Greetings Community--One thing I wanted to point out based on a recent (for substantial pay) experience I had with a freelance editor. While I thought I was clear in terms of the "Project Brief," based on what I received, either a) I wasn't or b) his editorial super powers may not have been the right fit. So here's what I might humbly suggest--when possible, be super specific on what you are looking for. Even the pros might find going through a 321 page manuscript a challenging task if they don't know what you think the problems are with your own novel. (I can "feel" the problems in mine--and I didn't want line edits on the things that readers agree work really well.) This editor really liked my novel--but I think his vision for it (i.e to make it more literary than what my skill set is capable of) and my desire to stay in the upmarket space were at odds. I don't know if my rambling post makes sense--but if I had to do it over again, I would treat it like I would any other business project I went out to "bid" on--i.e. specific deliverables and desired outcomes. Hope this is helpful! (And not too biz-nerdy.)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: Hi, I’m Jennifer Risi and I’ve been working on My Celebrity Boyfriend, a dual-POV Contemporary Romance, in which the editor of an anonymous celebrity gossip account starts a relationship with a soap opera actor without telling him about her side hustle - one she desperately needs to afford a surgery she can’t live a normal life without. I’ve been through several rounds of trivia in a and would love some fresh critique on the story, pacing, character development, and whether the chronic illness representation overshadows the love story. I’d be happy to swap critiques, I *love* reading other work! My email is jenniferrisiwrites@gmail.com
Hi! I’m Marylee Pangman, and I’m writing a series of books about five strong, successful women navigating the challenges of rediscovering purpose and fulfillment in their later years. Each book focuses on one of these women, her journey to overcome personal obstacles, and the deep friendships that support her along the way.
I’m looking for beta readers to review my first serialized chapters (~1500-1800 words each) and share feedback on whether the stories will inspire readers to recommend them to friends. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please drop me a line at tucsonpots@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
ROMANCE FANTASY/ROMANTASY - Hi, writer friends! I'm looking for some feedback on my debut romantasy novel, The Ash Trials.
✨ Deadly trials, enemies to lovers — all set on an island that conjures the competitor’s worst fears to use against them.
📚 The opening image: our hero waking up in a ruined wedding dress with no memory of who she is — or who she was about to marry. Then, she realizes she’s the only powerless mortal in a prison full of the most dangerous magical criminals — and she’ll need to win the Ash Trials to survive.
❤️ I pulled inspiration from my absolute favorites — THRONE OF GLASS, THE HUNGER GAMES, ACOTAR, and THE BOURNE IDENTITY. It is a bit spicy, FYI!
Looking for some beta readers who would be interested in reading the first 20 pages. Happy to read fellow romantasy authors, too. My email is amy at amysuto dot com :)
LITERARY FICTION – Hello all. I’m Rich Scorza, and I hope this is a fit. I’m currently working on a collection of short stories with the working book title “Gray Clouds”. The stories portray the very real world of today’s seniors, covering topics such as intimacy, “gray divorce,” end of life, sexuality, and loneliness, challenging lingering clichés that are reflected in movies, writings, and across an uninformed media. The collection will carry 60k – 80k words. I’ve drafts on seven stories so far. The story for here is “Hearts” (2644 words). Two couples, four older folks (sixty-two – seventy-five), on a December night in Minneapolis playing the card game hearts over cocktails, dive into discussions on the meaning of being older and facing death. The night is the three year anniversary of the death of one of the players deceased spouse’s, and conflict arises as each must contend where their own fears. Hoping someone will see some value. Also, I’m open to reading and throwing my two cents in, helping where I can. Cheers.
SCI-FI/FANTASY - I'm Emma Finn, and I am working on a 121K word science fiction fantasy book about long-lost twins finding their way back to each other with magic, spaceships, and a found family trope. I've been writing it since 2020 and have edited it like crazy. I'm querying agents, but I could use a second set of eyes (or more!) to help me make it even better. I'd love to give feedback as well. You can reach me at emmamariefinn@outlook.com
HORROR -- Hi, I'm Andy Zetzman, and for the last year and change I've been working on my horror story, Bury Your Skeletons. Here's the blurb I have written, should it entice you to read further:
Imagine being haunted by ghosts from a past that isn’t yours.
Paul Callahan is seeing visions of terrible, violent memories he's convinced aren't his. But as a recovering alcoholic, he can't be certain that they aren’t from a life he doesn't remember. And each vision ends the same way: with a mysterious visit from a ghostly skeleton. The monster has a mission for Paul, and it’s up to him to solve the mysteries and unravel a cold case that’s very much close to home.
