Readers & Writers discussion

I see you have started the dreaded hunt for a paid beta reader for your manuscript. I know you are looking at other betas and trying to find the right fit for you and your story, and that’s what I’ll be helping you do in this post.

Since you are here your story falls within the genres I love to read, but I’d like to make a couple of clarifications on genres. I just can’t do Chucky dolls. It’s a childhood phobia that follows me into my nightmares. On the other hand, Arthur C. Clarke’s Childhood’s End didn’t mar my early years one bit. I will read YA/NA if the story otherwise falls within my genres. 500 words of a teenaged girl’s daydream of being a swashbuckling space pirate surrounded by 70K words of high school drama – I’m not the beta reader you are looking for.

Am I really a beta reader? That is unfortunately a relevant question. I have heard that manuscript pirates are putting up Goodreads profiles and websites. I have a Goodreads profile and a website you can check (see my link below), but more importantly, I have reviews (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...) from Goodreads authors you can contact. I will also do a meet and greet with you by phone or Zoom. Fair warning – I’m a Zoom newbie, but I promise to wear clothes. Email me to schedule an appointment or to just chat email-style, whichever you prefer. suemckerns@gmail.com.

What can you expect when I beta your manuscript? I will read your manuscript word for word, leaving behind polite, insightful, and sometimes lightly humorous inline comments covering anything and everything that I’m thinking. Then I write a beta report. I go into the details of what’s in my report on my website. For now, know that in this report I will tell you the hard truths you need to know. I tell you the things I don’t really want to tell you, but I do tell you because your story will be better for it. I know that this is an uncomfortable part of your journey. The following comments from authors who have experienced my work describe my personal and respectful approach better than I ever could.

What is my turnaround time like? Since my primary goal is to give you excellent feedback, I don’t rush reads or expedite for an additional fee. I do schedule more time than I need to cover life’s unscheduled interruptions, so I can often start/finish beta reads earlier than projected. Generally, I will schedule 15-17 days for a 100K word manuscript.

About the free samples . . .? For new clients, send me the first 3K words of your novel and I'll beta them for free.

Here is a concise list of my qualifications:
40+ years reading speculative fiction (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
30+ years proofreading and light editing of legal letters and documents
Writing and editing for Bylery Publications, Inc.'s local newspapers (1989-1991)
B.S. in Business Marketing (1986)

For more details, visit my website: https://sites.google.com/view/ottervi...

Beta reading: https://sites.google.com/view/ottervi...

I look forward to beta reading your manuscript and providing the assistance you need to effectively tell your story.

I also offer proofreading packages.

Sue McKerns
Otterville Overhaul, LLC
Beta & Proofreading Services

G'day Sue
On behalf of authors everywhere, thanks for your terrific service. I'm not in your genres but I know how important and valuable a beta reader is to the process. Long may your read.
www.cenfoxbooks.com

Good Morning, Cenarth
I've would've seen your comment earlier if I hadn't been in the cone of dying Tropical Storm Elsa, here in Virginia. Temporarily lost our satellite. Yep, too far out for anything but satellite. No damage, we're good here.
Appreciate your support. Authors from your part of the globe have a lot to contribute to SFF, and I'm certain the other genres, also. You guys give your stories a unique feel and perspective that I don't think gets the attention it should.
Thanks again - Sue

BETA READING and PROOFREADING for SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY: Space Opera, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Hard SF & more.

45+ YEARS of addiction to SFF of all kinds and ready to beta read or proofread your book.

Check my Goodreads profile for my reading interests.

PRICES for BETA and PROOFREADING PACKAGES on my website: https://sites.google.com/view/ottervi....

I also have a more informative ad with author reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/....

You can message me with any questions. - Sue