Hello!

I am planning on self publishing a novella next year as I know there is very little traditional market for it (but al hoping to trad pub a novel in the future). I am currently completing a round of edits myself but after that, I would love to have some fresh eyes to give me feedback.

Here is a little about the story to see if you are interested:

The novella is broken down into a series of short stories, the two longest again broken down into vignettes taking place at different, real moments in history (aside from a few which take place in the future). They all follow the long history of Life and Death, two immortal gods given the task of keeping balance on Earth, and their developing relationship as they try to understand each other.

Content warnings: Mention of real historical time periods involving mass death, one of the short stories features repeated meetings between Death and a suicidal woman at different stages of her life.

Type of feedback I am looking for: Anything. Structural feedback, plot, grammatical errors - I'll take whatever you can give me.

Preferred timeline: I wanted to reach out before I finished my own round of edits so people have time to see and respond. I aim to have my final round of edits done and ready to be sent to Beta's by the end of this year. A month turn around for feedback would be ideal.

*Note: as I am currently doing some edits, the word count may shift, but I wouldn't expect by too much. Maybe a thousand or so in either direction.

Thank you for your time! Please let me know if anyone would be interested in helping me out!

The story begins at Winston Mar's funeral, where his will is read. Mercy, Winston's great-niece, is surprised to find that she has inherited his entire estate, including a large house called Richfield Estates and a fortune. Her aunt and uncle are furious, but the lawyers assure Mercy that the will is legally binding.Mercy has a recurring nightmare where she walks through a crumbling city with hooded figures whispering to her. She prays to ward off the figures, and eventually wakes up.Mercy meets with the lawyers, David and George, and the caretaker of Richfield Estates, Yishma'el. They drive up to the house, and Mercy is struck by its size and grandeur. Inside, she meets Claudia, the live-in maid, and they tour the house. Mercy learns that she was baptized in the house as a baby.As they explore the house, Mercy encounters two ghosts who warn her to leave before the "vampires" kill her. She also sees a disturbing painting of the "king of hell" and learns about a legend surrounding the painting.Mercy's uncle, Valmont, arrives at the house and demands that she sign it over to him. He claims that the house holds dark secrets and that Mercy is not fit to be the heir.During dinner, Valmont reveals that the meat they are eating is human and that Mercy is destined to be a sacrifice in a family ritual. Mercy is horrified and tries to leave, but the snowstorm has made it impossible.She encounters more ghosts and learns that the house has a history of violence and death. The ghosts warn her that she is in danger and that she must escape.Mercy is trapped in the house with the vampires and her uncle, who are all determined to use her for their own purposes. She is scared and doesn't know who to trust, but she is determined to survive.

Violet finds herself navigating the uncertain waters of psychiatry. She undergoes hospital treatment after partaking in a ceremony that awakens her divine connection with Neebeewawn, the Wind goddess, and has to find her way out. She leaves trails for future generations to pick up where she left off in her conscious discoveries.

I am looking for an overall view, if you were interested enough to read the whole thing, and anything that leaped out of you that was missing or took away from the thematic understanding of the story. Was my plot sufficient for a short story? Was my character arc okay? Any other comments welcome.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JkRrjo2A5keoRjU13aIWYc_EoP85ldZIRytqmC2RXSw/edit

This is my second time receiving beta feedback. Personally I have a hard time editing without all the feedback in one place, so I try to copy everyone's comments at the end onto one document. I always find interesting consistencies in feedback I didn't notice before when I do this, too, so it seems really worthwhile. But...this takes multiple days of tedious labor, and in the end, Google Docs crashes on me all the time because it just can't consistently load that many comments on one document.

My questions are:

1. Is there a computer program or string of code I can write to copy comments onto one document automatically so that I don't have to waste time doing it manually?

2. Are there any word processors that manage large amounts of comments better than Google Docs?

3. Am I even going about this in the most effective way? Do you all copy comments into one central place? If not, how do you process beta feedback and ensure you don't overlook something?

Hello everyone! I’m reaching out to find beta readers for my story, which is still in the draft phase. I’ve completed six chapters so far—still in draft stage, and I may change the order of the last two chapters. I’m looking for constructive feedback to help me improve my writing.

Summary:
Venom and Valor : The Quiet Burn follows identical twin princes of the Chayana Empire, Rama and Chandra. When both princes are attacked during a peace meeting by the Mithya Kingdom, Chandra falls prey to the ambush. Before he can be captured, he is mysteriously transported to the Brahmaranya Forest—a mystical place he's completely unaware of. There, he embarks on a dangerous escape, only to be taken hostage by a group of thieves. Along the way, he forms an unexpected bond with Dhruvadevi, a princess from the Kanana Kingdom.

As Chandra struggles to return home, his brother Rama faces internal conflicts, mounting tensions with the Mithya Kingdom, and growing unrest within the empire. Their eventual reunion leads to shocking revelations about their family, threatening to unravel their brotherly bond and sparking a dramatic conflict between them.

Here's the first 6 chapters: [Link to Chapters]

I would love your feedback and insights on my story. Thank you in advance for your help, and I look forward to your thoughts!

