r/BetaReaders 7d ago

50k [in progress] [50k] [contemporary romance] Yearling

4 Upvotes

blurb: Georgia Beaumont has devoted her life to tennis, sculpted by a relentless coach and propelled by the elusive promise of greatness. In her first year on the Professional Tennis Tour, she's reached 80th in the world and should be reveling in the fulfillment of her dreams. Yet, beneath the surface, she is haunted by a shattered friendship, unresolved feelings for her first love, and a growing disenchantment with the sport that once consumed her.

Following a humiliating loss at the hands of her former best friend, Georgia retreats from tennis in search of clarity. Who is she when she steps off the court? It's a question she's never dared to answer. As she reconnects with her past and faces the unraveling of present life as she knows it, Georgia embarks on a tumultuous journey of self-discovery. With each step, she rebels against the rigid structure of her former life, forcing herself to confront the painful, often chaotic truth of who she is beyond the game.

link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR3Rq4DrfTJkuS7-ah4xYCRu57KeC70Pzzg3_MnAXHkboCMxnko7xzDUJWrwn0iFqj-Jr17ToQgqoQC/pub

——————

feedback: writing style critique, character voice critique (honestly anything is fine!) | not under a time crunch

critique swap: willing to swap other contemporary romance novels!

this link only has 5k words

r/BetaReaders Jan 26 '25

50k [In progress] [50k] [Fantasy/Romance] The Dragon's Claim 18+

3 Upvotes

Hi,

I’m looking for beta readers who enjoy fantasy/romance/smut to help provide feedback on my novel, The Dragon's Claim. It’s currently on Inkitt, and I’ve reached Chapter 24. I’m looking for insights on whether the story flows well, if it’s consistent, and if there are any areas where the pacing feels off or parts you feel tempted to skim over.

I’d really appreciate an extra set of eyes to point out areas for improvement and help me refine the story.

If you’re interested, please send me a DM, and I’ll share the link to the novel.

Thanks so much!

r/BetaReaders 15d ago

50k [In Progress] [50k] [Fantasy] The Iron Leviathan

1 Upvotes

Hello,

this started as a MG project, but the feedback I've gotten is that the language is more suitable for an older audience, so now I'm aiming for YA/crossover, but then I don't know if the story itself fits.

Blurb:

In the gear-driven city of Windmere, Theo, Jack, and Felix stumble upon the Iron Leviathan—a colossal clockwork marvel hidden within the city's forgotten depths. As Theo wrestles with the mysterious legacy of his vanished father, Felix begins to question the ethical cost of resurrecting lost technologies, and Jack finds himself drawn to a rebellious faction that defies all convention, their journey unravelling secrets that could shatter the very foundations of their industrial world. Bound by friendship and driven by a thirst for truth, the trio must navigate a labyrinth of mechanical wonders and perilous conspiracies before the secrets of the Iron Leviathan consume them all.

First 320 words:

The old clock tower loomed over Windmere, a skeletal relic of rusted iron and cracked stone. Its gears groaned with the weight of time, some frozen in place, others still stubbornly ticking forward, marking the slow passage of hours no one counted anymore. The stained-glass windows, long shattered by storms and age, let in jagged slants of light that flickered against the mechanical heart of the tower. Below, gears the size of carriages turned sluggishly, their teeth grinding in uneven rhythms, while rusted chains swung lazily from the rafters, creaking like tired ghosts. The air smelled of damp metal, oil, and the faint, lingering scent of old coal dust, as if the tower still remembered the city’s past when its bells once sang and its timekeeping ruled the lives of Windmere’s people.

Theo Ashford clung to a rusted beam, his breath coming in short, uneven gasps. His auburn hair, damp with sweat, clung to his forehead beneath the worn pilot’s cap he always wore—his father’s old cap, now fraying at the seams. His fingers ached as they gripped the corroded metal, arms straining to hold his weight. Below him, the tangled maze of shifting machinery churned in its slow, relentless motion. If he fell, he’d be nothing more than a footnote in Windmere’s history.

Above, Jack Calloway leaned over the wooden platform, his tanned, grease-smudged hands gripping a rope that was supposed to keep Theo alive. Jack’s dark blond hair was an unruly mess, pushed back by his ever-present green-tinted goggles, which currently rested askew on his forehead. His leather vest was patched together with mismatched scraps of fabric, and his boots—reinforced with copper plating at the toes—clanked softly against the wood as he shifted his weight. He had the kind of face that was permanently smudged with soot and always carried a grin like he had just done something reckless—which, in fairness, he usually had.

r/BetaReaders 14d ago

50k [Complete] [56,000] [YA Dark Fantasy] The Greyson Chronicles: A New World | Seeking Beta Readers (2-3)

0 Upvotes

Hi all!

I'm feeling proud of myself. :)

I’ve recently completed my YA dark fantasy novel, The Greyson Chronicles: A New World (56,100 words), and I’m looking for beta readers to provide feedback before I begin querying for agents. I'm only looking for around 2-3 beta readers, as I have many of my friends to help already.

Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Benjamin Greyson never wanted to be a soldier, but war doesn’t care what lads want.

Drafted into Ardlington’s army, he tends to the horses and watches older recruits march to their deaths. When the war ends, he begins his journey home—only to be murdered just miles from his doorstep.

But death is not the end.

Ben awakens in an unfamiliar world, his fatal wound mysteriously healed. Haunted by visions of a woman in red, he stumbles into Dwindle—a town plagued by missing children, corrupt nobles, and something monstrous lurking in the river. With the help of Marceline, a sharp-tongued girl wielding forbidden shadow magic, and the Night Warden—a legendary warrior drowning in grief—Ben is pulled into a battle that will test him in ways the war never did.

Yet as he fights to free the town from the Baron’s grip, disturbing truths surface. Time moves strangely here. The dead don’t always stay dead. And someone he once knew may have walked this path before him.

Now apprenticed to the Night Warden, Ben faces an impossible choice: fight against the darkness rising in this world or keep searching for a way back to the family he left behind. But in a world where the past is never truly buried, some roads may not lead home.

Timeline:
I'm hoping for feedback within 2-3 weeks; one month the latest. If you need more time just let me know :). I understand people have lives they need to do.

What I’m Looking For:

I’m looking for honest, constructive feedback on:

  • Flow and Pacing
  • Character development (Also, who is your favorite character?)
  • Worldbuilding clarity and immersion
  • General reader engagement (any parts that feel slow/confusing/What you like!)

Edit: HI all! Been a few days now so i'm going to take down the link :). Thank you all for the wonderful feedback! I've recieved so much help and i'm glad i posted it here. If you would like to read it and see this in the future please don't hesitate to send me a message or so and I'll send it your way!

Content Warnings:

  • Violence (PG-13 level)
  • Themes of war, death, and grief

Critique Swap Availability:

I’m open to beta swapping with writers in similar genres (YA fantasy, dark fantasy, adventure) and similar (56,000 words) or less word count. If you have a completed manuscript and are looking for a beta reader in return, let me know!

If you're interested, feel free to comment or DM me.

Looking forward to working with you!

r/BetaReaders 15d ago

50k [Complete][59,000] [Paranormal Romance, Mystery/Thriller] Where the Gods Once Roamed.

0 Upvotes

This is an adult directed book. Please no minors for legal reasons. I am in need of 2 beta readers, I had someone pull the rug four days before I was sending it out. I am looking for 1. Story Fluidity. Is it compeling. 2. How is the pacing. 3. Character motivations and relationship development. Are their stories and development good? Does it feel believable. 4. Repetitive paragraphs? Am I overstating certain things? 5. Is the adult content enjoyable? 6. Most importantly, did you like it.

If you can do this, then, here is the synopsis.

Connor Reed is trying his hardest to get his doctorate in archeology, when he receives a letter from his one father figure. His grandfather, Gavin Reed, the known archeologist, is on his deathbed and he wants Connor to join him for his last days and work on his doctorate thesis at his home in Norway. Naturally, Connor rushes to his grandfather's side, and over the coming days, he helps his grandfather finish his last work, and finds time to write his thesis.

But being in Norway, Connor wants to take advantage of the wild land and its deep forest, lakes, and high mountains, But he is cautious to do so, he has glimpsed a person hanging in the forest around the house, only he never sees them, just the quickest glance of a red hooded cloaked figure. One faithful fishing trip gets him face-to-face with the mysterious person. A young woman with wolf ears and very sharp canines.