I've just completed my fourth (!!!) revision and am in the process of girding myself against the querying gauntlet. If there's anyone out there willing to give it a read and offer up your thoughts, I'd very much appreciate it. I would definitely be willing to do the same for you. The manuscript is about 75K words.
MEMOIR - Hi, I’m Mary Leavines , and I’m about to wrap up some edits to my debut memoir. The manuscript outlines my long walk: from Georgia to Maine during my 2022 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, from Catholicism to religious deconstruction, marriage to divorce, seemingly having all the answers to embracing uncertainty, and the absolute necessity of listening to your inner knowing - no matter what it may cost you. My manuscript explores themes of religious deconstruction, the unexpected alchemy of grief, and the liberation of radical vulnerability: all framed by a casual 2,200-mile walk I went on to clear my head. I’m looking for beta readers who can weigh in on the pacing as I bounce between the past and my thru-hike, the characterization of the incredible people I met along the way, and overall flow of the story. You can reach me at contact@maryleavines.com .
HORROR - I’m Monica Brown, and I’m currently working on The Vanishing Chair, a chilling horror novel that dives into generational curses, betrayal, and redemption. This is my debut manuscript, and it’s been through several rounds of revisions, but I’d love some fresh perspectives on pacing and character development (is the ending satisfying??). Happy to swap critiques or brainstorm ideas for your project! You can reach me at Graciouslyimperfect09@gmail.com.
Hi! what is the word count on your novel? I have a 38k post-apocalyptic novella I would love a horror authors eye on, but I want to make sure I can 100% provide the same for you. Thanks!
FANTASY - Hi, I’m Megan Lynae Green, and I’m currently working on Sapphire Secret, a book full of magic gems, curses, romance, and explorations of mental health. In this book, the MC, Sabrina, is convinced she is the lost princess of the fallen Sapphire Kingdom and seizes the chance to attend a royal ball to prove her identity—only for a familiar pirate captain to upend her plans and steal a precious sapphire. Meanwhile, Ava of the conquering Amethyst Kingdom struggles to undo a curse she accidentally unleashed. Both women are drawn into a quest to recover the stolen gem, with Sabrina fighting for her homeland’s legacy and Ava for her kingdom’s salvation. As their paths collide, they must confront their intertwined destinies in the Gem Empire, even if it puts them at odds. Feel free to email me at mlg.author12@gmail.com
YA ROMANTASY: Hello, I’m Pearly. I’ve written a retelling of Indian mythology interwoven with biblical lore (92,000 words). It’s an enemies-to-lovers written in dual POV with the vibes of the King of Scars meets The Cruel Prince.
This ms has seen developmental edits, and is currently being revised as per feedback from one round of querying.
I’m looking for a beta/critique partner/partners, willing to go on this revision journey with me one chapter at a time as I’m beta-reading other writers' works as well. Also, if you’re on a short deadline, I may not be the best fit for you as I am, working towards a future deadline as well.
While I’m open to any genre I’m not the best fit for western/horror as I may not do your work the justice it deserves. You can reach me at pearlymez@yahoo.com, and my twitter handle is @DSouza_Pearly. You can scan through my moodboards and pitches to decide if you’d like to work with me on what I’ve written.
What I'm looking for?
Feedback on whether the pages pull you in.
Show v/s tell (my weakness that I need to root out).
ROMANTASY - My name is McKayla Clayton. I am writing a romantic fantasy novel with series potential (I currently have it set for a duet) that will sit around 100k words for book one. While I say this is romantic fantasy, the romance is a subplot that will be a slow burn and have no explicit spice. Also, the main character, Vega, is 30-years-old!
The lost realm of Minerva is rediscovered after 1000 years. 169 individuals are quite literally snatched up by the neighboring realm, Jaska, to compete in the ancient Realm Games to win their seat as King or Queen of their realm. Along the way, Vega uncovers the real reason her realm has been lost for 1000 years and it's far more heinous than she imagined.
I am about to finish draft 0 of this and will begin my first round of editing. Anyone is who is willing read this in chunks of about five chapters at a time is what I think would be best! This is my first novel, so any advice on the publishing experience would be super great too!
In a traumatic moment of domestic abuse, 14-year-old Sam builds a barbed-wire fortress around her heart to stop feeling. Her Soul barely escapes, hovering close and aching to reconnect as Sam spirals into the wild undertow of 1970s sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Can her Soul pierce through Sam's emotional armor in time to save her?
