If you're an author looking for a professional, high-quality beta read of your manuscript...look no further. With extensive, professional copywriting experience and a love of reading, I can review your novel and provide a thorough review with actionable points to make sure it really shines before it hits the shelves!
Sometimes you can spend so long working on something that you can't see an obvious mistake staring you right in the face. Sure, you know your characters and story inside out, but does it come across as you intended to the reader? My job is to be a fresh pair of eyes for your story, to make sure that your vision comes across the way you intended it to and to help you elevate your manuscript to the next level.
What do you get?
I'll return your manuscript file with my thoughts and comments as I read, along with a summary at the end of each chapter. I'll also send a full review of your manuscript (typically 3-4 pages) from a reader's point of view, focusing on the following areas;
First impressions
What don't you get?
Copyediting/Proofreading
I will note any typos and errors in punctuation and grammar that I spot, but please don't rely on me to do so. Copyediting and proofreading are very different beasts to beta reading and I, for one, cannot do both at once. I focus on the story only.
Research
I'll give you my thoughts on your story as it reads, but if it features historical events or cultural influences, I won't do supplementary research to see if these are correct unless specifically requested. I recently beta read a YA fantasy novel that used a lot of Celtic mythology and language, so my feedback focused on how this worked within the story and helped with world-building etc.
What does it cost?
Up to 50,000 words: $39
50,000 - 100,000 words: $59
100,000 - 150,000 words: $79
Over 150,000 words: $79 for the first 150,000 words plus $0.5 per 1,000 words thereafter
I'll provide you with feedback on the first chapter (plus prologue if there is one) for free so you can see if my beta reading service would be suitable for you.
Drop me an e-mail at mikayla-gray@hotmail.com with a synopsis of your novel, the word count, and any deadlines you're working towards and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Testimonials
"I just went through your feedback and I just wanted to say how truly grateful I am for the detail you included and the questions you posed. I knew that it still needed work and I didn't know how to get there. You highlighted some issues that I think I had felt but hadn't yet let solidify, so it was so enlightening to see them called out. I loved your suggestions and feel like I have a good idea of how to rewrite and move forward. You've given me new energy around this project and a path toward making this a much better and more intriguing book."
What do you get?
I'll return your manuscript file with my thoughts and comments as I read, along with a summary at the end of each chapter. I'll also send a full review of your manuscript (typically 3-4 pages) from a reader's point of view, focusing on the following areas;
First impressions
- The protagonist. Did I like them? Did I care/was I suitably invested in their journey? Were their actions and dialogue consistent?
- Was the point of view(s) suitable and well used?
- Was there a clear sense of time and place setting?
- My thoughts on the writing style. Was it suitable for the story? Overly descriptive? Not descriptive enough?
- Does the opening contain a hook that will grab the reader's interest and make them want to keep reading?
- Are the characters/worlds suitably easy to grasp?
- Are essential elements of the story well explained? Are there any aspects that are confused or muddled and require more explanation?
- Do any elements of the story seem clichéd or not fit together?
- Does the plot seem contrived at any point?
- Does the story and the events in it stick to the rules that the novel has established (particularly important in fantasy novels)?
- What was enjoyable about the story? Were there any aspects in particular that grabbed my attention? What was my favourite part?
- Is the plot engaging? Were there any points where I lost interest?
- At what point did I first stop reading?
- Are significant plot points given the weight they deserved?
- Is there a good mix of showing vs telling? Or was there too much exposition?
- Is the story fresh and innovative? Does it offer anything new to the genre?
- Does the protagonist have a clear voice and personality? Do their actions seem organic and believable?
- Is the antagonist well written? Do their motivations and actions seem believable?
- Do supporting characters add to or distract from the story? Were there any needless characters?
- Are the characters shaping the story, or is the story shaping the characters?
- Are the character's personalities and actions consistent?
- Is the dialogue well written? Was it believable and consistent?
- Does the dialogue enhance the characterisation?
- Who was my favourite/least favourite character and why?
- Is the tone consistent and appropriate?
- Does the story flow? Were there any points where it seemed rushed or dragged?
- Are any points too expositional?
- Are the chapter breaks in the right places? Do they leave me wanting to read more?
- Are the chapter breaks repetitive, like a character falling asleep and waking up, or getting knocked unconscious?
- Are there any subplots that I felt detracted from the main story?
- Are there any chapters or events which seemed out of place or unnecessary?
- Were there any plot holes or plot threads left unresolved?
- Were there any aspects of the novel that felt underdeveloped? Was there anything that you wanted to know more about?
- Did the main character change from the beginning of the book to the end? Is their journey satisfying? Do you feel they deserve to be where they end up?
- Is there anything missing from the novel?
- Would I buy this book from the finished manuscript? If not, why not?
What don't you get?
Copyediting/Proofreading
I will note any typos and errors in punctuation and grammar that I spot, but please don't rely on me to do so. Copyediting and proofreading are very different beasts to beta reading and I, for one, cannot do both at once. I focus on the story only.
Research
I'll give you my thoughts on your story as it reads, but if it features historical events or cultural influences, I won't do supplementary research to see if these are correct unless specifically requested. I recently beta read a YA fantasy novel that used a lot of Celtic mythology and language, so my feedback focused on how this worked within the story and helped with world-building etc.
What does it cost?