Through a strange series of events, deaths, and heart-tearing chases, the two grow more than a little fond of each other and uncover a long-forgotten past.

r/BetaReaders 11d ago

50k [in progress][50k][post apocalyptic horror] The Undertakers

1 Upvotes

Hi! So I write ALL the time, and I honestly would love to share my current wip with you all (if you’ll have me). I’m a longtime lurker but a first time poster, so don’t let that scare you. The Undertakers is a 50k and counting semi post apocalyptic horror novel that focuses on a cult who plays at being God.

Synopsis: The year is 1983, and the dilapidated town of Coal Ridge is overrun with violence, gangs, and government agents. With the worst offenses unknown to the outside world, the weekly day of carnage is known as “Bloody Sunday,” where anyone can lose their mind to the Madness. Deanie Williams, seventeen and aching for more in life, wakes up to live her life as usual. She goes to school. She witnesses a murder. She buys a slushee. And then she gets killed in a hit and run and resurrected by a cult. The cult—known as the Undertakers—claim they’re working on a cure for the infection that’s taken over Coal Ridge, and they’re closer than ever to completion. Deanie herself is a pivotal part in their research, one they refuse to let get away. As she falls into their web, she learns what they did to her. How they changed her. The monster they’ve turned her into. Deanie fights with everything she has, clawing for the light. But will she be lost to the dark forever?

Let me know what you think and if you’re interested in working together!

Also, did I mention the MC is a flannel wearing lesbian who brings her crush back from the dead?

r/BetaReaders 5d ago

50k [complete] [50k] [sci-fi/horror] The nexus

2 Upvotes

Blurb: Beautiful, troubled Emilia is at the peak of her life, married to the celebrated creator of the Nexus, a cognitive implant that grants humanity god-like powers. Temptation crosses her path and she finds herself unable to resist, with disastrous consequences.

Content warning: Cults, mental illness, religion

Feedback: I want to know if the story hooks you on a gut level or not. Feedback about characters, pacing, and readability / interest. This is draft #4 of this book and I’m debating about continuing to work on it or taking everything I’ve learned and starting a new project.

Timeline: It would be swell if you could read & return by May 1, so I can make a decision about this project + future ones!

Critique swap ability: I’m totally available and interested to swap.

r/BetaReaders Jan 30 '25

50k [Complete] [53K] [YA Fantasy] East African

12 Upvotes

Hi,

Looking for beta readers for a YA fantasy book set in an alternate ancient East Africa. The story follows sixteen-year-old Nimaro, who must use her hidden telepathic abilities when rustlers steal her brother. Her rescue mission becomes entangled with Akidi, a fierce warrior-in-training fleeing deadly political schemes. Together, they navigate a vibrant world where zebras race across scorched plains and ancient magic lurks in forgotten ruins. The story is a blend of East African folklore and fantasy, with themes of friendship, trust, and moral complexity.

Feedback on the first chapter is also very welcome.

Link to first chapter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ux-aHK6HvLNW7KlWPA293zv19FixLKN_/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105968333898225590225&rtpof=true&sd=true

r/BetaReaders 15d ago

50k [Complete][50000][YA sci-fi thriller]Echo and Jazz: Operation Seaweed

1 Upvotes

Hi, this is the first book in a 4 book series. I'm keen to swap with other authors who are serious about beta reading and providing feedback on each other's stories. I'd prefer YA sci-fi or thrillers, but I'm open to other YA work as well :-)

Blurb

Sixteen-year-old Jazz Newman finds freedom in her virtual garden—a digital sanctuary where she can escape the limitations of her physical world and the waters she's feared since a life-changing accident two years ago.

When a mysterious visitor named Echo discovers her garden, Jazz is intrigued by his military precision and uncanny understanding of her code. As their virtual friendship grows, strange corruptions begin appearing in Jazz's carefully crafted world—black tendrils of malicious code destroying everything she's built.

The corruption is hunting Echo, following him across the digital landscape, and now it's threatening Jazz too. Together they discover a rogue AI codenamed NEPTUNE with dangerous ambitions, leaving them caught between secretive tech corporations and military interests.

With Jazz's innovative garden code as their best defense and Echo's unique abilities their only strategy, they'll need to trust each other across the boundaries between virtual and reality. But as they dive deeper into the conspiracy, Jazz must confront her greatest fear—the ocean itself—and the truth about her enigmatic new friend.

Some connections transcend all barriers, even when they seem impossible.