I intend to finish draft 2 by Dec 1. (NANOREVISEMO? 🤣) I’d love your take on the alternating voices, and the tension of dark and light. Reach out: casbeck@comcast.net. Thank you!
LEGAL THRILLER - I have a finished novel based on true crimes. Some characters inspired by real criminals, others pure fiction. It's in 3 parts. The first is a real murder trial but the jury convicts the wrong person. The second and third parts mainly focus on one of the twin brothers who was the real killer who made sure the defendant was blamed, because his father made him. The reader finds out the father also had one girlfriend killed in Houston because she threatened to turn him in. (They're all drug dealers )Then he has another lady killed also in Houston because she double-crosses him. The women's daughters team up with the son who was the murderer, and together plot to have the father killed. It has a lot of violence, some cussing, reads like an action movie. Good reviews from two publishers, waiting on a third. Going to start a sequel after Christmas - need suggestions on which characters should be in it? I have plenty of other crimes to weave into more stories. I appreciate all comments/feedback on any of it. Thank you. Mandidog4@gmail.com
SPECULATIVE FICTION. Hi, my name is David Weaver. In my latest novel 'The Institute' my protagonist is forced to take part in an experimental trip to a parallel version of his home town after starting a new job with a local, and very secretive, scientific company. He quickly finds that the role is a set-up and that he is the only one physically qualified for the journey due to circumstances in his childhood. However (of course) things are not what they seem. The mysterious 'father' organization behind his new employer, The Institute, seems to have plans for him that will both change his humdrum life and make him question everything he thought he knew about his past. Starting with his actual identity. I'd like to find someone to offer to read the first few chapters in return for likewise. Thanks!
Greetings Community--One thing I wanted to point out based on a recent (for substantial pay) experience I had with a freelance editor. While I thought I was clear in terms of the "Project Brief," based on what I received, either a) I wasn't or b) his editorial super powers may not have been the right fit. So here's what I might humbly suggest--when possible, be super specific on what you are looking for. Even the pros might find going through a 321 page manuscript a challenging task if they don't know what you think the problems are with your own novel. (I can "feel" the problems in mine--and I didn't want line edits on the things that readers agree work really well.) This editor really liked my novel--but I think his vision for it (i.e to make it more literary than what my skill set is capable of) and my desire to stay in the upmarket space were at odds. I don't know if my rambling post makes sense--but if I had to do it over again, I would treat it like I would any other business project I went out to "bid" on--i.e. specific deliverables and desired outcomes. Hope this is helpful! (And not too biz-nerdy.)
I think this is great advice Diana! Thanks for bringing this up:)
Thanks, Amy! And thanks for commenting!
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE: Hi, I’m Jennifer Risi and I’ve been working on My Celebrity Boyfriend, a dual-POV Contemporary Romance, in which the editor of an anonymous celebrity gossip account starts a relationship with a soap opera actor without telling him about her side hustle - one she desperately needs to afford a surgery she can’t live a normal life without. I’ve been through several rounds of trivia in a and would love some fresh critique on the story, pacing, character development, and whether the chronic illness representation overshadows the love story. I’d be happy to swap critiques, I *love* reading other work! My email is jenniferrisiwrites@gmail.com
Hi, Are there any spicy scenes in your book?
CONTEMPORARY WOMEN’S FICTION
Hi! I’m Marylee Pangman, and I’m writing a series of books about five strong, successful women navigating the challenges of rediscovering purpose and fulfillment in their later years. Each book focuses on one of these women, her journey to overcome personal obstacles, and the deep friendships that support her along the way.
I’m looking for beta readers to review my first serialized chapters (~1500-1800 words each) and share feedback on whether the stories will inspire readers to recommend them to friends. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please drop me a line at tucsonpots@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you!
ROMANCE FANTASY/ROMANTASY - Hi, writer friends! I'm looking for some feedback on my debut romantasy novel, The Ash Trials.
✨ Deadly trials, enemies to lovers — all set on an island that conjures the competitor’s worst fears to use against them.
📚 The opening image: our hero waking up in a ruined wedding dress with no memory of who she is — or who she was about to marry. Then, she realizes she’s the only powerless mortal in a prison full of the most dangerous magical criminals — and she’ll need to win the Ash Trials to survive.
❤️ I pulled inspiration from my absolute favorites — THRONE OF GLASS, THE HUNGER GAMES, ACOTAR, and THE BOURNE IDENTITY. It is a bit spicy, FYI!