Hey there. I love studying narratology, but I've always been scared/demotivated to write stories myself because I figure it might not get to the level I want.
I'm also heavily invested in studying the Addams Family phenomenon and I'm fascineted by the idea of properly enabling character development in such a dire situation. This is better explained in the premise.
I have an idea for a full fledged book, but for now I've put my writing capabilities to test with a short story.
You do not need to have watched the series to read this.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZuDodFCBa7JHFfnOcqod4uRDOH9GzUVmU9KNlEcp43A/edit?hl=it&tab=t.0

Thank you a lot in advance, merry christmas!

Hello all! Beta Readers needed so please help this debut author out with her first ever manuscript!

Synopsis: When Luna finds out she is adopted, she embarks on a mission to find out who her biological parents are. Her journey leads her to the Nexus Archives, where she uncovers more than she could think of. A prophecy to be fulfilled, new friends and companions, she uncovers the world of Thalindor and that the fate of the world rests on her shoulders. Will she rise the occasion? Or will the darkness engulf her?

First 3 Chapters: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cFXJI9AwPSOt8Va9eZ3sWCT2YAfZNvdwa_-Z-OAg-yg/edit?usp=sharing

Content Warnings:

- Violence

I'm looking for someone who can let me know what they enjoyed, what was the best parts of the book and what I can do to improve my book. I want it to be engaging for the readers and so I would love anyone who wants to be my beta reader to help work with me to make sure that my book is a great read for all who loves fantasy, action and adventure.

If you're interested, please DM me and I will email you my manuscript.

Thanks in advance :)

Hello there, I just finished draft 2 of my YA fantasy with a bit of clean romance and I don’t know what to do next, it’s HARD to find people willing to read the book for free to help me figure out if what I’ve done so far is good enough ? You dont have to read everything, a couple chapters is fine as well ! 🙌

I have very low self esteem so I’m just stuck trying to convince myself the novel isn’t bad. But it’s not working, outsiders perspectives would be great 🥹

Here is the blurb for anyone interested (maybe it’s the blurb itself that’s bad ? 🤔🥺)

Thank you !

All Jean Torre and Ernest Galiard ever dreamed of was to see the real stars—the ones hidden behind the Globe’s painted skies. But in a world ruled by gods who scorch the earth with their Eternal Sun, dreams are dangerous, and freedom even more so.

As a Third Son, Jean’s life has always belonged to the gods, his fate sealed by the looming solstice sacrifice. But Ernest refuses to let his brother in all but blood be taken—not when the only thing the gods have ever given them is pain.

Their defiance draws them into the path of Eulalie Arwin, a sharp-witted priestess with a haunted past and secrets deeper than any prayer. The bonds they forge will test not just their loyalty, but the very limits of their belief in a world shaped by divine cruelty.

The stars they long for might still exist, but to reach them, the three must unearth forbidden truths, defy gods, and risk shattering the Globe themselves.

Because in a world where the sun never sets, salvation will not be granted—it will be fought for.

Thank you all !

Synopsis of Waking from Slumber (Love Tragedy and Fantasy Action)

Cillian Sorges is a 16-year-old boy trapped in a world of sorrow and regret, haunted by the ghost of his estranged father and the death of his mother. A student at the prestigious Austin Academy, Cillian is a withdrawn and bullied introvert, struggling with both his magical abilities and his swordsmanship. The shadow of his father's expectations weighs heavily on him, as the ghost relentlessly criticizes his lack of strength and ambition. Despite his struggles, Cillian clings to a worn-out mystery novel as his only comfort, a final reminder of his mother’s love.

However, Cillian's life begins to change when he encounters Benethy, a beautiful and mysterious girl from the powerful northern Duke family. She is both strong and graceful, with a presence that captivates Cillian, despite his reluctance to form connections. Beneath her cold exterior, Benethy sees a depth to Cillian that others ignore. Drawn to him, she offers her friendship, and through their growing bond, Cillian begins to awaken to a life he had long abandoned. But Benethy is not just any girl—she is an expert swordswoman and a powerful magician with secrets of her own.

As Cillian begins to open his heart, the two find themselves drawn into a tragic love story, where their growing affection for one another is tested by the cruel forces of fate. Cillian is pushed to face his inner demons, battling not only the ghosts of his past but also the physical and magical dangers that threaten his very life. As the academy’s dark secrets unravel, and Cillian’s magical abilities begin to manifest in powerful, unforeseen ways, he must confront the harsh reality of his past and his future.

In a world where magic, swordplay, and forbidden love collide, Waking from Slumber is a poignant tale of a young man’s struggle for redemption, love, and strength. Yet, as Cillian and Benethy’s bond grows, their love is shadowed by tragedy, as forces beyond their control conspire to tear them apart. Will Cillian find the courage to face the truth of his feelings and overcome the tragedies that define him? Or will the love he holds dear become yet another casualty of fate’s cruel design?

A tale of fantasy, heartache, and intense action, Waking from Slumber explores themes of self-discovery, the healing power of love, and the sacrifices required to pursue one's destiny in a world filled with dark magic and unforgiving trials.

Ignore grammatical mistake https://drive.google.com/file/d/103Y3bI3YWkeEqBMkTgRiKCCbgRWsleTY/view?usp=drivesdk

I can also beta read your work in return!