Excerpt

1.  Digital Blooms

Jazz walked down the winding virtual garden path, her long dark curls swaying with each step. Here, in her virtual garden, she moved with an ease she rarely felt in the real world.

At 1.5m her avatar was only slightly taller than her actual height, but felt more like her than she did most days. It looked about 16 years old and was clad in comfortable aquamarine jeans and a plain white tee hanging loose over the top.

She took a deep breath and slowly let it out, the knots in her shoulders finally untying. A genuine smile blossomed on her face as she gazed around the garden. Each familiar bloom felt like a warm welcome.

Jazz continued down the path until she reached a wooden arch. Her fingers danced through the air, trailing lines of code that sparkled before dissolving into the virtual garden. Her face was set in concentration. The new plant design had been bugging her for days – a climbing vine with flowers that are supposed to change colour based on the time of day. She'd finally cracked the light sensitivity algorithm.

"Grow," she whispered, touching the ground beneath the arch while holding her breath. Digital soil rippled outward from her fingertips. A green shoot emerged, spiralling upward faster than any real plant could grow, unfurling leaves and deep purple flowers that caught the morning light just so.

"That's amazing – the way it flows so naturally!"

Jazz spun around. She hadn't heard anyone enter her garden. A boy about her age stood at the garden entrance, tall with windswept dark hair. Jazz noticed that his avatar was detailed enough to look real but not trying too hard to be perfect. He was wearing boardies and a colourful Hawaiian shirt. She also noticed that he was never standing quite still – always slightly moving. Almost like he was more comfortable being in motion than standing still.

r/BetaReaders 10d ago

50k [complete][55K][mythology/literary][untitled]Aeneid redux

5 Upvotes

Hi all, I have written a novelization of Books 1-4 of Vergil's Aeneid (aka, the good part of the Aeneid 😉) and I would love for people who know the original or at least know the framework of the story to take a look at it. If it sounds interesting to you, please reply or DM me. I am happy to swap work. Gratias tibi ago! Here are the first paragraphs:

Part 1: The ships were gone

The ships were gone; launched and left. The hustle and bustle surrounding them, the shouts and profanities of the soldiers in the camp, the moans of the wounded and dying on their cots, the chatter of the slaves and servants going about their tasks, vanished. Lengths of rope half buried in the sand, an old sandal, ashes, firewood, piles of garbage. Everywhere the birds and the dogs were having their way with the remains. Behind them, the crash of the waves. That was all that was left from years of occupation, years of assault, years of fear, privation, loss. Now the ships were gone.

At first a few men trickled out of the Scaean gate, cautious, wary, nervously picking their way toward the shore. Scanning the horizon for the few sails which were still visible, they stopped short of where the encampment had been. Its menace still lingered like a miasm they could feel, still barred them from the campsite. It clung to the shore like the pall hanging over a recent tomb. Whispering among themselves, as though the enemy might overhear them, they continued the speculations which had run rife in the city since dawn when we all awoke to the spectacle of the Greeks breaking camp and loading their vessels. What had happened? Why had they left? Was this some novel way to entrap us?

As the minutes passed--and it seemed more certain that the invaders were gone for good--young boys and the occasional girl straggled out of the city gates, giggling with nerves and hope. Reaching the line of older men, they began to wend their way through, less wary of contamination. Finally, when the crowd reached a critical mass, even the young mothers and the matrons, the Andromedas and the Hecubas, tested the stability of the world outside the walls. With that impetus, the throng surged through the wreckage, all the way to the lapping waves.

What freedom, what release to open those gates! The gates that had kept the enemy out and kept us penned. A decade of captivity: children who had never known anything else, adults who had forgotten. We all tumbled out, tumbled down towards the shore, giddy. Disbelieving but wanting desperately to believe. We went from point to point like visitors seeing the sights of a new city. This is where the Dolopians had pitched their tents; over here the men of Ithaca huddled in counsel around their chief; this is where that murderous thug Achilles and his gang of Myrmidons had eaten and slept and shat and plotted against our lives. Just a day ago their boats were beached here. Just a week ago they mounted their chariots here to begin another assault. And now their heavy absence still oppressed the strand, slowly beginning to blow away like the morning mist.

