Beta Reader Group discussion

I need to stop looking at my manuscript, please give me something to read. Since readers are in fairly high demand, I will probably take the first three that interest me.

Yes, I have beta read before. My preferred genre is fantasy, but I'm willing to try other things. Just know that I'm most experienced with fantasy and some sci-fi. I am VERY picky and critical when it comes to romance writing, so if you're looking for that, I'm the person for you. (As an example, Sarah Maas scenes: nope nope nope)

Critique style: I tend to focus on characters and plot the most. I like to immerse myself in the book. As such, I do not particularly like to copy edit since it distracts from the immersion. I will only comment on grammar if it sticks out pretty bad. If there is any specific elements you want me to focus on, of course I can accommodate.

High word counts are no problem, I'm a fast reader.

Any questions or requests can be dropped in this thread or messaged to me directly.

And since bots like to ruin things for everyone, here's my certificate of humanity:

Potato.

Hello Brittany! I am seeking some free beta readers for my novel: Because the Demons Scream So Loudly. The novel is 117k words. It is literary fiction- it is a slow burn, introspective, pensive novel. It is an epistolary novel- it is written completely in journal/diary format. The novel is a mixed bag of religion/spirituality/romance/vampiric elements.

Excerpt: Entry 148- I still don't know how I managed it, Holy Sonom Soeht; the mind is indeed a powerful thing. My mind had already started to dissociate as the bleeder ran up to me, pinned me on the ground, and sunk his teeth into my neck. I fixed my eyes on the emerging moon as blood dripped down the back of my neck. The night lights blurred with tears but did not disappear. Not a single muscle of mine moved as he released my neck and stood up. To my shock, the bleeder spoke then as my gaze remained pinned on the sky. “It’s been quite a long time since I drew blood without a fight, and from a god woman to boot.” I heard him pick up my broken cleric chain off the ground. His foot pushed against my still frozen face as he stood over me, dangling my chain from his hand. “Such a shame that misery and naivety are not virtues,” he declared with blood still on his lips. The chain fell on the dirt beside me. As I listened to his footsteps turn and leave me, he hollered, “A word of advice, woman. If I can smell the insincerity on you, don’t you think your omniscient deity can?” I’m not sure how many minutes passed after he left, with me still paralyzed on the ground weeping.

I am looking for primarily developmental feedback- pacing, plot construction, character development, reader satisfaction, etc. If you are interested in beta reading for me, just let me know! Please feel free to ask me any additional questions. Thank you so very much for your valuable time in considering it!

Hey Witny, I will be glad to provide a primary developmental feedback on all areas you've stated.

I will send you a request so we can talk in Dms

or you can reach out through my email
moranjassiah248@gmail.com

Love the human certification!

I sent you an email. Thanks a lot for offering to read my short story!

Hello Brittany! Can I interest you to beta read my novel? It's a ~93k word sci-fi/action superhero origin arc novel.

Premise:
In a world on the brink of covert war, five elemental vanguards are chosen by sentient mech to resist a rising global threat.

It follows Raka Laksana Wiratama, a university student from Yogyakarta, Indonesia who stumbles into a hidden war between two secret factions. When a sentient fire-tiger mech bonds with him, Raka is thrust into the ranks of the Elementum Initiative, a clandestine organization sworn to protect the planet.

You can drop by my post if you want to read more about the novel or simply DM me.

Have a nice day!

Hi Brittany,

I have an 80k-word crime thriller in beta reading atm. I'll post the blurb and two sample chapters for you to look at. If you're interested, please email me at andymorisseau@hotmail.com.

Thanks,
Andy

Blurb:

Justice

In the slums of St. Louis, the streets don’t wait for the courts—and neither does a mysterious new killer.

When notorious gang leader Tyrell Brooks is gunned down, Detective Darren Cutright chalks it up to street justice. But as more criminals wind up dead, he suspects the culprit is doing what the legal system fails to do.

Meanwhile, idealistic rookie cop Mike Clark strives to prove himself in a city where a badge is a target, not a shield. As the bodies pile up, Darren and Mike are thrust onto a collision course with the elusive killer. But should they even try to stop him?

Raw, relentless, and razor-sharp, this crime thriller blurs the line between right and wrong in a city where justice comes from the barrel of a gun.

You can sample the first two chapters at the link below. Be advised, there is violent content in this excerpt.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x...