Blurb:

Lea Casarez has always been just your average gal—a New Jersey event coordinator juggling her job, her overbearing family, and her dating life. But when her twin brother is murdered and she inherits a suitcase of ancient, enchanted weapons, her world is turned upside down. The armaments come with strings attached: use them to battle evil, but at a steep price—celibacy. Bad timing, since Lea had just planned to lose her virginity to her sexy, too-good-to-be-true new boyfriend.

As if that weren’t enough, the secretive cabal overseeing the weapons makes it clear: they don’t think Lea has what it takes. After all, she’s not exactly who they envisioned to wield their legendary blade. Why? Because she’s a woman. They’d rather see the sacred artifacts collecting dust than let a “girl” take the mantle. But fueled by righteous fury over her brother’s murder—and a healthy dose of spite—Lea decides to prove them wrong. Because if she doesn’t step up, who will?

With her heart, her family’s legacy, and her life on the line, Lea must decide if she’s ready to wield the power of a thousand-year-old blade—and to prove that being underestimated is her greatest weapon of all.

Any feedback would be welcome -- plot, character, pacing, etc.

Thanks!

Hello, everyone! I have dreamed of writing a book since I was a kid. After years of starting books only to stop halfway through, being too busy with life, or getting writer's block I decided to write a book this year.

I know it might still be a little rough around the edges, but I would love to have a beta-reader look it over and tell me what they think about the content, characters, etc. Any help would be much appreciated as I continue down this path.

My book is a fantasy story set in a world that has stopped spinning - half of the world is in eternal darkness while the other half is in everlasting light. Life exists only in the area between the two extremes. In the days past, there used to be abundant magic in the form of artifacts; however, that has died out. The book follows 7 perspectives (hence 'seven') as they go about their lives and eventually come together to help the world (venture).

First scene:       

The first thing he noticed was the extreme cold. Even before he opened his eyes it was apparent. It had already consumed him but was still ravenous. He felt every muscle in his body burning in agony as if it were stuck in the stomach of an invisible beast. His body tried to instinctively fight the weather, but it was in vain. He was numb to his soul, and every movement felt as if he was in the depths of an ocean, they were delayed and foreign to him. Moreover, they brought with them new flashes of pain.

The next thing he noticed was that he was now blind. He blinked several times and attempted to look around himself but found saw nothing but a deep blackness. He then tried to examine his own body and found that even with his palm in front of his face he saw nothing. He concluded, quickly, that he couldn’t see anymore.

Then came the wind. It was piercing and threatening, blowing relentlessly through him. It rampaged around him, and as he tried to stand it would force him back to the cold ground. It shrieked in his ears, dispelling any thoughts that he tried to construct. Then it wrapped its icy claws around his neck and began to squeeze, suffocating him slowly. He gasped and fought back, struggling for each breath. 

Mustering his strength, he stood up. He took an unsteady step, his leg plunging deep into what he assumed was snow. Then he took another one. Slowly he marched forward, unseeing in the darkness. Each movement brought with it a fury from his body, as if it were rejecting his brain and desires.

“Emilia,” he thought, his brain slowly defrosting. He wanted to mutter the name, but he couldn’t find his voice and he was sure that it would be lost in the howling winds, “Emilia… where are you?”

His movement became more forceful, regenerated from his racing mind. He took several strides, gradually losing the feeling in his feet, then he slipped and fell forward into a hill of snow. His body became submerged in the tundra, and he lost the will to move.

“This must be hell. I must’ve died… Emilia… I am sorry,” he closed his useless eyes, “I am sorry, Emilia. I don’t recall what happened, but I must be dead. I must have left you alone… in that damned place.”

The arctic continued to taunt him. A frozen hand coiled around his heart, promising to stop it. The howling had become a vicious, endless laugh. It swept across his frozen grave, mocking him. The darkness weighed him down, as if to snuff out any hope.

“I… don’t understand…” he opened his eyes, “I don’t remember…”

Then he heard a voice call to him. Soft and distinct amidst the winds.

“Emilia!” His mind rekindled back to life, he managed to get to his feet. He tried, again to call out, but his voice was still empty. “Are you there?” He wondered, “if you are… I can’t stop… not yet… Emilia.”

The voice called out again. He could almost make out what it was saying to him.

“Just wait. Please, wait for me.”

He couldn’t tell how tall or steep the hill in front of him was, so he resolved to crawl up it. It was a slow process, taking much longer than it would’ve if had walked. His fingers clawed the surface, plowing the ground away and giving him upward momentum. Several times, they encountered a patch of ice, and he would have to steady himself to prevent his body from slipping and losing progress. Eventually, he reached the summit.

He stood and took some labored breaths. His body was quickly reaching its limit, and he feared that if he fell again, he wouldn’t be able to get back up. He contemplated giving his body a moment to rest, but he was also afraid that if he stopped moving, he would succumb to the environment. He clapped and rubbed his hands together, certain that they were torn from the climb and glad that at least he couldn’t see them.

“I should move,” he took a step, “but where…” He peered into the abyss, feeling confident that there was nothing waiting for him. “Those voices though… had I imagined them?” He took another step, “penance… or cruelty.” Another step. “Hell, or not.” Another step. “I don’t think that I can.”

Then, in the darkness he saw a flicker.

“What is that?”

It was in the distance, far from him, but it was there. Amidst the snowscape flurry, there was a tiny beacon. No more than a spec in the darkness. A single grain of light in a sea of shadows. His steps became more energetic again.

