For more information, scheduling, and rates, please visit this page:
Beta Reading Info & Rates.
Click here for Author Testimonials for the team.
Beta Reading Info & Rates.
Click here for Author Testimonials for the team.
Bridgit
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Bridgit has been a compulsive reader since she learned to read. She worked in formal and informal science education for many years before becoming a database developer.
Age range: 50-55
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa Hobbies: reading, group fitness especially step, Pilates, hiking, safaris, scuba diving Favorite Genres: historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, popular science, mysteries and crime Favorite Authors: John le Carré, Elaine Proctor, Claire Robertson Genres/Material I will not read: material with a high proportion of foul language and/or sadism Something silly about me: I can wiggle my ears. My approach to beta reading: I draw on two strengths – my open optimism and my rigid sense of what is right - to respond with sensitive candour. Something I want authors to know: I am in awe of authors and grateful for books. Things that make me a good beta reader: I read with my mind attentive, so I notice anomalies and disappointments, as well as strengths and delights, in a book. I take care in providing feedback to the author. Author Testimonials for Bridgit
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Christina
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Christina is a voracious reader, and her taste in books is eclectic. Whatever strikes her fancy that day is what she reads; she does have a preference for fiction though. She has a BA in English and spends her days reading, writing, and taking care of her small human charges.
Favorite Genres: mystery, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal romance, biography…pretty much everything.
Favorite Book: that would be like choosing between my children. Favorite Authors: I love so many it would be hard to write them all…Dean Koontz, Nora Roberts, Patricia Briggs, Michael J. Fox, I could continue writing authors' names all day! Genres/material you will not read: I am pretty open to every genre. I am not particularly fond of the historical romance style that was popular in the early 90s, but I like the current style. Something silly about you: I’m a huge geek; I become attached to the characters. I knit when stressed and love it when it rains. Your approach to beta reading: As I read I will make comments on whatever I’m thinking. I want you to know my reactions, be it laughter, tears or annoyance. Things about you that make you a good beta reader: I care about your book. Few things make me happier than finding one of the books I have beta read has been published (or self-published). I purchase almost all the books I have beta read and will recommend them both in person to friends and online if given permission. Author Testimonials for Christina
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Diane
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Diane loves to curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee, a good book, and a chocolate chip cookie (or two). She has an Alaskan Malamute who has her well trained to open the door upon command and feed him cookies. She was an instructional designer for a heath care company and has a strong non-profit background, having served as executive director, board member, and staff at various non-profit agencies.
Age range: 60-65
Location: Southern California Hobbies: reading, crochet, garden visualization (wanting a perfect garden but deciding that reading a book is more pleasant than pulling weeds) Favorite Genres: Urban fantasy, paranormal romance, historical and contemporary romance, mystery, cozy mysteries (especially with dogs), suspense Favorite Book: White Hot by Ilona Andrews (because, seriously, how can you not love a book that has a scene with ninja ferrets!) Favorite Authors: Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Annette Marie, Molly Harper, Shelly Laurenston, GA Aiken, Hannah Howell, Robert Crais, Leslie Langtry, CJ Box Genres/Material I will not read: violent erotica Something silly about me: I am the only one in my entire family who gets excited about reorganizing my kitchen pantry and having a label maker. Author Testimonials for Diane |
Fiona
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From County Durham in northern England, Fiona is an arts officer, singer, mother, and camper. A fast reader who does most reading during night feeds, Fiona is keen to help writers be the best they can be and tell great stories.
.Age range: 30-35
Location: Northeast England Hobbies: singing, reading, camping, travel Favorite Genres: historical fiction, mysteries, young adult, romance, fantasy... you name it! Favorite Book: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. This is one of the first books I remember rereading, and I still find something new every time. Favorite Authors: Diana Gabaldon, Ian Rankin, James Herriot, Michael Bond, Margaret Atwood, Stephen King Genres/Material you will not read: I’ll try anything Things that make you a good beta reader: I’m a thoughtful and thorough reader. Author Testimonials for Fiona
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Heidi
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Heidi has her MA in interdisciplinary arts and BA with honors in comparative literature and creative writing (poetry). She moved to Vermont (from San Francisco) with her family in 2004, where she enjoys the dirt roads and natural landscapes. Heidi focuses her time parenting her teenager, reading voraciously, being outdoors in all seasons, and trying new recipes.