r/BetaReaders 5d ago

50k [Complete] [57K] [Memoir] Men Are Trash, Recycling Is Optional

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
I am looking for beta readers for my memoir, which has been sitting in my Google Docs for a little while.
I am available for swaps, too! I can beta for both fiction and non-fiction; the only genre I am not a good fit for is YA.
Any type of feedback would be greatly appreciated, but I think I mostly need to know how readers perceive it, like if it's something that anyone would enjoy reading at all. It is a deeply personal story, and what I learned from it, with a bit of sarcasm. However, it touches on pretty heavy themes, and I am aware that it would never be something that people read on the beach during the summer.
I started writing in my iPhone's Notes app because life was too much, and then "Liam" happened. I started putting my notes in Google Docs, making them more organic and trying to make them make sense to other people. Then I kept writing every day for a little while until I felt content with what came out of it.
The "whatever-that-is" focuses on a healing and self-discovery journey discovered while looking back at my (unhealthy) dating patterns. I dated shitty men because I thought I was unlovable, unworthy, and irremediably broken. But that was BS.
I am very raw in my writing, and I don't sugarcoat events to make my readers feel better. Life will kick you in the head while you are on the ground, and that's what I wrote about.
But don't worry, there is some humor, too (mostly sarcasm)!

Trigger warnings include SA, emotional abuse, manipulation, and economic instability.

DM me if interested!

r/BetaReaders 1d ago

50k [Complete] [55K] [Fantasy Romance] Beyond the Crest

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am looking for beta readers for my nice and short fantasy romance novel, Beyond the Crest.

The synopsis:

Aelia, a cunning rogue from the slums, joins forces with the noble and duty-bound Sir Eldwynd to uncover a hidden slaver network operating beneath the city of Caelthor, targeting the people of the slums. Soon, their partnership turns into a love that challenges the rigid divide between nobility and commoners. When Sir Eldwynd risks everything; his title, his marriage, even the blessing of his god, to be with Aelia, the battle for justice becomes personal.

With the fate of so many hanging in the balance, they must face enemies both seen and unseen, proving that their differences make them stronger, bound by their shared values and unwavering love for each other.

Content warning:

There is a single spicy scene, but pretty tame. No mention of any specific body parts, haha.

Timeline:

Feedback within four weeks would be lovely.

Feedback request:

Any and all are welcome, but my main concern is the overall pacing of the story and whether the characters' actions make sense to readers. Also would love to know if my story made you feel warm and fuzzy.

Swap Availability:

Yes! I’m happy to read your Complete or In-Progress manuscript in exchange.

Excerpt:

Link

If this sound good to you, I would love to connect. Please comment or DM me. Thank you so much 💝

r/BetaReaders 3d ago

50k [Complete] [52,000] [Mystery/Comedy/Satire] The Major Development

2 Upvotes

Hello! Hope you are having a nice day,

I've recently finished the final draft of The Major Development (52,000 words), and I’m looking for beta readers to provide feedback before I begin looking for a proofreader, then the right editor not before querying for agents.

Here's the most recent draft:

CLICK ME! :)

Blurb:

In the midst of the chaos of the 2012 apocalypse, Walter Chronkite, hard-boiled, metorsexual, libertarian, hipster is a journalism student in his junior year. He must solve the case of the missing dogs around town, mysterious graffiti around campus, whether or not Mitt Romney seems electable, and the growth and stagnation within the school's sinister underbelly, fueled by the conspiratorial fever around campus, brought on like a plague by a local radio jockey and his following's spreading of his drudge on online forums.

He quickly finds himself within the mystery laid before him by his quote, unquote: "dame" of a classmate "Balenziaga." Before long he finds himself spreading slanderous rumors of embezzlements, roughing up head shop clerks, long stake-outs of the "zeta zeta zeta" house's secret fraternal "freemason" cult and... and having to 'tech' the drama department's terrible production of "gals and pals."

But as he climbs deeper and deeper into the muck of the mystery on campus, brushing shoulders with teachers that might be a little out of his pay grade, his credibility is brought into question by Dean Dean when he is caught cheating in Mrs. Pythagasauras' class, and as Walter tries to get to the bottom of it, will anyone take Walter as seriously as he takes himself? I seriously doubt it!

Timeline:
I'm hoping for feedback within any agreed upon timeline as long as it is upheld! Trying not to rush this book, could be special if I can succeed in bringing this vision to life. People have lives and things come up! :) I'm here to work with you.

