Betas Are Closed

If you want to learn more about being a beta, scroll on.

Newsletter subscribers are the first to learn when I open beta submissions again.

What is a Beta Reader?

Beta readers are people who read a book before it’s published to give the author feedback and improve the story. They are not typically paid. Their compensation comes in being first to read the story and the joy of helping an author improve their craft.

As a beta reader, you will be given the story in parts, or in some cases all at once. You will be expected to read it as if you had purchased it in the store. The author will tell you type of feedback they are looking for and you should make note of those specifics as you read.

Once you have finished, the author will probably have questions for you in addition to the notes you’ve made while reading. The author will take all this into account when making their edits going forward.

It is imperative you are honest, while still being polite. When pointing out things you find wrong, it’s best to keep emotion out of it and be specific and detailed about why you think it’s wrong. It’s a good idea to also point out things you enjoy or think are done well.

Finally, do not be upset if the author doesn’t use your suggestions. Your feedback is still appreciated, even if they don’t make the changes you offer.

A little about Blood on the Raven:

Genre: Dark adult fantasy with a hint of sci-fi.

Premise: Cities are ruled by technology and witches have been marginalized to the outskirts.

Length: The manuscript is currently at about 62,000 words. That's closer to a novella length, but I'm expecting it to be longer by the time you get it since I'm still editing. For reference, Dust on the Altar is about 81,000.

Content Warnings: Since I haven't finished yet, I can't be certain what they'll be. You can refer to book one for the general type of thing you'll run into though. If you have specific triggers, you can let me know what they are and I'll tell you if BOTR currently has them. I'll also inform you ahead of time if it changes.

Synopsis: The first book in this series, Dust on the Altar, followed Jade Cerridwen as she traveled back to her hometown of Sugar Hill. With the help of her best friend April, and her childhood best friend Charlie, she was able to reconnect to her long dormant powers and discover who killed her aunt and parents.

This book will pick up several months after the first left off. Jade is settling into life as High Priestess and her relationship with Charlie is growing stronger. All she wants now is to avenge her best friend by killing the dark Witch possessing her body. But the best Lawkeeper in Sun City has come to Sugar Hill, conducting an investigation. If he reports back that a Dark Witch is capable of possessing one of their own, fear could overwhelm the fragile peace between the classes, igniting a new war between science and magic.

Jade now finds herself having to protect Raven by running interference between her and the Inspector. This won’t be easy as the Inspector’s drones are everywhere.

Can she find a way to help close the case, protect the peace, and still bring Raven to justice?

What I’m looking for in a beta reader

It would be great if you've already read the first book, but it's not required, as long as you don't mind being completely spoiled for it. I can send you a cheat sheet of all the important info from book 1. It obviously won't give you the same feels as if you read it, but it should keep you from being completely lost on book 2.

You should definitely enjoy adult fantasy and/or sci-fi since that's the genre.
You should be honest about your opinion and willing to give details about why you feel the way you do.
You need to be able to keep a secret... probably for months. You'll be reading my book well before it's going to be published. We don't want anyone getting spoiled before launch day.
You need to be able to stick to a reading schedule for when feedback is due, since I will be publishing and need to keep on track. Exceptions can be made for unforeseen events or forgetfulness, as long as you don't completely ghost me.

What To Expect / My Beta Process

Everyone who fills out the beta form will get an email from me. I have a limited number of slots, so if I fill up, you may get an apology from me informing you that you can't beta, this time.

If not, I'll say welcome! Your email will give a brief rundown of the schedule, how to give feedback, and the type of feedback I'm looking for. Soon after that you'll get another email with the "trial chapter".

Step 1

Welcome To The Club!

Step 2

Don't let the name scare you, you can't fail this trial. If you've never beta'd for me, you'll get the first chapter by itself to beta. This gives us both the opportunity to back out before too much time is wasted.

Maybe my book isn't what you thought and you realize you'd rather not beta. Maybe your vision for the changes I need to make doesn't match mine. Either way, if things go well, the next email you get will link you to the first section. But if either of us isn’t feeling it, a quick, “Sorry, this isn’t for me.” and we can go our separate ways, no hard feelings.

The Trial Chapter

Step 3

Have no doubt, being a beta is work. You have to finish on time, follow instructions, and do your best. But it's fun work. You get to read my book before it's published. You get to help me make the story the best it can be by offering your insights and viewpoints as a reader of fiction. You may even make a new friend or two along the way.

The story will be broken into three parts on Google Docs. You must finish one before I send the link to the next. Each part will have a few questions at the end to answer, but you're also encouraged to comment as you go. (If you’ve never used, or are unsure of how to use Google Docs comment feature, just let me know and I can walk you through it.)

There's no penalty for dropping out. If at any point you can no longer continue as a beta, all I ask is you let me know. I expect a certain number of betas to leave because life happens, so there's no hard feelings if that is you. By letting me know as soon as you can, I have the opportunity to find someone to replace you and keep on schedule.

The Work Begins

Step 4

Eternal Gratitude And Glory Are Yours

Well, at least the gratitude part. The work betas do for us authors is more appreciated than we can ever tell you. Without your honest feedback, our stories wouldn't be half as good. The least I can do is to add your name to my acknowledgements page (with your permission, of course)

The most I could do, and probably will, is offer you a free eBook copy of my book once it's finished. But don't let that be the reason you beta. Be a beta because you love to read. Be a beta because you want to help me make the best story I can.