Skilled Beta Reading

$80 per 10,000 words

Feedback delivered within 25 business days.

This service offers honest reader-focused feedback on your manuscript. I read as your stand-in audience, leave inline comments with my real-time reactions, and provide a detailed letter breaking down what worked, what fell short and why, and actionable suggestions to strengthen your story.

What You Receive

In-line Comments

Light in-line comments giving you an insider view into my thoughts and emotions as I read your story. You'll see my real-time reactions (predictions, questions, excitement, frustration, confusion) across various story elements (character actions, plot direction, internal monologues, etc).

Detailed Reader Report

The Reader Report is a letter focusing on:

Plot
If the story moves logically, has sufficient conflict, tension, and lands emotionally.
Characters
Whether they feel believable, their motivations make sense, if they serve the story, and whether I connected with them.
Setting/Worldbuilding
If the world feels immersive, consistent, and enhances (or detracts from) the story.
Theme
Whether the story's message or central idea comes through clearly and feels earned.
Pacing
How quickly or slowly the story moves and whether it keeps me engaged or loses momentum.
Readability and Flow
How smoothly the prose reads and whether scenes transition naturally.
Overall Reader Experience
How it all comes together and what stays with me as a complete story.

My feedback on each element is broken down into two sections:

What's Working

What resonates with me as a reader and why you managed to pull it off so well.

Notes on Improvement

Constructive feedback on what isn't working, why it affects the reading experience, and how you can strengthen it.

Communication

This is a hybrid email-call service designed to be flexible and low-pressure. Email is my primary channel, but I recommend a follow-up call after your feedback to maximize the value you gain.

Before Your Beta Read

You're welcome to email:

Your goals for the manuscript
Concerns or revision struggles
Specific areas you'd like extra attention on
Questions you want answered from a reader perspective

After Your Beta Read

One follow-up call (no time limit), where you can:

Ask questions about the feedback
Clarify points of confusion
Brainstorm revision approaches
Discuss your manuscript in depth

Scheduled at a time convenient for both of us.

Unlimited Email Support (60 days)

You have unlimited email support for 60 days after your call for revision questions and guidance. I'll get back to you within 72 hours.

Questions?

If you’re unsure whether this service is the right fit for your manuscript’s current stage, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help you figure out what kind of feedback would best support your revision goals.

Pricing Calculator

Pricing is set at $80 per 10,000 words.

There are no hidden costs or additional fees. Your estimate covers all consultation, feedback, and revision support.

Manuscript Word Count

Enter your manuscript’s total word count to receive an instant estimate

Specifics

Clear expectations, transparent policies, and a straightforward working process from start to finish.

NO AI. EVER.

I do not use AI at any point in my service: to read your manuscript, write your report, or assist in writing the report. If you suspect AI use, you are well within your rights to request proof of actual human work, which will be provided. Studio Marginalia is built for humans, by a human.

Payments

All services and payments will be agreed upon in advance and paid in USD. Payments are processed through PayPal Xoom or Western Union.

Payment Structure

All services are confirmed with a 50% deposit to secure the booking and begin the project. The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion of the service and before delivery of final materials (your Reader Report and annotated manuscript). Final deliverables are released once the remaining balance has been received.

Refunds

Clients may request a refund within 3 days of manuscript submission and payment receipt. After this window closes, the project is locked in. If I am unable to complete the service after receiving payment, the client will receive a full refund.

Timeline

After the 3-day refund window closes, I will notify you via email that I've begun working on your manuscript, and the official timeline starts at that point.

Communication

You may contact me at any time via email while I have your manuscript. I respond within 24 hours.

Word Count Minimum / Maximum

The minimum word count is 1,000 words. The maximum word count is 100,000 words. I am open to working with manuscripts over this limit, but you must contact me beforehand to discuss.

Confidentiality

Upon request, I will sign any Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or similar document, or provide my own contract.

Contact

Stop Revising Blind. Start Revising Smart.

Tell me about your manuscript and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours.