Beta readingBeta reading for novels
Need a detailed reaction to your story? The Beta Read is a Developmental-Edit-Lite that includes a thorough report and a 1-hour phone conference.
What you get
- A full read of your manuscript: structure, plot, characters and tone
- Weak points, strong points and ideas for improvement
- A 5 to 10 page report
- Up to a 1-hour call to discuss the report
You need a thorough reading of your entire manuscript to evaluate structure, plot, characters, tone, weak points, strong points and identify ideas for improvement. You’ll get a 5 to 10 page report detailing everything I found in my reading as well as up to a 1 hour phone conference to discuss the report and brainstorm further improvements.
Feel free to also send me story outlines, story concepts – any format you like. The Beta Read is an evaluative option whereas the Developmental Edit invites me to become a highly active partner in shaping your story.
Rates
$0.005 per word. Minimum $25.
Estimated price by length
| Manuscript | Words | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Short story | 7,500 | $38 |
| Novella | 30,000 | $150 |
| Short novel | 50,000 | $250 |
| Novel | 80,000 | $400 |
| Epic | 120,000 | $600 |
Price your exact word count, or read what novel editing costs.
Writers say
George has offered me incredibly incisive developmental edits and feedback on a number of fiction pieces, ranging from a 3,000 word short story, up to a 50,000 word novel. I almost always make the changes he suggests, and find the piece is always tighter, richer, and more fully-realized as a result. Highly recommended.J.P. Medved, author of Steampunk adventures and thoughtful thrillers.
I have worked with George Donnelly on two anthologies and have found him to pay good attention to detail. He gives helpful feedback in a concise and timely manner.Vaughn Treude, science fiction author
My experience with George is that he’s both thorough and conscientious — both critical qualities in any professional editor. He also understands the dynamic of genre authors, and can always be counted on to be responsive in that way.Alex R. Knight III, author of horror, science fiction, and fantasy tales.
Questions
Should I get a developmental edit or a beta read?
The Beta Read is an evaluative option whereas the Developmental Edit invites me to become a highly active partner in shaping your story.
How long does it take?
An 80,000-word novel takes about two weeks. Shorter manuscripts usually take a week or less. For longer works, I can meet your firm deadline.
How do I send my manuscript?
Send me up to 5,000 words (via attachment, Dropbox, Google Docs, etc.) for a trial edit or your whole manuscript to get started immediately.
How do I pay?
I accept payment via PayPal, Stripe and crypto primarily but am flexible to meet your requirements. I require payment in advance (or partial scheduled payments) in order to begin work. Once you’re happy with the terms of the editing assignment, I’ll invoice you.
Send me up to 5,000 words and I'll edit it for free, no strings attached. Email [email protected] now to get started.