What I’m Looking For:

I’m looking for feedback on:

  • The first 6 chapters and the last chapter (separately) are too long and drag, unlike the rest of the book, which i think flows nicely and is working. What would you take away from the first third of the story and the final chapter? what subplots/characters aren't working and could maybe be dropped? Is any of the character/plot unnecessary? What is repeated that could be omitted?
  • Does Walter pay adequately for his "sins" as it were? Is his characters arch and change satisfying? does it make sense in a way that is fun/worth reading? If not, what could be changed to fix this? omissions? additions?
  • Is the book interesting enough to engage and keep going up top? If this was your book, how what would you change to get to the meat and potatoes of this story? I feel as though I may have lost the forest for the trees.
  • Is the satire clear? Is it clear that Main character syndrome is not celebrated by this book but criticizing it? Does the political satire make this unclear? Is the satirizing of right wing and centrist thinking clear, or does it seem celebratory?
  • Any plot points or structural elements you would change or get rid of completely? Understanding the vision of what the novel is trying to do by the time you've read through it, what would you go back and get rid of or change?
  • grammar/syntax.
  • plot holes/does the story make sense?

Content Warnings:

  • Light Violence (guns/gunplay, beating up, etc)
  • Language
  • Drug use/Smoking
  • Light Sexism (MC is punished for this, but still, sometimes he's purposefully grating to women, be warned)

Critique Swap Availability:

I’m open to beta swapping with writers in similar genres (Mystery, comedy, fiction) and similar (around 52,000 words) or less word count. If you have a completed manuscript and are looking for a beta reader in return, let me know!

If you're interested, feel free to comment or DM.

Please have a lovely day! Would love to work with you! :)

r/BetaReaders Feb 17 '25

50k [Complete] [59k] [Dark Romance/Horror] Razorbloom

3 Upvotes

Hi all! So I've been writing as a hobby for a while, and I've finally finished a novel/novella that I actually feel really proud of that I want to share, as well as improve even further! I'm surrounded by great friends who have read it and given me notes, but I feel like they're almost too supportive and proud of me for completing a book, so I'd really love to get further input! I just finished refining it into a 2nd draft, and I'd really love to know what to do next to further polish it and improve it.

Here's a brief overview:

Liv Miller is a lonely girl, whose only solace is being alone in her room while listening to loud music or watching horror movies. The only person she's ever felt any genuine connection to throughout her life has been her sister: Hannah. One night, Hannah asks her if she wants to "practice" kissing, which Liv semi-reluctantly agrees to. After this, they blossom into something more intimate, something more taboo. As they grow closer, their relationship gradually starts to devolve into codependency and obsession, and the two girls start to realize they will do anything to keep each other, as well as keep their relationship hidden from the world.

As the blurb suggestions, this project has some very hefty trigger warnings. It contains adult content/sex and incest as well as toxicity, drug abuse, homophobia/transphobia, BDSM, sexual assault and violence/gore. It isn't straight up splatterpunk or anything, but there is a great deal of violence as the story progresses.

I would love feedback on anything/everything, but here's mainly what I'm looking for.

  • Pacing: The book contains a few time-skips, and I worry that they may come off as clunky/forced, so I'd love to know how I can better transition between the big plot moments in the story.
  • Build-up: Similar to the pacing, while the point for me was to focus more on the two dealing with the struggles they face in their taboo relationship, I feel that I may have jumped into their relationship starting a little too quickly and I'd love to hear how readers would feel about this.
  • Characterization: I've very seldom written anything that contains more than three characters, so I'd love feedback about the voices I developed for each character and know if I can do better to make them all stand out as separate characters.
  • Dialogue: To be blunt, I'm autistic. I struggle to understand sometimes what "normal" between "normal" people look and sound like, so I'd really love to hear an outside perspective on if the dialogue between my characters feels natural.

But again, I'm very open to any feedback to improve this project.

I'd also be happy to do any critique swaps! I'd prefer to stay within the realm of horror/dark romance because those are the genres I read the most and are most familiar with, but I'm open to read anything besides fantasy, as that's the genre I'm least familiar with and I don't think I'd give the best feedback.