“I am not blind,” he realized as he pressed onward, “I may not be dead… although, I don’t have any idea of where I am.” His gaze remained fixated on the spec. “Emilia, I will find you. I will. I promise. I don’t remember though… I don’t know where I am, or how I got here, but I will find you.”

He took a step and slipped on some ice, waving his hands frantically to try to prevent himself from falling. His legs gave out regardless and he stumbled for the second time into the ground. This time, he got up much quicker, though. He scanned the darkness and found the light. Then he continued on towards it.

“Perhaps this is-” his thoughts trailed off as the air around him twirled and slapped him. He stood his ground and continued, “what was I…” He didn’t remember what he was thinking.

Then he felt it. A feeling of dread. Slowly building up in his body and wilting the hope that the light had brought him. With each step it grew in strength. It fed off his remaining strength. He tried to push it away, but it was unremitting.

“I won’t make it.”

The sense of doom fatigued his muscles.

“I have to.” He looked intently at the light, slightly bigger than it had been, but still far away. He had to actively force his mind to make his legs move. Each step was excruciating – both in pain and in effort. “I will not stop. So help me, I will not.”

The light began to grow. At first it became more defined, a firefly in the frosty sky. Then it became a torch, standing firm against the elements. In time, as he willed his body to continue, it became a larger mass. He couldn’t recognize what it was, but it appeared to be a large dome structure.

“Almost.”

He could see it, blurry amidst the frozen winds.

“I can do it.” He willed his steps carefully. “For you, anything. That was my promise, and I intend to see it realized. This will not, it cannot be the end.”

He could almost reach out and touch it. He took a couple more steps, trying to figure out what the structure was. He could see that it was a large dome that emitted a dim light, but he couldn’t peer through it. He took another step.

Then he fell. His body finally giving up. His vision clouded, once again becoming black. The last thing he remembered was hitting his head on the side of the building with a reverberating thud.

*            *            *

He awoke with his entire body in agony. He tried to open his eyes, but they were met with violent lights and colors that immediately caused his head to flare in pain, so he closed them again. His breathing burned, as if the lining of his lungs were frostbitten. He coughed intermittently, causing a sharp twitch to pierce his chest. He tried to move his hands but noticed that they were both immobilized and wrapped in something. His legs were likewise restricted.

Around him voices swirled instead of the gales.

“Never happened before,” he heard a voice mutter.

Another, “send word… won’t… but still…”

Still another, “make it… or… I suppose that we could.”

“… maybe from…”

“That would… aggression… war.”

“She will want… so… unless it will happen…”

They nauseated him. He wanted to call out to them, to beg them to slow down, to ask them to be quieter and to just tell them that he could hear them, but he only managed another cough. His mind grew heavier, and he felt himself losing consciousness again. As he did, he reflected on the fact that he was certainly still alive.

Please let me know if you would be willing to help me! I appreciate it!

SWAP: I would love to swap manuscripts if needed!

Hello!

I am searching for beta readers for my queer YA novel, approx. 50k words. The novel follows Billie Ryse, a 22 year old who sees their mental illnesses as people around them, and a year of their life.

If you’re interested please dm me or comment below <3

Set in ancient Scythia against the harsh backdrop of the Pontic Steppe, a young greek priestess is sold into slavery. Her captors name her Otrera. Traumatized, betrayed, and desperate to live, Otrera will do anything to survive--including manipulating the vulnerable young wife of the tribe's leader, a relationship that soon turns complex as Otrera developes feeling for her mistress. Soon, she realizes one truth: It's not enough to be near power. To ensure her safety and the safety of those she loves, she need sto hold that power herself.

Link to the first chapter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lBA1Gfy4g8DQZusd4h1F3hPxHhmk3olcWT2NVVevNVw/edit?tab=t.0

Let me know if this interests you, and I can link you the full google doc! I'm looking for general feedback on pacing, plot, and especially characterization. Thank you so much in advance!

I'm looking for beta readers to answer some questions / provide feedback / and such for my debut novel, a historical vampire fantasy titled, Bathory: Blood & Iron. It's book one in the series but is fully contained as well, fully developed, and such.

Description: Bathory: Blood & Iron 

Hungary, 1585. Countess Erzebet Bathory commands her world with a cunning born of necessity. She is determined to expand her power even as war against the Ottomans looms. as war and whispers of rebellion threaten her lands. Her ambition knows no bounds, but neither does the cost of maintaining her rule. Torn between the demands of her power and the fragility of forbidden love, Erzebet plays a dangerous game, her web of alliances as delicate as it is deadly.

As winter descends, an even greater threat emerges. In the shadows of her castle and the forests beyond, the long-dead rise.

Vampires thought extinct for a millennium return, their existence a harbinger of unimaginable peril. 

The fragile order of the world begins to fracture, and Erzebet must navigate a path where every step could lead to ruin. 

While her enemies close in—both mortal and monstrous—the Countess faces a chilling truth: if vampires still live, then all the old legends might be real. Werewolves, witches, even dragons—creatures once banished to myth could be the keys to survival... or to the world’s destruction. 

Bathory: Blood & Iron is inspired by real historical figures and tells the tale of power and betrayal, and the dark legends that refuse to die. The first in an epic saga, it asks: when the monsters rise, who will rule the night?

