So, you’ve finished the first draft of your novel, but you’re not quite sure what to do next? Maybe you want to jumpstart on your revisions and need some pointers on where to begin. Or, perhaps you need feedback to improve what you've been editing and need direction to strengthen your prose. Well, that’s where an alpha reader can come in handy!

Alpha readers are the first readers that provide feedback on an unedited draft and give their initial reaction on an author’s story. They show their overall response to the plot and characters, draw attention to any noteworthy plot holes, and give a helpful guide to starting your self-revisions. Even if you haven’t finished the edits you've created or now blowing off the dust of that old, hidden manuscript, alpha readers are always available to assist with getting your story on the right foot!

In this project, I will provide a written 3-5 page critique, noting my reaction to your story and providing starting points for your revision, such as examining character development, plot pacing, dialogue believability, and overall story structure. If requested, I can include annotations of my findings and reader responses throughout your draft too! 

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Initial Consultation:

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Before I begin my review on your piece, I want to get to know you and your project by holding a virtual meeting. From there, I will ask more about what you envision of your story—how you want it to end, what significant themes you want to highlight, and what the overall message you want to establish behind your idea. If it’s a book series, I will even ask more about how you see your characters moving through their journeys and how you wish to get there as their writer. Then we’ll discuss what you wish for me to examine and bring to light, addressing your concerns that you've experienced with your draft so far. 

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The Review: 

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A comprehensive overview of the manuscript with scene-by-scene annotations and an editorial assessment letter (3-5 pages, single-spaced) that addresses all of the following:

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Characterization

Plot holes

Paragraph organization & chapter structure

Pacing

Descriptions

Tone/voice/style

Story arc

Worldbuilding

Themes

Dialogue

Continuity

Redundancies

Clarity

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Editorial Assessment:

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An editorial assessment letter (3-5 pages) will contain an in-depth overview of my findings, accompanied by advice on how to strengthen your work while pointing out the brilliance that I feel should stay. Once you’ve received your feedback, we can reconvene virtually to go over any questions that you have. 

 

  

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0.021 per word