Witny wrote: "Hello Brittany! I am seeking some free beta readers for my novel: Because the Demons Scream So Loudly. The novel is 117k words. It is literary fiction- it is a slow burn, introspective, pensive nov..."

Hey Witny, I can give you a shot.

Can't say I've ever read an epistolary novel, but I'm familiar with vampiric and religious themes. I'd like to DM you my email.

Artemis wrote: "Hi Brittany, I am not sure if you are into characten-driven literary fiction, but if you are, I have a polished book which I'd love a fresh pair of eyes to take a look at before publishing. It's a ..."

Can I DM you my email? I'd like to give it a go.

Elys wrote: "Sure! I never DMed here but let's give it a go!"

It doesn't let me message you because of your settings, my inbox should be open though

Adam is a dragoon, a dragon rider. Like all other dragon riders, he has no memories before he Bonded with his partner, Tapa. Together they have done many things, but now, he seeks out his human parents. He worries that soon they will get too old and he won't ever know them. So Adam chooses to seek them out while he is still in his twenties.

Along the way, he finds an understaffed dragon rider academy. He reasons that one season isn't too long of a delay. But, to his surprise, Silvia is attracted to him. To Adam it doesn't matter she is nineteen, he is an instructor and that isn't okay.

When the spring comes, he leaves the academy behind and travels to Solar City where he Bonded with Tapa. Now, he faces the board in the center of city, and not a single post for his age. He's traveled across the face of Gaia, and his parents aren't looking for him. Adam wonders, what does he next: stay and make a life or return back to the life he knows.

The Names Dragons Give is finished at 100k words. It is more about finding your family than the romance. Or at least, that is my interpretation. Please let me know if you're interested.

Let me know if you're interested.

Hello Brittany! I am looking for Beta Readers to look into my 115k word debut novel, Usurper’s Crown. Usurper’s Crown is a twisted coming of age fantasy novel that follows a young Prince Alaric Frall’s evolution from boy to man. My project has been through several rounds of editing and thus should (hopefully) be fairly polished. This book covers lots of dark themes, with extreme insight on severe mental illness and violence. It is not a happy book. You have been warned!

Please drop your email if you are interested! Below is a synopsis I think gives a good feel for the book. Happy reading! (Not)

Prince Alaric Frall has lived his entire life destined to inherit the richest of Watree’s five kingdoms. Starsign, his home, has ever been a brethren state to the Emperors of Alern. Alongside the Emperor’s son, Crown Prince Brutus, Alaric has spent his days in debauchery- drinking, whoring, and chasing his hopeless love interest, Princess Thalia of the East. But when Alaric’s father grows tired of his degeneracy, and Alaric’s crown is threatened, he must make friends in a city where none can be trusted…

Thrones and crowns change hands like coppers in a brothel, and friends are spent just the same. Alaric’s story is one of espionage and revenge, one of love and regret. By the end of it all, the line between right and wrong has been trod upon so frequently not even Alaric knows where it once stood.

My email is forrestc405@gmail.com, I can send the PDF over if you're interested!

Hi Brittany,

I've been looking for a beta reader for my completed romantasy novel. It's pretty character-driven, so it might fit what you are looking for, and I'd love reader feedback on all aspects, but particularly the romance aspect as well.

I've copied my blurb below; if you are interested, please reach out and we can connect more via messages or email.

Thanks for taking a look!

Summary:
When Araeya falls through the Vael and into the foreign realm beyond, she lands in the middle of a war that threatens to tear down the boundary between worlds and destroy both sides. She soon learns that the key to ending it could be embedded in her blood; but the monster she would have to face is one who bends blood to his will.

When her way home is tied to a weapon that could aid the resistance that saved her life or give their enemy the power he needs to reach beyond the Vael, her choice whether to stay and fight for this new world or return to her own holds the fate of both in the balance. Uncertain of her purpose and her power, she believes she must protect her own world by leaving the new one behind. But as her path - and her heart - becomes entwined with the commander of the resistance, she discovers that love might have the power to change her mind…and maybe change the world.

Hi, Brittany. If you have any trouble sending me a DM ( I have not always had success when trying to dm people on here), feel free to email me directly at witny.lit@gmail.com . Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!

Hi I am looking for a beta reader to read my COMEDY MURDER MYSTERY novel, complete at 104 K.