Looking for some beta readers who would be interested in reading the first 20 pages. Happy to read fellow romantasy authors, too. My email is amy at amysuto dot com :)
This sounds like a really cool idea! I’d love to give it a read the first 20 pages!
LITERARY FICTION – Hello all. I’m Rich Scorza, and I hope this is a fit. I’m currently working on a collection of short stories with the working book title “Gray Clouds”. The stories portray the very real world of today’s seniors, covering topics such as intimacy, “gray divorce,” end of life, sexuality, and loneliness, challenging lingering clichés that are reflected in movies, writings, and across an uninformed media. The collection will carry 60k – 80k words. I’ve drafts on seven stories so far. The story for here is “Hearts” (2644 words). Two couples, four older folks (sixty-two – seventy-five), on a December night in Minneapolis playing the card game hearts over cocktails, dive into discussions on the meaning of being older and facing death. The night is the three year anniversary of the death of one of the players deceased spouse’s, and conflict arises as each must contend where their own fears. Hoping someone will see some value. Also, I’m open to reading and throwing my two cents in, helping where I can. Cheers.
SCI-FI/FANTASY - I'm Emma Finn, and I am working on a 121K word science fiction fantasy book about long-lost twins finding their way back to each other with magic, spaceships, and a found family trope. I've been writing it since 2020 and have edited it like crazy. I'm querying agents, but I could use a second set of eyes (or more!) to help me make it even better. I'd love to give feedback as well. You can reach me at emmamariefinn@outlook.com
This story sounds fascinating.
Thank you!!
HORROR -- Hi, I'm Andy Zetzman, and for the last year and change I've been working on my horror story, Bury Your Skeletons. Here's the blurb I have written, should it entice you to read further:
Imagine being haunted by ghosts from a past that isn’t yours.
Paul Callahan is seeing visions of terrible, violent memories he's convinced aren't his. But as a recovering alcoholic, he can't be certain that they aren’t from a life he doesn't remember. And each vision ends the same way: with a mysterious visit from a ghostly skeleton. The monster has a mission for Paul, and it’s up to him to solve the mysteries and unravel a cold case that’s very much close to home.
I've just completed my fourth (!!!) revision and am in the process of girding myself against the querying gauntlet. If there's anyone out there willing to give it a read and offer up your thoughts, I'd very much appreciate it. I would definitely be willing to do the same for you. The manuscript is about 75K words.
My email is andy.zetzman@gmail.com. Thanks so much!
Hi Andy,
That sounds like a fun read over the holidays! 75k words is quite a work! Good for you.
Let me know if you'd like to read it and I can send you a copy! Happy to reciprocate if you have something you want some more eyes on. Thanks!
Absolutely thank you!
Great! Can you send me an email or reply with your email address? I'll send you a copy. Thank you!
mandidog4@gmail.com
MEMOIR - Hi, I’m Mary Leavines , and I’m about to wrap up some edits to my debut memoir. The manuscript outlines my long walk: from Georgia to Maine during my 2022 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, from Catholicism to religious deconstruction, marriage to divorce, seemingly having all the answers to embracing uncertainty, and the absolute necessity of listening to your inner knowing - no matter what it may cost you. My manuscript explores themes of religious deconstruction, the unexpected alchemy of grief, and the liberation of radical vulnerability: all framed by a casual 2,200-mile walk I went on to clear my head. I’m looking for beta readers who can weigh in on the pacing as I bounce between the past and my thru-hike, the characterization of the incredible people I met along the way, and overall flow of the story. You can reach me at contact@maryleavines.com .
Mary, I am interested and will send you an email.
HORROR - I’m Monica Brown, and I’m currently working on The Vanishing Chair, a chilling horror novel that dives into generational curses, betrayal, and redemption. This is my debut manuscript, and it’s been through several rounds of revisions, but I’d love some fresh perspectives on pacing and character development (is the ending satisfying??). Happy to swap critiques or brainstorm ideas for your project! You can reach me at Graciouslyimperfect09@gmail.com.
Hi! what is the word count on your novel? I have a 38k post-apocalyptic novella I would love a horror authors eye on, but I want to make sure I can 100% provide the same for you. Thanks!