-- I'm new to this as this is the first time I'm looking for beta readers, so please, if you're interested, let me know and I look forward to feedback.

Excerpt

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LZvWJYEpBdrcYONJev-kSmzPOYertumwJTEDI5mV5zE/edit?usp=drive_link

High-Level Synopsis

A race against time and the nature of a devastating phenomenon known as the Void, the fabric of the empire annihilates untethered.

The offspring of an enlightened utopia feed on their own to maintain immortality, but a lone monk is privy to their ways and allegiant to their predecessors.

Newly accepted master, triple-agent, and unapologetic meddler, Ouro Amon, serves the Mother from the shadows, and calls on essential actors to overthrow a twisted empire from afar. 

Among others, Amon calls on a savant Magister of natural philosophy, a wandering Ranger of the Earthbound realm, a child soldier of the Tanjen rebelion, and a decorated military captain gone rogue. But Amon's cover must be maintained if he is to know the true nature of the Void.

From settled debts, cosmic psychology, 5th-dimensionally enhanced hellcats, visitors from beyond, nascent spatiotemporal-bending magic, and rebel-groomed instruments of war; Ambassadors Before the Veil delves the dynamics of the master-servant relationship as it bisects the physical-mental continuum. A tale of the true source of all things and the unwinding threads that bind.

From the first page:

Initiate Ouro Amon was led blindly through monastery Andale’s central labyrinth. His master, Ouro Z, shared his most recent insight in the same way that resin runs down a tree, slowly and with the tendency to capture any living thing within it, preserving it for all of time.

Amon was blindfolded to protect him from the lies of the present and listened to his master as they approached the doorway to his mind.

“...and at the end of the path is a gate,” recounted Master Ouro Z.

“And this gate has a latch,” ventured Amon in a frigid monotone that could only betray the end of all things.

Blurb between our two main protagonists:

“I’d say you were following me,” the mystic hummed.

“You’d be assuming I hadn’t sent you here,” Maeren walked briskly to the other side of the room and paced amongst the pillows. “But then, you wouldn’t have been so punctual.”

“Time is your game, Brother Maeren.” Amon tossed the truffle up and caught it.

“That it is. And do you know this Outra Fahl personally?” Maeren meant to sound friendly.

“Ouro, if you will. All of the Ouro Order shares a singular experience, in a way. Have I been in the company of Ouro Fahl? That, I can not say.” Amon placed the truffle in his pocket and smiled kindly. Maeren wondered if the mystic was not allowed to say or simply did not know if he had ever met the man.

End of an action sequence:

At last, “To the bloody pit!” And Osprey rolled off the demon, regained his staff, and stood to wail on the thing until its mandible fell from its mangled face. Vapor poured from beneath the corpse’s eroding clothing, and indigo smoke rose from the decaying remains.

The ranger wasn’t long for theatrics and scanned the remainder of the barracks before returning to his estranged companion. Her pulse still murmured even if her lips did not.

Looking for:

Developmental feedback, primarily

Impressions on worldbuilding, prose / readability, character and dialogue are very welcome

Line Editing, Copy Editing- if something is throwing you off, or if you identify common pitfalls, I'd love to hear and learn.

This is Act One of Three. The manuscript has been outlined and may be available for review given interest and alignment. Currently, revising the outline to bring all narrative elements to satisfying stand-alone with series potential conclusion.

Always interested in swapping work, and genre/content is great.

DM me and I will share the entire Act One manuscript. Google Docs.

Hi! I’m looking for a few beta readers (and maybe a chess nerd?) for a queer Arthurian space fantasy adventure full of giant robots, polyamory, big battles, relationship drama, trans and nonbinary characters, and magical mecha mysticism. Down for swaps; more below.

Blurb:

Lady Eglantine’s fragile space colony has remained independent since its founding, watched over by the vast and ancient humanoid castle-ship orbiting like a metal goddess. For years she’s stubbornly held her ground against all comers, even as she’s buried two spouses and three children. But now a conquering king comes to shatter her world, forcing her to pick sides in a war that threatens to rearrange the galaxy.

Eglantine’s quest for allies will lead her to bend the knee to King Artur and Queen Guinevre, joining their round table alliance of castle-ship lords. And it will lead her to strange and dangerous reaches of the galaxy alongside their ace frontline pilot, the brash and pragmatic Sir Gowrie. For all their hopes hang on finding the uncannily skilled and beautiful pilot who flew for Eglantine under duress, then disappeared, leaving not even their name.

Hailing from uncharted space, their body modified with ancient technology, this mysterious pilot works alone and anonymously. But even as a web of complex relationships form around them, can Eglantine really trust such an unknown factor? And can a single pilot, however powerful, turn the tides of galactic war when all they fight for is love?

First scenes.

Content: Violence and graphic injury; alcohol consumption; discussion of offscreen sexual creepiness and assault; mostly-offscreen medical experimentation, both consensual and nonconsensual; distress about infertility; cutting for reasons other than self-harm; one major character is an adult survivor of physical parental abuse, including being forced to participate against siblings. There is a bit of onscreen sex, though not hugely graphic, as well as some D/s subtext.

Specific feedback: I definitely want to hear about pacing and engagement. (Yup, wondering if I can tame that word count a little.) And also how it lands and how enjoyable it is in general, especially to somebody who isn’t a huge Arthuriana nerd. (Unlike my amazing first reader.) Also if you are a chess nerd and willing to look at two scenes of people playing chess about their feelings and power dynamics, I would really appreciate it! Would love to get feedback by early-to-mid February if possible.