Age range: 55-60
Location: Central Vermont Hobbies: being outdoors, photography, gardening, parenting, birding, cooking and baking, hiking, reading, and learning new things Favorite Genres: historical fiction, cookbooks and food writing, poetry, contemporary fiction, Buddhism nonfiction, interior design nonfiction, children’s fiction, YA fiction, biography, memoir, and fantasy Favorite Book: I can’t choose just one! I love All The Light We Cannot See (Anthony Doerr), The Orchardist (Amanda Coplin), The Best Day the Worst Day: Life with Jane Kenyon (Donald Hall) and The Snow Child (Eowyn Ivey). Favorite Authors: so many! Geraldine Brooks, Ann Patchett, and Mary Oliver Genres/material I will not read: not applicable Things that make me a good beta reader: I have a nuanced “ear” for the manuscript’s flow as well as a fine “eye” for the small changes that can improve a book. I appreciate a wide range of literature and writing styles, and because of my background in poetry, I have firsthand experience with refining a select number of words to maximize an impact. Author Testimonials for Heidi
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Helen
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Helen is an editor, a proofreader, an indexer, a book reviewer, and a beta reader. Her specialty is fiction e-books. She studied at New York University. In another life, she was an accountant, working in the industry for almost 30 years. She was born in, and currently resides in, New York City.
Location: New York City, New York
Hobbies: writing, reading, traveling Favorite Genres: thrillers, suspense, and mysteries are my top three, but I read every genre. Favorite Book: The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy - "In families there are no crimes beyond forgiveness." Favorite Authors: Michael Connelly, Walter Mosley, Lee Child, Toni Morrison, and Marie Force are my top five. Genres/Material I will not read: none My approach to beta reading: I always read a manuscript twice - once for enjoyment and again for content. Something I want authors to know: I love my job! Things that make me a good beta reader: Being an editor makes me a better beta reader. Author Testimonials for Helen
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Jasper
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Jasper is a child and youth care worker who spends much of his free time immersed in the creative arts. He passionately believes in the power of stories, both lived and invented, and strives to support, inspire, and incite growth in everything he does.
Age range: 20-25
Location: Newfoundland, Canada Hobbies: acting, drawing, cross-stitching, reading, writing, and volunteering. Favorite Genres: young adult fiction, urban fantasy, fantasy, sci-fi Favorite Book: The Raven Cycle, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secret of the Universe, the Riordan-verse Favorite Authors: Rick Riordan, Maggie Stifvater, Leigh Bardugo Genres/Material I will not read: rape, sexual assault, horror, war |
Jennifer
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As both a voracious reader and a writer, Jennifer understands the needs of authors seeking beta reader feedback. She has a BA in English literature from the College of William & Mary where she took as many creative writing classes as she could. She went on to earn a JD, and as a law school admissions professional, she reviewed and critiqued hundreds of personal statements. She lives with her husband and daughter in rural Virginia.
Age range: 30-35
Location: Virginia, USA Hobbies: writing, baking, postcard collecting, toddler wrangling Favorite Genres: young adult literature, science fiction/fantasy, upmarket women's fiction, classic literature, romance, horror (I will read just about anything!) Favorite Books: Winesburg Ohio by Sherwood Anderson, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (and many more). Favorite Authors: Jandy Nelson, Jodi Picoult, Neil Gaiman, Rainbow Rowell, V.E. Schwab, Stephen King Genres/material I will not beta read: violent erotica Something silly about me: my husband and I spent two weeks driving around Ireland in a Nissan Micra and it was amazing. My approach to beta reading: I'm committed to providing careful, detailed, and constructive advice while enthusiastically praising the aspects of your novel that I love! Something I want authors to know: Receiving beta reader feedback can be an emotional experience. Trust me, I know! Even constructive criticism can sting quite a bit and your first reaction may be anger or disappointment. Give yourself a little time to mourn the idea that your novel was already perfect (every author's wish!) and then use that feedback to make your novel outstanding! Things that make me a good beta reader: I believe in showing authors my unfiltered reading experience by making a lot of comments in the manuscript. Author Testimonials for Jennifer
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Jesse
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Jesse resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, and works as a freelance closed captioner and editor. She is currently enrolled as a master of publishing student at Simon Fraser University and has completed her bachelor of communications (professional writing major) at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.
Age range: 25-30.