FANTASY - Hi, I’m Megan Lynae Green, and I’m currently working on Sapphire Secret, a book full of magic gems, curses, romance, and explorations of mental health. In this book, the MC, Sabrina, is convinced she is the lost princess of the fallen Sapphire Kingdom and seizes the chance to attend a royal ball to prove her identity—only for a familiar pirate captain to upend her plans and steal a precious sapphire. Meanwhile, Ava of the conquering Amethyst Kingdom struggles to undo a curse she accidentally unleashed. Both women are drawn into a quest to recover the stolen gem, with Sabrina fighting for her homeland’s legacy and Ava for her kingdom’s salvation. As their paths collide, they must confront their intertwined destinies in the Gem Empire, even if it puts them at odds. Feel free to email me at mlg.author12@gmail.com
I’m planning to query soon but I would love to work with beta readers to get a fresh perspective!
YA ROMANTASY: Hello, I’m Pearly. I’ve written a retelling of Indian mythology interwoven with biblical lore (92,000 words). It’s an enemies-to-lovers written in dual POV with the vibes of the King of Scars meets The Cruel Prince.
This ms has seen developmental edits, and is currently being revised as per feedback from one round of querying.
I’m looking for a beta/critique partner/partners, willing to go on this revision journey with me one chapter at a time as I’m beta-reading other writers' works as well. Also, if you’re on a short deadline, I may not be the best fit for you as I am, working towards a future deadline as well.
While I’m open to any genre I’m not the best fit for western/horror as I may not do your work the justice it deserves. You can reach me at pearlymez@yahoo.com, and my twitter handle is @DSouza_Pearly. You can scan through my moodboards and pitches to decide if you’d like to work with me on what I’ve written.
What I'm looking for?
Feedback on whether the pages pull you in.
Show v/s tell (my weakness that I need to root out).
Action scenes that feel flat.
ROMANTASY - My name is McKayla Clayton. I am writing a romantic fantasy novel with series potential (I currently have it set for a duet) that will sit around 100k words for book one. While I say this is romantic fantasy, the romance is a subplot that will be a slow burn and have no explicit spice. Also, the main character, Vega, is 30-years-old!
The lost realm of Minerva is rediscovered after 1000 years. 169 individuals are quite literally snatched up by the neighboring realm, Jaska, to compete in the ancient Realm Games to win their seat as King or Queen of their realm. Along the way, Vega uncovers the real reason her realm has been lost for 1000 years and it's far more heinous than she imagined.
I am about to finish draft 0 of this and will begin my first round of editing. Anyone is who is willing read this in chunks of about five chapters at a time is what I think would be best! This is my first novel, so any advice on the publishing experience would be super great too!
My email is mckayla.clayton@gmail.com
Can they read chapters instead of the manuscript? Thanks.
AUTO-FICTION, MAGICAL REALISM
In a traumatic moment of domestic abuse, 14-year-old Sam builds a barbed-wire fortress around her heart to stop feeling. Her Soul barely escapes, hovering close and aching to reconnect as Sam spirals into the wild undertow of 1970s sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Can her Soul pierce through Sam's emotional armor in time to save her?
I intend to finish draft 2 by Dec 1. (NANOREVISEMO? 🤣) I’d love your take on the alternating voices, and the tension of dark and light. Reach out: casbeck@comcast.net. Thank you!
LEGAL THRILLER - I have a finished novel based on true crimes. Some characters inspired by real criminals, others pure fiction. It's in 3 parts. The first is a real murder trial but the jury convicts the wrong person. The second and third parts mainly focus on one of the twin brothers who was the real killer who made sure the defendant was blamed, because his father made him. The reader finds out the father also had one girlfriend killed in Houston because she threatened to turn him in. (They're all drug dealers )Then he has another lady killed also in Houston because she double-crosses him. The women's daughters team up with the son who was the murderer, and together plot to have the father killed. It has a lot of violence, some cussing, reads like an action movie. Good reviews from two publishers, waiting on a third. Going to start a sequel after Christmas - need suggestions on which characters should be in it? I have plenty of other crimes to weave into more stories. I appreciate all comments/feedback on any of it. Thank you. Mandidog4@gmail.com
SPECULATIVE FICTION. Hi, my name is David Weaver. In my latest novel 'The Institute' my protagonist is forced to take part in an experimental trip to a parallel version of his home town after starting a new job with a local, and very secretive, scientific company. He quickly finds that the role is a set-up and that he is the only one physically qualified for the journey due to circumstances in his childhood. However (of course) things are not what they seem. The mysterious 'father' organization behind his new employer, The Institute, seems to have plans for him that will both change his humdrum life and make him question everything he thought he knew about his past. Starting with his actual identity. I'd like to find someone to offer to read the first few chapters in return for likewise. Thanks!
daveweaver99@hotmail.co.uk