Swaps: You behead my book, I behead yours? Er, beta. I read mostly spec fic with an eye for queerness and big feels, though I’m also not nearly as widely-read as I could be. (Absolutely one of those folks who read a lot in childhood and then the internet happened.) I’m also a good line editor and copyeditor, and I’d be willing to swap a line edit and/or copyedit of a shorter piece for a beta read.

Blurb:

Could her imaginary friend be a real threat?

Daisy Dumont tries so hard to be normal. She doesn’t talk about the night her parents were murdered, or the fact she can’t remember it. She certainly doesn’t talk about her imaginary friend who disappeared shortly afterward.

Then the MRF calls. The research facility finally admits that they took her former friend seven years ago - and now they want her help to save him.

Daisy is the only one who can see Subject X-15. She once knew him as Dorian, but the volatile monster in the cell bears little resemblance to the shy apparition who lived under her bed. And even with a new researcher willing to hear his side, Dorian won’t - or can’t? - explain that he didn’t kill Daisy’s parents all those years ago. 

An experimental treatment could unlock what she’s forgotten, yet the more she dredges up the past, the harder it becomes to pretend she’s anything close to normal…

If Daisy doesn’t find the truth about her lost memories, Dorian will fade from existence. But if she does, she might end up in a cell herself.

---

This is a monster romance book with dark themes. It has explicit horror imagery and sexual content. It's the third in a series, but follows new main characters and is intended to work as a standalone, so no knowledge of the earlier books is necessary.

I am looking for mostly “big picture” feedback on the pacing, development, etc. Ideally I would love feedback within the next two weeks, but it's not a super strict deadline. I am also happy to swap critiques - I mostly read adult or YA romance, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror.

Trigger warnings: explicit sexual content; horror themes [ghosts, haunting, possessions]; blood, violence, and death; child abuse [background, off-page]; sexual assault [not between FMC and MMC]; parental death. [if you have any specific concerns please feel free to ask.]

You can read the first three chapters here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17myQQEi_0R2NyHkQKVeML01GJ0lA6uDAKHI52BCIerQ/edit?usp=sharing

Hi! I'm looking for beta readers for my third draft of my fantasy book The Spider and The Shadow. I've been working on it for a while and would really like to get it to the stage where I can approach some literary agents and get it published, so would love to know what stands out as good, what needs work, and how the writing style feels to you. Also, whether it feels like something you could pick up in a bookshop!

Synopsis: The Elven Kingdom of Arath' Sayah has been at peace ever since the defeat of the Shadow, eight thousand years ago. Or at least, that's the impression that the Palace likes to give. Eluse, Chosen Son of the King, knows differently. Squabbles and rebellion threaten the Kingdom from within, and when disaster strikes, he finds himself on a quest to bring peace to the Kingdom. But, as secrets and lies are revealed, an ancient evil rears its head...

Genre: Fantasy

You'd like this book if: You're a fan of Tolkien's work (though the races presented are very different); if you enjoy rich and immersive worldbuilding; if you enjoy the writing of G R R Martin.

I'm happy to swap with the right work—happy with different genres.

Find the first three chapters here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o0ooD0bShITjuxghIgkdNHs3ONpZhfqjiz2Pg_wnanI/edit?usp=sharing

Description: a thriller romance about a woman who has something horrible happen to her so she decides to hire a hitman to find and kill the people who hurt her but he offers to train her to do it herself instead.

First 3 chapters of my book! Please don’t comment on the formatting or grammatical errors I’m having a hard time figuring out how to fix the formatting of it and I do plan to re edit everything and then send it to a professional editor when I’m done.
It starts off heavy and there are a lot of TWs in just the first chapter. Including: detailed gore, SA, murder. Things like that. If you decide to read it my comments are on and thank you in advance!

How is it?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1977tulUeNKT4-JOzUXfgyPPIH2Ple1Z8BOo0-8Y-3Tc/edit

I need a beta reader for my short story, "La Lechuza." This is based on the figure from Mexican folklore.

Synopsis: A man facing a serious health issue and criminal charges (those are unrelated) encounters the la lechuza, and the creature serves as a metaphor.

Section:

A wooden light pole stood near the barn. It held a hood and broken globe and the severed end of the cable hanging from it slapped the pole in the breeze. Yet the lamp flared and crackled and created a halo of yellow light at the barn. The barn had partly collapsed and its roof ridge resembled a broken spine. The silhouettes of birds were perched along that broken spine at the edge of the light. This included an enormous bird—too large, and an owl from the shape. Its red eyes glinted like a pair of blood drops on dark velvet.

Request: I will read up to 4K words for your if you read this story of mine. I'll make the link available upon request.

“Quick!” Ben pulled her arm. “In here!” They ducked into an alleyway. Amelia found her back against the wall, and Ben's shoulders in front of her eyes. His arms were planted against the wall on either side of her in a protective stance. He kept his hood low, peeking out just enough to keep an eye on the guards. They had grabbed a suspicious looking man that was behind them trying to sneak away some produce when the store owner wasn't looking. Amelia let out a breath. Prematurely. The guard's attention shifted and started to approach them again. Ben's hood will only hide his face if they don't address him directly. How can we make them go away? Amelia panicked and threw her arms around Ben's neck. The action brought his full attention to her.