Location: British Columbia, Canada Hobbies: reading, hiking/camping, knitting Favorite Genres: drama, mystery, self-help Favorite Book: Wild by Cheryl Strayed Favorite Authors: Jodi Picoult, Cea Sunrise Person, Cheryl Strayed Genres/material I will not read: N/A Something silly about me: I have a rock collection! Things that make me a good beta reader: keen attention to detail, big-picture reading (i.e following character development / consistency / watching for scene continuity) Author Testimonials for Jesse |
Jessica
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Jessica has a BA in creative writing and an MFA. She spends her days reading, writing, and playing with her dachshund.
Age range: 30-35
Location: Kansas City Hobbies: yoga, reading, hiking Favorite genres: fantasy, paranormal, romance Favorite authors: Julie Garwood, Patricia Briggs, Terry Brooks, Martha Wells Genres/material I won’t beta read: horror My approach to beta reading: My approach is one of honesty, what comes to my mind as I read it. This is different for each book and with each I attempt to explain, as well as I can, what I feel the strengths and weaknesses are. Something I want authors to know: In case I don’t explain things clearly or don’t expand enough on something, I’m always available to answer questions through email. If I haven’t mentioned something that is important to the author, I don’t mind going back and adding more details. Author Testimonials for Jessica
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Joslyn
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Drawing expertise from her background as a queer woman, interest in all formats of entertainment, and extensive free time in the cornfields of the rural Midwest, Joslyn helps story creators navigate the complicated world of well-crafted, inclusive narratives. She is a beta reader who uses her skills to make sure the heart of stories reach their true potential. When not working with blossoming stories, she can be found drawing oddly charming cryptids, tackling a new craft that she has no expertise in, or playing with her petulantly adorable corgi, Mochi.
Age range: 20-25
Location: Michigan, USA Hobbies: illustration, sewing, and playing with my corgi Favorite Genres: YA fantasy, adult sci-fi, cozy mysteries, middle-grade fantasy, and anything with dragons in it Favorite Book: Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce Favorite Authors: Tamora Pierce Genres/Material I will not read: sexual abuse, historical fiction centered on war Something silly about me: I am of the firm opinion that Smokey the Bear is a cryptid, much like Bigfoot and Mothman, but he’s just more charismatic. My approach to beta reading: Every story wants to touch its readers, and I’m here to try to help an author achieve that in their own unique style. Story building can be messy and chaotic, so I am a helpful pair of eyes to help parse out what’s working, what’s impactful, and what might have some opportunity for development. Something I want authors to know: I’m always happy to answer further questions about my comments. If there are areas of interest that authors would like more explanation or my response, I am happy to expand on my thoughts. |
Katherine
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After working in both the private sector and government for several years, Katherine is transitioning to freelance editing and proofreading. She has a BA in English literature as well as courses in copyediting and publishing. Katherine has very eclectic tastes and enjoys many different genres. When she’s not working or reading, you can find her spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Age range: 40-45
Location: Ontario, Canada Hobbies: reading, language learning, crafts, DIY, photography (I try), studying animal behaviour (or at least my pets’ behaviour) Favorite Genres: fantasy, romance, historical, cozy mysteries, paranormal, YA, mainstream, literary fiction Favorite Book: not just one favorite, too many to list Favorite Authors: Robin Hobb, Naomi Novik, George R.R. Martin, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, Tracy Brogan, Lisa Kleypas, Deanna Raybourn, Krista Davis, Sarah J. Maas, Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy Genres/material I will not read: explicit horror Author Testimonials for Katherine
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Mary
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Born a New Englander, Mary moved south in early adulthood, realized she actually likes winter, and promptly moved back north. She’s currently trying out life as a Michigander(anian?) with her boyfriend, who also actually likes winter. In her free time, Mary practices yoga, makes friends with her oven, and plots daring adventures for fictional people.
Age range: 30-35
Location: Michigan, US Hobbies: yoga, reading, listening to music, learning too much Disney trivia Favorite Genres: fantasy, soft sci-fi, quirky mysteries and romances, almost anything middle-grade, fairy tale retellings Favorite Book: A Wrinkle in Time Favorite Authors: Robert Jackson Benett, Marissa Meyer, Derek Landy, Sawyer Bennett, Brandon Sanderson, V. E. Schwab Genres/Material I will not read: excessive gore/violence, psychological horror/dark suspense Something silly about me: I like soup and hot chocolate in summer. My approach to beta reading: I’m not reading your book. I’m meeting your story. Something I want authors to know: I’ve written the manuscripts. I’ve been there, too. I’ve got your back. Author Testimonials for Mary
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Originally from Australia, I’ve lived in many different countries over the years. More recently I spent 5 years in L.A, where I worked with film companies and screenwriting competitions, providing informative, useful coverage and feedback. I have also been part of three great writing critique groups (one in Sydney, one in LA, one online). I’ve been a professional writer and journalist for over 15 years, covering everything from: sport; music; film & entertainment; business; and travel. I have written and produced three short films, and completed five feature scripts. I’m about to publish my first novel, as I query agents for three of my completed children's picture books, along with researching and prepping my second adult fiction book and next screenplay!