Margo, is not thinking about her Californicating husband. She’s in her bubble: her beautiful, esoteric work (patent attorney - but this isn't a patent mystery, it's where Margo hides from life). So she’s definitely not thinking about whether he is behind the carjacking on her drive or whether he murdered a neighbour. And to make sure it stays this way, she’s going to have to hoover the evidence before the police .

I'd love to hear your views on my story !

cheers
H

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Amber wrote: "Hi Brittany,

I've been looking for a beta reader for my completed romantasy novel. It's pretty character-driven, so it might fit what you are looking for, and I'd love reader feedback on all aspec..."

If you still need a reader, feel free to DM me the specifics! I am currently unable to message you from your profile.

Hi Brittany!

If you're still interested in beta reading, I'd love your take on my manuscript. Depending on your genre/trigger warnings/etc. I might be open to swapping manuscripts as well.

I've included my draft query and first three hundred words below. If you're interested, I'd love to send you more and learn from your feedback. Feel free to DM me if that's the case. Either way, thanks for your time!

Query

DEATH OF THE SATRAP’S BLADE is a 105,000-word standalone adult romantic fantasy. Like T. Kingfisher’s Paladin’s Grace, the manuscript features middle-aged protagonists and explores feminist themes. Like J.D. Evans’s Reign & Ruin, it follows deadly characters in a setting inspired by the Near East.

Azya escaped her father’s satrapy with two things: twenty years of training in the art of killing, and Imar, her sole friend. Though Imar appears to be a mere tattoo, he materializes as a lava-whip with the power to manipulate emotions.

Unfortunately, the tattoo is fading. If it becomes much fainter, Imar will die.

The only ink that can revitalize him lies deep in the territory of Azya’s father. Braving the region’s crystal trees and crazed demons is a death sentence, which is precisely why no one is willing to join Azya’s quest—except for Pedrem.

He doesn’t fear danger. After all, Pedrem is so lost in grief over his late fiancé that to him, living is worse than dying. Recognizing Azya’s skill with weapons and magic, he agrees to help her. In exchange, he requests her aid in killing the three-headed dragon that slayed his fiancé.

As they navigate ancient forests, scale towering cliffs, and trek through snowy tundras, Azya and Pedrem begin to view the world through each other’s eyes. Pedrem learns to see beauty in every leaf and breeze, just as Azya does. Meanwhile, Azya learns that pain isn’t weakness.

Both her quest and Pedrem’s had always been likely to end in spilt blood. Neither of them minded, because neither placed much value in their own lives. However, as they bond, they realize that more than their own lives are at stake. Azya is forced to ask herself whether saving Imar is worth endangering Pedrem, and Pedrem must grapple with whether he’s willing to risk Azya’s life in his quest for revenge.

After leaving my career as a lawyer, I struggled to find purpose and direction. The characters in Death of the Satrap’s Blade face similar challenges. My Persian heritage and experiences climbing, backpacking, and highlining also influenced the story, which emphasizes nature’s healing power.

First 300 Words

Azya didn’t want to kill him. She didn’t even want to hurt him. Certainly not with steel and flame. No, she didn’t crave the man’s death.

Azya wanted his humiliation. Steel and flame merely happened to be the tools with which she would extract it.

Bloodthirsty cheers echoed through the amphitheater like hawk cries bouncing off canyon walls. Hundreds of spectators leered down from raised seats, surely expecting to watch Azya’s entrails soon spill atop the muddy grass.

She fostered such expectations. Stooped posture disguised her height. Oversized robes hid her muscles. Anonymity veiled her bloodied past. Those close enough to make out Azya’s severe face likely saw only a middle-aged druid who, while hardened by her years, should’ve been using her magics to heat water in a bathhouse, not face death in an honor duel.

Azya was no stranger to secreting herself so. Like most women, she had practice in making herself small and unseen. Such was often necessary to survive a world bloated by men of misaligned compasses. Had become necessary, at least, after she’d fled the Spire Citadel.

Today, however, Azya’s survival wasn’t in question. Not against a stone-brained brute like the one she faced. She draped herself in a costume of fear and frailty for the sake of theatrics.

The smaller she looked, the smaller her opponent would look when he inevitably pissed himself.

At the moment, he exuded strength to the unassuming eye. His head seemed but a small pebble affixed to wide shoulders. Mud squelched as the gargantuan man paced. Whatever few virtues he possessed, patience wasn’t one of them.