“Just pretend to kiss me.” She whispered. “I'm sure they'll be too unsettled to approach a couple locking lips in broad daylight.”

But Ben only stared blankly.

“Put your arms around my waist.” She instructed. She glanced at the guards now only several feet away. “And come closer.”

Ben complied, bringing his face mere centimetres from hers. The overhang of his hood kept them from actually needing to kiss. She felt the heat of his strong grip against her back. Bringing heat to her cheeks. It's all just pretending. She reminded herself. But the more she was between his arms the less she wanted to be pretending.

‐--- Blurb: Amelia's apothecary was flourishing due to the war. In her busyness, she didn't even realise her loneliness until the arrival of a hooded stranger: Ben. Nervous and secretive, Ben tries his best not to get too close to her. Yet, he's always finding excuses to stay. To learn more about her. To enjoy her company. But when his identity as a runaway slave becomes exposed, they both need to make a choice.

I have three loosely related light fantasy romance novellas coming down the pipes. I am currently accepting beta readers for "The Warmth of Copper".

My goal is to know what you love and hate about my work. What do you want to see more of? What made you cringe like no other? How is the pacing?

As for timeline, I am hoping to publish in the second half of 2025 so if you could please have your comments added within a month of receiving the manuscript, I would greatly appreciate it!

I am available for swaps, but I don't read anything dark/spicey/heavy.

Let me know if you're interested and I will send you the link to Google Forums for sign up 🤗❤ TIA

The only thing I couldn't find in the new beta reader's guide was more info about the practical logistics of providing feedback. Any and all info about what you've found works best would be appreciated!

-Do most people use Google docs, or something else? Anything relevant to know or watch out for when using certain platforms? -Chapters, sections, or all at once? How much discussion is useful in between? -Any other things not in the guide that's good to know about communication between writers and readers, timelines, or other practical logistics?

This piece is a character-driven narrative that aims to blend psychological depth with a grim, post-apocalyptic setting. It follows Laker, a morally conflicted protagonist, as he slowly embodies and critiques the stereotypical "Hardcore" protagonist found often in media like this. Plenty of characters have arcs and development, there are large-scale factions at play, and sucking the reader into my world's atmosphere is my main goal. The prose leans heavily on atmospheric detail and symbolic imagery, while I intend to write with symbolism and imagery meant to provoke profound thought about the story and characters themselves, I could easily read this book simply to visit some of the images again. The style draws inspiration from works such as Silent Hill in terms of atmosphere, and The Last of Us in terms of character drama.

I would love to share and Beta Read/Edit for a partner as well- or many partners! I believe that best way to improve at writing is through reading, let me do that with you work, and please, let me know what you think about what I have so far! Please feel free to comment any details I may need from you to achieve this- and long live writerdom.

Hi everyone! In 2016 and 2021 I released a two part interactive-story through mobile games. This year, I decided to do a novelization of that story and expand on it. So far I've written the first draft of book one. The second book has about 20k words so far and the third book is just a messy outline. ( Here is the trailer of the game : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJrK2-VnrKE )

The series is called Breacher Story and it's a dark, witty, morally ambigous, techno-thriller.

Blurb:

After getting fired and defacing his old company's website in a reckless act of revenge, Chuck, a rookie hacker with a bruised ego and zero foresight, becomes entangled in a data breach investigation. His best friend Léon—an internet addict with a knack for falling down conspiracy rabbit holes—only makes things worse by constantly fanning the flames of Chuck's paranoia. Except… what if Léon’s not entirely wrong this time? The random glitches on his phone, rogue cell towers around the city—it’s starting to feel a little too real.

As the investigators are closing in, Chuck gets an invitation from the leader of a sketchy cybersecurity firm. They want Chuck on their team. Before he knows it, he’s swept into a world of cybercrime, using his social engineering skills to help run ransomware scams, romance frauds, and high-stakes extortion schemes. But nothing prepares him for the moment when one of the hackers turns up dead.

Now, Chuck’s in way over his head, and the deeper he digs, the more it seems he’s merely a clueless pawn in someone else’s twisted endgame. With unseen enemies closing in and trust running out, Chuck has to make a choice: side with his paranoid best friend, his dangerous new crew, or maybe just himself.

Told with biting wit, tech-savvy humor, non-stop texting and a darkly human perspective, Breacher Story is a fast-paced cyber-thriller that explores the underbelly of hacking culture, the vulnerabilities of modern tech, and the moral dilemmas of a hyperconnected, hyper-exploited digital world.

Please note, this won't be a typical novel. It will feature some graphical designs, different font types, and tons of other cool visual ideas. So, anything that has to do with formatting is to be neglected. All the text will be formatted later inside a design software. (Scribus. You can see where I want to take this by looking at the banner on my X profile - https://x.com/IanicWriter )

If you’re interested in becoming a Beta Reader for this book and playing a key role in shaping the future of this trilogy, feel free to send me a DM!

Note : While I truly love reading other writer's WIP, I am not available to swap critique at this time.