Age range: 40-50
Location: Melbourne, Australia, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Hobbies: Creative writing, screenwriting, book & film fanatic, avid world traveller (50+ countries and counting) Favorite Genres: Adventure, Literary fiction, Thriller/Suspense/Mystery, Dystopian Sci-fi, Magical Realism, Historical fiction Favorite Book: Shantaram – the most exquisite novel I’ve ever read. A masterpiece! Other Faves: Ready Player One; A Fraction Of The Whole; Gone Girl; Time Traveller’s Wife Favorite Authors: Gregory David-Roberts, Gillian Flynn, Cormac McCarthy Genres/Material you will not read: Not keen on romance novels, but I will read erotica (hardcore or soft) if there’s a good story underpinning it all. Something silly about you: I’ve written first thing in the morning, the middle of the day, and late at night for weeks and months on end. Inside and outside, at home, in cafes and libraries. When you are truly exposed and put yourself all out there, it shows in your writing. Your approach to beta reading: Being a creative writer, journalist, editor, copy-editor, and proofreader, I wear many hats. I find each one comes in very handy when critiquing and evaluating writing. I also look to offer valuable (and useful) constructive criticism and honest feedback. Stuff that you can use to enhance your novel further. I’m all for the writer’s journey. Something you want authors to know: I know the creative writing process very well. The difficulties, the challenges, but also the inspiration, energy, fun and love that comes from writing. Things about you that make you a good beta reader: I’m someone who appreciates the written word and recalls great books, pieces of writing and quotes that really move me or are truly memorable. I’m very well read across a wide range of genres. Author Testimonials for Mark
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Max
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Max is a trans parent of one wily kiddo, a lazy dog, and a psychotic kitten.
Age range: 40-45
Hobbies: watching movies, cooking, building models Favorite Genres: sci-fi/fantasy/biographies Favorite Books: Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice, Eisenhorn by Dan Abnett, Favorite Authors: Chuck Palahniuk, Anne Rice, Mary Roach, Nelson DeMille, John le Carré, Guy Gavriel Kay, GRR Martin Genres/Material I will not read: right-wing/fascist stuff Author Testimonials for Max
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Melissa
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Melissa is an engineer living in Southern California. She is a mother to two handsome boys, one great dane, a poodle, a staffie, and one tiny wiener dog whose sole purpose in life is delivering licks to the world. When Melissa is not at work, she can be found hiding with a Kindle book in a darkened room, pretending not to see the fingers (and paws) poking under the door.
Age range: 35-40
Location: Los Angeles, CA Hobbies: writing, reading, running races (slow, slow races) Favorite Genres: urban fantasy, epic fantasy, paranormal romance Favorite Book: King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence Favorite Authors: Brandon Sanderson, Ilona Andrews, Brent Weeks, Karen Moning, Mark Lawrence Genres/Material I will not read: nonfiction My approach to beta reading: I read through the entire document first, perhaps highlighting as I go, but holding back on comments until the end. I like to get a feel for the flow of the story without interruption before making comments. Things that make me a good beta reader: I’ve been through many critique sessions, and I know what types of comments have been helpful to me with my own work (usually those that include lots and lots of examples). I provide the type of feedback that I would want from a beta reader. Author Testimonials for Melissa
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Nia
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Nia is a freelance writer, editor, and beta reader. She is originally from Southern California, but is an avid traveler and has found herself fairly nomadic. She has a passion for exploring and loves learning about the ways in which culture influences an individual’s storytelling and creative process. She enjoys poetry and various genres of fiction, and she hopes to one day publish her own work.
Age range: 20-25
Location: San Diego, California Hobbies: reading (of course), traveling, astrology, hiking, camping Favorite Genres: romance, sci-fi, mystery/thriller, horror Favorite Book: Letters to a Young Poet Favorite Authors: Charles Bukowski, Vladimir Nabokov Genres/Material I will not read: I’ll read anything, although I’m unfamiliar with western fiction, historical fiction, and the subgenre of sci-fi, steampunk. Something silly about me: I’m terrified of mascots! Something I want authors to know: I’m on YOUR side! I want to help you tell the best story you can, and all of my feedback stems from my love of great storytelling. Things about you that make me a good beta reader: I’ll never tell you something “doesn’t work” without offering several suggestions on how to fix the issue. I believe that’s the only way to effectively communicate constructive feedback. Author Testimonials for Nia
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Shadae
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Shadae is a young adult writer, editor, and sensitivity reader originally from Las Vegas, NV. They studied English language at the University of Northern Colorado (bachelor's) and college student personnel at Bowling Green State University (master's). Shadae’s other areas of study include Africana studies and theatre arts. Currently, Shadae works full time in higher education and consistently advocates for the needs of minoritized students. When they are not working with students, they are spending time with their pets, hanging out in the mountains, or crafting crochet creations.
Age range: 20-25
Location: Ithaca, NY Hobbies: hiking, crafting, kayaking, and video games Favorite Genres: fantasy and young adult fiction Favorite Book: I love so many different books. I enjoy several classics of the American canon, but also love a great number of high-fantasy novels as well. The Great Gatsby, Little Women, Anansi Boys, Becoming, A Song of Ice and Fire, The Stolen Throne, The Wheel of Time Favorite Authors: Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, David Gaider, Toni Morrison, Margaret Atwood Genres/Material I will not read: I will read anything. Something silly about me: I love video games so much, but I have a tendency to have to play a game as long as it takes to obtain every single achievement. Something I want authors to know: I am a friendly, fun-loving individual and will go out of my way to make this process fun and enjoyable for you. I am happy to work with you however best fits your style. |
Stacey
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Stacey is a vibrant Mixed Blood screenwriter, novelist, diversity editor, and filmmaker. She writes suspenseful crime stories that explore race, families, addictions, love, and healing. She’s co-owner of Through The Wilderness, LLC, a film production company dedicated to untold stories and new takes on old tales. TTW’s debut film she wrote, Blessed, a Native female action short about the struggle between becoming a mother or being a warrior to save one’s family, streams on Amazon Prime. She holds a MLS in interdisciplinary child social policy from the U of MN, an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University, and an MFA in screenwriting from USC School of Cinematic Arts. She plans to keep telling stories where she blows sh#* up.
Age range: over 40
Location: Minneapolis, MN Hobbies: film, TV, reading and family Favorite Genres: crime, mysteries, psychological thrillers Favorite Book: too many to choose Favorite Authors: Toni Morrison, Celeste Ng, Tayari Jones, Gillian Flynn, Stephen King and more… Genres/Material I will not read: erotica Something silly about me: I still love to dance to 80’s music and air jam in my car. My approach to beta reading: The first time I read a novel, I highlight characters, passages, dialogue and make notes. I ask big story questions along with smaller more concise ones. On my second read, I revisit what was highlighted, now knowing where the story goes, and answer questions or ask more. I think it's important to know what's working, too, so I make note of that, also. Something I want authors to know: My goal is to be a service to you and your novel. I want your novel to be the best that it can be. I keep that in mind as I read and in the report. To write a novel is a huge, exciting creative endeavor and I will to do my part to help you move your novel onto its next step. Things that make me a good beta reader: I'm a voracious reader. I love story. I enjoy gripping, suspenseful stories with compelling characters. I'm curious. |
Stephanie
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Stephanie is an editor, writer, and reviewer based in New York City. Having grown up with a multicultural and diverse background, she hopes to support underrepresented and marginalized voices in all genres of literature. She enjoys spooky YA stories about ghosts and goblins any time of year, and dabbles in illustration for young readers. She lives and travels with her well-read dog-daughter.
Location: New York, NY
Favorite Genres: science fiction, YA/MG, fantasy, horror, graphic novels Favorite Book: The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez Favorite Authors: Karen Russell, Kelly Link, Carmen Maria Machado, Octavia Butler, Flannery O’Connor Genres/Material I will not read: erotica/Christian/most nonfiction My approach to diversity reading: My goal is to help you achieve a respectful and engaging perspective on a character, plot arc, etc. that will not compromise your writing style and voice, and make it clear to readers that you as an author care about sensitivity and diversity and inclusion. Something I want authors to know: I have years of experience as a full-time and freelance editor and proofreader, so while this is not an editing pass, I am attuned to meticulously small details and try to place myself in the role of both beta reader and external reader/audience. |
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