Nor was temperance, if the size of his crystal club was any indication. Writhing shadows sheathed the weapon in darkness, falsely suggesting that the club’s translucent body was forged of black diamond.

Brittany wrote: "I need to stop looking at my manuscript, please give me something to read. Since readers are in fairly high demand, I will probably take the first three that interest me.

Yes, I have beta read be..."

Email me at mi.cote@northeastern.edu. I have a fantasy novel. It has druids and elves. I need a final read-through before going to a literary agent. It has gotten high praise from previous beta-readers. I made some critical plot changes and need a final thumbs up on the overall plot and characters before sending out.

Hi Brittany! I'm looking for a dark romance reader to read Written Obsession, a psychological, emotionally intense, slow-burn dark romance between a creatively blocked writer and the man who’s been obsessively curating her entire world behind the scenes.
🖤 Think:
Gothic atmosphere
Predator-prey tension
Power imbalance that veers into obsession
Consent blurred by control
-
If that is at all interesting, please let me know!

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Brittany! I'm looking for a dark romance reader to read Written Obsession, a psychological, emotionally intense, slow-burn dark romance between a creatively blocked writer and the man who’s been..."

Hey Jennifer, if you want to DM me your critique specifications I can give it a shot. I can't message you directly.

Hi Brittany, I'd love for you to have a look at the first few chapters of my fantasy manuscript and see what you think, let me know if you have time!

Hi Brittany,
I've written an Urban Fantasy about a fisherman who finds a mermaid and he's the one who ends up hooked. The book is 107,000 words. I'm looking for character development, to see if my MC is likable. And I need feedback on the beginning. An agent just sent me a rejection letter stating the beginning was off to a great start and then it slowed down and lost her. I think that's where I digressed and took my MC thinking back in time. My email is: twinklebummy@outlook.com. Thank you. Jaclyn

Hi Brittany,

I've written a sci-fi thriller, 'FastVax,' (40,000 words) set in the near future, with a strange pandemic gripping the world. The story focuses on a suspenseful life-and-death conflict between Bronagh and her husband Derek. Interested?

Erwan

HI Brittany,
I have just finished my first novel! I was wondering, if you had the time, if you would be interested in reading it. It is a YA Sci-fi novel with comedic beats and trying to avoid sci-fi tropes. It is 62K words and if you have time I would be honored. You can always email me directly at cukelarryboy@yahoo.com

Hello, I have recently finished my Dark YA Fantasy book, Ashes of Revenge (98k words). I am seeking Beta Readers to either read the entire manuscript or any number of chapters you wish to read!

In the land of Corrail, five species use hate and spite to make the land a violent cesspool. Raven, a badly burned teenager, knows that better than anyone. Betrayed by her Kingdom and left for dead in enemy territory, she wants nothing but revenge against the Mundus King who betrayed her.

Helping her achieve her revenge are two other people from differing species, creating an unlikely trio: Colt, a Shifter – a species with knives hiding under their skin – who has experienced the same betrayal from his own Kingdom; and Richard, a stern Farian with massive black wings attached to his back. Together, the three reign down terror on anyone who tries to stop them or destroy the Farian Kingdom, the only one of the five that opposes submitting to the bloodthirsty King of the Monstros.

However, they are set off course when a new player enters Raven’s game: Death. Using the only two people she cares about as leverage, he forces her to prematurely return to the Mundus Kingdom. But vengeance courses so fast beneath her skin that nothing can stop her from getting what she wants. Not even Death.

You can message me here or PM me or send me an email at mstegall18@gmail.com!

Thanks :)

Hi I’m actually looking for someone to read four chapters of my adult high fantasy novel and give me feedback. It is not romantasy. As I am not a writer of those scenes that you’ve mentioned (Sara j Maas scenes) and also Demi they are not my preferred genre. If you’re willing to work with me I’d be super thankful!

Hi Brittany!

If you're interested, I have a 95k YA sci-fi called "The Shadow of Tarensa." It has a lot of romance, but nothing at all like Sarah Maas! I will post the summary below:

---------

Norra has dreamt for years of finding someone like her, but her adoptive parents have never allowed her to leave her hometown. Life is hard enough for a teenage girl, and it’s even harder when you have no idea who you are or where you came from. Lacking anything normal like claws or feathers, her gangly limbs and flat face set her apart in any crowd.

Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Norra has a chance to get out into the real world during her rite of passage journey, with hopes of finally fitting in. However, everything changes when she is kidnapped by a warrior race called the R’caesa, who plan on taking her back to their capital city. While Norra is plotting her escape, she meets another one of their prisoners: a mysterious, shrouded man known only as “the Shadow” whose people, as legends say, came from another world. Norra has always wanted to see a human in real life since she has never really believed the stories about their godlike silver skin and flying ships.

Eventually, Norra is able to make an escape, taking the Shadow along with her. But, even after he’s free, why won’t he lift his veil?

(P.S. If it isn't clear in the summary, Norra is a human too.)

---------

Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in. Thank you!

Hi,
I'm looking for a beta reader for the opening passage of my literary novel titled Afterglow King. It's 1200 words long. Here is the summary:

In a quiet coffee shop in Albany, Oregon, elderly Pete Shehann crosses paths with Alex, a younger stranger whose curiosity is piqued by something Pete says. A shared table, a spilled coffee, and a familiar book set the stage for a growing connection between them. Despite Pete’s reluctance, Alex’s quiet persistence and genuine interest draw him in. As they talk, something about Alex—and the moment—makes Pete reconsider his long-held silence. What begins as a casual exchange gradually becomes the opening to a much deeper story.

Hello Brittany! I’m with you on the Sara J Maas thing, here’s my WIP if you want to take a look (no pressure)
60K unfinished “Wing Killer” is about the last human on earth hunting down two fairies in a post apocalyptic setting. Here’s a sample:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12...

Hi Brittany I have a first draft of (what I would call a novella at the minute-some 44,00 words). It's a Philosophical Fantasy. "After his sudden death, ruthless corporate executive Richard Ainsworth is enrolled in a bizarre afterlife trial: 17 weeks each in Heaven, Hell, and a ghostly replica of his earthly life. Guided by a celestial bureaucracy, he must confront his past, manipulate new systems, and decide his eternal fate. But as the lines between realms blur, Richard realizes the trial isn't about where he's going—it's about who he's willing to become." Would you be interested in giving me your feedback on the plot and characters? Cheers...Chris

Hi Brittany. I am looking for a free beta reader for my fantasy novel Hooked. It is about 99459k words and 266 pages. This is a novel version of a play I wrote. Long story short, lol, it is a book about how Hook became a bad guy. He and Peter Pan are friends who have a falling out. It is like a retelling of Peter Pan. I am hoping to find out the following from it, but you wouldn't have to answer all the questions. These are from my post I made in the authors looking for beta readers, which also has a longer synopsis of the book in.

1. Character Arc: Did James's transformation from loyal protector to Captain Hook feel believable and tragic? When did you start sympathizing with him over Peter?
2. Peter Pan: Does Peter come across as genuinely toxic without being a cartoon villain? Did his emotional manipulation feel realistic?
3. The Breaking Point: How did the hand-severing scene affect you? Did it feel necessary or too extreme?
4. Pacing: Were there sections that dragged or felt rushed? What would you cut or expand?
5. Themes: Did the "cost of selfless service" theme resonate? Does James's choice of power over invisibility make sense?
6. Overall Impact: Would you recommend this book? Who's the ideal reader?
7. Gut Reaction: What moments stuck with you most? Any "wow" or "wait, what?" responses?
8. I have done a few rewrites on this book, so also let me know if I duplicated anything in it. I have my main document, the chapter document I write chapters in, and the editing document I go between when I write, so I want to make sure I didn't transfer duplicate chapter documents to my main document after editing. Plus, I have ADHD, so I am always writing 2 books at the same time, and sometimes that can mess me up. lol

If you are interested in beta reading it, just let me know. Thank you in advance for considering it!

John Knutson

Hello Brittany,
I'm seeking a beta reader for my 80,000-word novel. It's set in Russia and features a romance between an Englishman and a Russian woman. The story compares life in the Soviet Union with modern-day Russia. It depicts how life was experienced in the Soviet Union and how life is currently lived in Russia. The romance develops over seven days with the Englishman’s guide. It's set in Stalingrad, visiting war memorials, orthodox churches and the theatre. It comments on the depth of Russian literary and music culture. They are both pensioners.
I hope you find it interesting.
Derek Tighe