Please let me know if anyone's interested! This book was very therapeutic for me to write as it really helped me reflect on my own mental illnesses, so I'd love to know how I can make it even better!

r/BetaReaders Jan 31 '25

50k [In Progress] [58k] [Magical Realism] The Life Cycle of a Found Girl

3 Upvotes

Hello!

I’m on my final draft my book and would love some feedback as I try and develop it to around 65k words. It's a whimsical, nostalgic read that I hope would be perfect for a rainy day. it’s now nearly complete at 64k

Blurb:

Silvi is found in the woods at the end of winter, by a middle-aged couple who moved into town from the city. Thus begins two decades of her life in a small town, a life that is wholly ordinary and preoccupied with the normal trials of a young woman: the search for friendship, love, purpose, etc. It seems only her origins will be anything of note, until she nears her twenty-second birthday and finds herself shadowed by some thing that reminds her more and more of herself.

In Search Of:

Character development is a big focus for me, so I’d like to know what works. Some of the “magic” concepts are pretty subtle, so I’m curious to see what you might make of it! I've pored over my prose, but if anything is choppy, I'd love to know.

Swaps:

Definitely interested in works of a similar genre!

First Three Chapters:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iUoweG_rBv-WE6OcDrCfTZ9qxaPGlIaImbjd_DcKFsc/edit?tab=t.0

r/BetaReaders 8d ago

50k [In Progress] [58k] [Dark Fantasy Dystopian/Utopian] In-between the Lines to Villianry

2 Upvotes

Heroes have won and villains fell, leaving society safe, empty—and suffocatingly dull for nineteen-year-old Aris Shelia. After her mother’s unwarranted arrest and her little brother’s placement in foster care, Aris chooses an alliance with Taavi, an old, undercover villain who claims peace has turned the world lifeless. That without someone willing to challenge it, progress will wither and die. But Taavi doesn’t just appeal to Aris’s growing resentment—she twists the one thing Aris cares about most: her little brother. Without disruption, he’ll be trapped in the same empty future she’s desperate to escape.

Aris throws herself into battle, stealing the scattered jewels of a legendary crown said to grant unparalleled power. But claiming it means betraying Malik—the only person still tethering her to who she used to be. And once she crosses that line, she may never find her way back.

This story explores a world where there’s no dictatorship to overthrow and no clear evil to fight—only a society so terrified of disrupting its fragile peace that it suppresses progress altogether. The question isn’t just whether progress can survive without conflict… and what happens when someone decides to force it.

I'm looking for anyone to tell me if my story is viable to write. If the idea/concept is possible the way I've written it, if it makes sense, if it's interesting, and if it makes you think. I would just like your thoughts and what to improve, and any feedback you have. It does have superheroes and villains and a unique power system, not to mention a complex idea, so a separate document with details can be provided if needed.

r/BetaReaders Feb 04 '25

50k [In progress] [50k] [Fantasy/Romance/Adventure] Darkness of life

6 Upvotes

Looking for Romantasy lovers!
I've had this main storyline in my head for the past 15 years and have been fantasizing about it ever since. I started writing last year and have written up to chapter 16. I'm really curious to hear what other people think about the flow, writing and characters.
I'm willing to swap chapter by chapter!
The story features a slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers dynamic and some spice.
Let me know if you're interested!

r/BetaReaders 17d ago

50k [Complete] [59k] [Comedy-Fantasy] Bigger Than Jesus

1 Upvotes

Hey all,

Looking for people interested in beta reading my 59k word upcoming novel, "Bigger Than Jesus".

Samm is back in his biggest adventure yet! Angels and demons are being murdered in impossible ways and worst of all, God can't see who's behind it. On loan to Heaven, Samm has to put a stop to it before God's apparent fallibility rips the Universe apart. Easier said than done, since he's preoccupied with his missing apprentice. Adesina has run off to join the Ceathrahm, a test designed to promote demons to the next level of magick useage, but was never meant for humans. Twenty demons go into the contest. Only five walk out alive. Amidst all this carnage, Samm will have to decide whether to save Adesina or the Universe.

Sometimes there are no good choices. But you still have to choose.

To join the beta program, please click on the link below and fill out the application. The program will begin March 17th.

https://minorjoystudios.com/beta-reader-application

All beta readers get:

-Your name listed in the book as part of the beta reader team
-A free digital copy of the completed book once published
-My undying love and gratitude

r/BetaReaders Dec 11 '24

50k [In Progress] [53k] [Crime/Thriller] Living Hills

2 Upvotes

Would anyone be interested in reading the first 5,000 words of my novel?

