is not romanticized.

Contact

Contact me with any questions or beta reading requests below!

Beta Reading Calendar

Testimonials

"Over the years, I've worked with many beta readers, and Jordan is one of the best. She understood the vision I had for my novel instantly and helped me see ways to realize it that I'd never thought of. With the advice she gave me, I'm excited to rewrite my novel and make it become what Jordan saw it could be."

Josh L. Patrick-Riley, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writer