About:

This service is for fiction projects or partial manuscripts of any length. Alpha and beta readers give feedback on a manuscript from a reader’s perspective, not an editor's. An alpha reader looks at a rough draft in development, while a beta reader considers a polished manuscript.

At either stage, an alpha or beta reader might answer the following questions and more:

• Does the opening pull a reader in?
• Does the pacing lag or move too quickly?
• Is the character relatable?
• Is there enough conflict or drama to keep the reader reading?
• Do all the story elements make sense?
• Is the manuscript meeting reader expectations for a given genre?
• Is the ending satisfying?

An alpha or beta reader gives a writer a crucial second opinion on their manuscript -- one that can move the project forward.

How it works:

First, contact Gail's office to make sure our beta readers have time in their calendars. We'll schedule you in and email you an invoice. Once you've paid and sent us your manuscript, we'll get to work. Your assigned alpha or beta reader will read your manuscript and offer two or three pages of notes within a month of submission.

When you send us your manuscript, you're welcome to include up to ten questions that you'd like addressed.

This is not an editing service. To keep the cost low, there is no follow-up meeting or email discussion.

Cost:

On projects under 5,000 words, the cost is $50. To purchase, click on the green button below.

On projects over 5,000 words, you pay $50 for the first 5,000 words, and just half a cent a word thereafter. For example, A 20,000-word manuscript would cost $125 plus GST/HST. An 80,000-word manuscript would cost $425 plus GST/HST. To purchase, contact Gail's office and include the word count.

All manuscripts must be in 12-point, Times New Roman, double-spaced.

For more information or to submit your manuscript for an alpha or beta reading, email Gail’s office at books@gailanderson-dargatz.ca

For more in-depth editorial feedback, see Gail’s blue pencil sessions, fiction mentorships, manuscript evaluation, clean sweep and developmental editing service.

Praise:

"Graham's beta reader feedback quickly addressed where my book lost its way. He identified the core of the story, and encouraged me to prune the subplots that had hijacked my story and taken it off course. His notes not only identified how to strengthen my story, but also how to become a better writer in the long term."

               -- Kody Greene, author of Venera's Crucible

“Thank you so much for your input and guidance on my story. I have pored over the notes and have learned so much about my own (of course flawed) process -- admitting that it's flawed being part of the process!”

-- Florence MacDonald, an award-winning, internationally produced playwright and short story writer

Meet and Greet

Meet Gail for a 15-minute Zoom session to find out which one of Gail's services is right for you.

Fiction Mentorships

Gail's flagship course. In this one-on-one, private, four-month online mentorship, Gail will guide you as you build your fiction project.

Manuscript Evaluations

Looking for an editor’s perspective on your fiction project, but not yet ready for an in-depth developmental edit? A manuscript evaluation is the affordable next step between a beta reading and a developmental edit.

The Clean Sweep

Writing is messy. Clean it up! Get a detailed edit of your story, pitch package, grant application or fiction project of any length.

Blue Pencil Sessions

Not your average blue pencil session, this 45-minute consultation with Gail is a full workshop. Book at any time.

Alpha and Beta Reading Service

Alpha and beta readers give feedback on a manuscript from a reader’s perspective. Move your project forward with this affordable service.

Developmental Edits

Gail digs deep into your manuscript's big picture story elements - themes, story goals, conflicts and structure, character arcs, pacing, point of view, and dialogue - to help you develop your project to the fullest.

Writing Retreat

A perfect writing getaway in the beautiful Shuswap landscape found in so much of Gail's writing