Up to 50,000 words: $39
50,000 - 100,000 words: $59
100,000 - 150,000 words: $79
Over 150,000 words: $79 for the first 150,000 words plus $0.5 per 1,000 words thereafter
I'll provide you with feedback on the first chapter (plus prologue if there is one) for free so you can see if my beta reading service would be suitable for you.
Drop me an e-mail at mikayla-gray@hotmail.com with a synopsis of your novel, the word count, and any deadlines you're working towards and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Testimonials
"I just went through your feedback and I just wanted to say how truly grateful I am for the detail you included and the questions you posed. I knew that it still needed work and I didn't know how to get there. You highlighted some issues that I think I had felt but hadn't yet let solidify, so it was so enlightening to see them called out. I loved your suggestions and feel like I have a good idea of how to rewrite and move forward. You've given me new energy around this project and a path toward making this a much better and more intriguing book."
Brier James, author of Blood Moon
"It looks like you really took the time to dive deep and cared about improving the story as much as possible. I paid a developmental editor on Reedsy $1,000 (for a different manuscript) and your feedback was on par."
Christina Barmakian
Christina Barmakian
"Mikayla ranks among the very best and most insightful readers I have had the pleasure of working with. Her critiquing style was professional but friendly, and she delivered her feedback in a quick and timely manner. I found her comments on my story’s characters and plot to be thorough, well-considered, and perceptive. In addition to offering actionable suggestions and constructive criticism, she pointed out what she liked about the story and left invaluable in-line comments that will help me as I work through editing the manuscript. And she did all this at an incredibly affordable price. I highly recommend her services."
J.R Alcyone, author of The Stars That Govern Us
"Mikayla did an exceptional job as a beta reader, with outstanding service. My pages were riddled with helpful notes, and her letter was thoughtful and extremely beneficial. You’ll find few people who will impress you like she will!"
Alex Donahue, author of Home Grown Worries
"Mikayla beta read my first novel attempt and her feedback was excellent. As well as assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the story as a whole, she has a keen eye for detail and her comments helped me to improve my writing on a line-by-line level. She is incredibly insightful and has a natural grasp of good story telling, pacing and character – and importantly, is able to explain why something isn’t working, as well as offering possible solutions to fix it. Mikayla is a rare find and I have no hesitation in recommending her beta reading services."
- Rachel Burge, author of The Twisted Tree
"I can say without hesitation that Mikayla was my most valuable beta reader on the books she has beta read for me. She provided thorough, detailed feedback from the big picture down to the scene by scene level. Her in depth understanding of story structure, pacing, character arc, theme, and dialogue were evident in her suggestions and made her feedback even more useful. Plus, she manages to objectively tell you all the things wrong with your story while still being sweet and supportive! If you are lucky enough to snag her as a beta reader, you won't be disappointed!"
- Claire Luana, author of The Moonburner Cycle and The Confectioner Chronicles
"I gave my MS to Mikayla to beta read. At the time I sent it, I was rather happy with where the story was but needed another set of eyes on it. Mikayla was able to point out several weak spots in my narrative, as well as which characters were in need of more personality. She had praise for the story's strong points, but also did not shy away from a constructive critique of places in the story where improvement was needed. I found her feedback invaluable to bring the MS up to a polished and finished state. I'm writing the sequel to my first novel now, and plan to send it off to Mikayla once it's ready."
- Cory Farris, author of Arcshine's Gap
"I had hired three beta readers for my manuscript and was pretty discouraged when I received little-to-no constructive criticism. (To this day, I’m not sure that one of the betas actually read the manuscript.) Mikayla, on the other hand, provided in-depth feedback on each chapter along with comments, questions and thoughts throughout the manuscript. She highlighted lines she loved, questioned things that she didn’t understand and called out things that she didn’t like – both as a reader and about inner monologues and dialogue that were out of character. Mikayla’s feedback was timely, incredibly constructive, and exactly what I needed. She comes highly recommended!"
- Erin LeJeune
- Rachel Burge, author of The Twisted Tree
"I can say without hesitation that Mikayla was my most valuable beta reader on the books she has beta read for me. She provided thorough, detailed feedback from the big picture down to the scene by scene level. Her in depth understanding of story structure, pacing, character arc, theme, and dialogue were evident in her suggestions and made her feedback even more useful. Plus, she manages to objectively tell you all the things wrong with your story while still being sweet and supportive! If you are lucky enough to snag her as a beta reader, you won't be disappointed!"
- Claire Luana, author of The Moonburner Cycle and The Confectioner Chronicles
"I gave my MS to Mikayla to beta read. At the time I sent it, I was rather happy with where the story was but needed another set of eyes on it. Mikayla was able to point out several weak spots in my narrative, as well as which characters were in need of more personality. She had praise for the story's strong points, but also did not shy away from a constructive critique of places in the story where improvement was needed. I found her feedback invaluable to bring the MS up to a polished and finished state. I'm writing the sequel to my first novel now, and plan to send it off to Mikayla once it's ready."
- Cory Farris, author of Arcshine's Gap
"I had hired three beta readers for my manuscript and was pretty discouraged when I received little-to-no constructive criticism. (To this day, I’m not sure that one of the betas actually read the manuscript.) Mikayla, on the other hand, provided in-depth feedback on each chapter along with comments, questions and thoughts throughout the manuscript. She highlighted lines she loved, questioned things that she didn’t understand and called out things that she didn’t like – both as a reader and about inner monologues and dialogue that were out of character. Mikayla’s feedback was timely, incredibly constructive, and exactly what I needed. She comes highly recommended!"
- Erin LeJeune
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