All critique welcome, name suggestions, formatting, pacing, and especially any dialogue that seems unnatural. (Critique swaps welcome)

SYNOPSYS: When MARK and AMELIE learn that AMELIE is infertile, their marriage crumbles. MARK, after an evening with an old friend of his and AMELIE, LUNA, cheats with her. AMELIE finds out and confronts him about it, along with his neglect of her and their relationship over the past year.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1cPDSjWFG4Oi7jGi8wb14X0wZiq1TOkL8/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword

All critique welcome, name suggestions, formatting, pacing, and especially any dialogue that seems unnatural. (Critique swaps welcome)

SYNOPSYS The play is about the high strung and callous ZA1 (said Z-ah-l) and RI0, who is timid and trusting, as they complete a mission given to them by “The State”, a mysterious and authoritarian organization. Their mission is simple, stay in the middle of the Atakama desert and wait for a rain that their AI companion, ELIZA, assured them will happen any day now.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/1NBVmPHUpnKIHYVNU2QlYLXfounDhrCUy/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword

Hi Everyone

I'm seeking beta readers who are interested in Crime/Thriller novels to read an excerpt of my crime novel. I'm looking for general readers, believability, structure and grammar.

My timeline is until the end of Janurary

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cSj7UCuBD_voO9qyQSUNGwSxOruvTpDEHqY-nNr8mQk/edit?usp=sharing

⚠️Tw: abuse (of all kinds), eating disorders, emotional dependency, sexual exploitation, dubious consent.⚠️

First, I'm not so new to all this, I've been "training" to be a better writer. This is my first novel which I consider better done than the others.

This story is about Luka, he is a sweet and fragile boy trapped in a cruel world. Under the control of a ruthless man who sees him as a means to increase his fortune and satisfy his morbid need, Luka has learned to survive by hiding his emotions behind a smile, but his soul teeters between pain and hope.

In the midst of this oppressive environment, two men become key points in his life. The ruthless man's chauffeur; with a warmer heart than he appears, is inexplicably drawn to Luka's vulnerability and gentleness. On the other side is a charming and sweet businessman who seems to see Luka as a treasure rather than an object. Both men arouse feelings in Luka, albeit in completely different ways.

As Luka navigates the turmoil of his emotions, he must also face constant exploitation and the fear of losing what little he has left of himself. Can he find a way out of this dark labyrinth of desires and ambitions? Or will he end up losing himself in the love and despair that surrounds him?

Here is the first chapter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GExRys5uWQNcF-5LxNTJiWxZM7QNwFQCqOdHK1qBZaM/edit?usp=drivesdk

If you want to read more or give me your opinion about the story or the style or whatever you want, you can send me a message :3

Are fanfics allowed here?? I hope so. This is a fanfiction for Hermitcraft and the Life Series, and I'd really love if someone could review this before I post it on ao3.

Blurb:

Scar is trying his best. Being wheelchair-bound isn't the most common experience as a superhero, and he has lofty dreams of reforming the villains the agency is arresting. However, he's seen as young and inexperienced, still in college working towards becoming a veterinarian. He intends on showing everyone his dreams can be real, and he sees the perfect vigilante to reform for the project.

These stories, as well as many others in Hermit City, are intertwined.

For criticism, I'm generally just looking to know whether the plot flows well and generally what I could improve pacing wise, especially with the last section.

Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u2hf86nuj7KnM4VmTaYtXyGMEpvJUGhCJLmKKf3y5bc/edit?usp=sharing

Hi, I'm looking for willing beta readers for Dystopian story I'm currently working on. I'm mostly searching for feedback on my pacing and the introduction of the romantic aspect of the story, as I've never really had much interest in that area and it's my first real attempt to incorporate it. That is chapter 13 for reference. I'm flexible with a timeline, say within three months?

I've included 6 chapters, and the final closing lines of the story in the link.

Blurb

In a fractured, dystopian Australia ruled by the iron grip of the Democratic Dominion, Callan Hargrave fights to survive in a world where every move is watched and every word is controlled. In the tightening noose of his hometown, Scarborough, Callan’s rebellious friend, Reece, dares to challenge the regime. Meanwhile, Maria, caught between her fear of the Dominion and her loyalty to those she loves, faces increasing pressure to align with the authorities after a visit from the menacing Compliance officer, Mr. Hope.

Flashbacks to Australia’s wartime past slowly reveal how the nation came to be under the DDA’s brutal rule, shedding light on the dark history that birthed the regime.

Amari, a fierce rebel leader, begins to question the limits of defiance, resorting to even the most unconventional methods to provoke those around her. She believes that, even in the darkest of times, culture and history can still spark rebellion. But as the DDA’s grip tightens, she must decide if her words can truly lead to change—or if they will become another failed rebellion like those before.

Amid the turmoil, quiet determination and a longing to see the next day are all that keep the group afloat. But when Reece is brutally silenced and taken by the DDA, everyone’s fate is sealed. Survival becomes a matter of both body and soul. The stirrings of a lost freedom ignite, but will they be enough to spark action, or will the regime crush what little hope remains? In a land where even love is a dangerous weapon, who will stand against the darkness—and who will fall into it?

Unity through Order is their motto, but for those who dare to remember, freedom may still be worth fighting for.

Content Warnings:

Language warning

Heavy Violence

Slight sexual content

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uEP6RBOzfnTKyhbWGaBgAXjaJYwmmqmvUfqSEAZuR6Y/edit?usp=sharing