Beta Reading Services

Please read the details below about Haunted Unicorn Publishing’s Beta Reading Services. Keep in mind, beta reading is no where near as in depth as a developmental edit. Then if you want to request my services, fill out and follow the directions on this Form.

What will I beta read?

• Fiction only. Including short stories!
• My specialties are fantasy and horror, but I will read almost any genre. I have critiqued many different genres, especially during my M.F.A. program.
• No erotica, please, sorry.

What is included in a beta read?

• One read through of your book.
• As I read through, I will make notes. These will be purely reader reactions.
• I will summarize my bigger, overarching suggestions once I reach the end.

What is NOT included in a beta read?

• Copy editing, proofreading, grammar, sentence structure.
• Fact checking.
• Discussion about my comments. I’m happy to clarify wording that doesn’t make sense to you, but I won’t do a back and forth to figure out how to fix specific problems, unless you decide to pay for Beta Plus (see below for details). Note: developmental editing includes this back and forth discussion.
• No rush requests, please.

What is the process for beta reading services?

• Fill out the Beta Reading Request Form.
• Email your document file per the instructions at the bottom of the above form. If it’s not ready, please send when it is.
• I’ll reply to your request within 48 hours. You’ll receive available time slots, and I’ll ask any other questions I have.
• Please make sure to send me your file at least 2 weeks before the completion date we decide on. I can’t do rush jobs, and depending on length of the book, beta reading can take some time.
• After we settle on a time slot and once I have your file, I will give you a price quote.
• Once you’ve accepted the price quote, I’ll send you an invoice via Paypal for half of the cost (if the total cost is under $30, I will only send one invoice for the entire amount).
• The half down must be paid before I start any work. Please pay promptly, or turnaround may be delayed (the only exception is for under $30 single invoices – these can be paid upon me sending you the comments).
• I’ll complete the beta read, email it to you, and then send you the invoice for the remaining cost, to be paid upon receipt.
• If you’ve added on Beta Plus, we will discuss and troubleshoot via email.
• Throughout the entire process, I’ll strive to keep communication open and reply to emails within 48 hours of receiving them.

What’s the cost of beta reading?

• $0.001 per word.
• So, this means a 30,000-word book would cost $30 and a 90,000-word book $90.
• $10 minimum cost – any short story under 10,000 words will still cost $10.
• Add on Beta Plus for another $0.001 per word! This is for those of you who would like a more in depth discussion of my comments with me, to troubleshoot and think of ideas on how to change any problem areas. The discussion will be via email only.

Interested in hiring Haunted Unicorn Publishing to beta read your book? Then what are you waiting for? Fill out the Beta Reading Request Form and let’s get started!