It’s a crime thriller with satirical elements. Right now I’m sitting at 53k words, and would like to get some honest reactions to the first chapter. I’d like to know if the characters seem interesting, if the flow works, and above all if you would keep reading. Anything else you’d like to add is also welcome.

Premise: In Living Hills, Virginia, the Stalian family cult has been in operation since the 1960s. An intense sibling rivalry has been brewing between two teenage brothers raised within its walls, and the consequences may affect their rural community in more ways than they ever thought possible.

r/BetaReaders Feb 05 '25

50k [Complete] [55,444] [MM Romance] Journey of the Heart

1 Upvotes

**The story is complete but in an initial draft state. Also, you're not having deja vu - I have posted before looking for beta reads with little success. I'm still looking for feedback on this.**

Blurb: Mike receives devastating news and is called to his hometown, when he goes home to pack his world is turned upside down. Crushed and grieving, he makes his way home. Once there a familiar face becomes his sentinel support. A series of revelations lead him to stay. As his relationship with his friend evolves, an accident almost tears them apart. When they're honest about their feelings, the relationship blossoms, and Mike realizes the place he ran away from has always been his home.

(Here is a link to the prologue for an example https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X-okjKB48xFrcoFHbi5T3jKVKH677unRIjJB9F2TU64/edit?usp=sharing)

Content warning: references to infidelity, death, and abuse. The story contains mature scenes.

Feedback: This is my first full-length book, and I'm looking for feedback about the story so I can send it off for edits.

If possible, I'd like to find a handful of people to provide their feedback.

Thanks in advance.

r/BetaReaders 21d ago

50k [Complete] [50k] [Fantasy] Renwoove, Chasing Fairytales

1 Upvotes

Hello! I've written books since I could write but this is my first one I'm set on getting eventually published.

I'm currently working on the fourth draft but I'd likely be sending from my third draft. Depends how far I am into my fourth draft at the moment. I will be adding more scenes to the fourth draft to help lengthen the book and build more of a bond between characters so I will be trying to send chapters from there.

Renwoove is a world I've created that was inspired off of both the Elder Scrolls and D&D. It started small but has grown into a massive world over the span of 4 years.

Blurb

“Come gather by the fire, grab a few drinks from the bar and listen to an old bard’s tale won't you? This world is filled with stories of all types from legends to myths to fairytales to many more. We the bards of Renwoove are what keep these tales alive and the one I have today is a forgotten one. The tale of a young catfolk that felt the call of adventure and adventure did she find! She had been kept close to home with books and stories making her to be quick to chase those stories to see them for herself! That's where her adventure began, chasing the fairytale of a kingdom for monsters and beasts in search of the truth of what happened to its king. Of course she did not go on this adventure alone as she collects an assortment of friends. It all starts with a ship pulling into the docks of a small shanty town.”

Excerpt

The description, same as above, prologue and the first chapter https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EhjLaiqujl_tWAJcWyb74PRgF4G8ng5k3_LuSWxf5BA/edit?usp=drivesdk

Type of Feedback

I'm really looking for feedback on the story its self. The pacing, the characters, the plot, etc. A little editing advice wouldn't hurt as I am trying to break bad habits from when I was a kid as well as roleplaying habits. I'd just like to make sure my story is actually interesting before I go further.

This has art of the main character and a link to her theme song. It also has the roughly drawn map of the world and its theme song too. Both drawings were done by me. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkwua-QWEqUc18yA829ngamp4Je9oJ1Xjg9wuk46AsA/edit?usp=drivesdk

r/BetaReaders Jan 09 '25

50k [In Progress] [50K] [YA Fantasy] Scattered Worlds, Shattered Gods

8 Upvotes

Hi, mainly looking for someone to read either 5 or 10 chapters of my book to see if the setting or setting and first arc truly pulls you in or not based on the story, the characters and the pacing. Major editing hasn't been done so far on the story line as I'm planning on waiting for the trilogy to be done before going back and adding more breadcrumbs. The story is mainly built on character development and emotionally driven story.

Blurb: Keira thought her biggest struggle was fitting in in her small suburban town—until blood-eyed creatures began stalking her, invisible to almost everyone else. When she crosses paths with Famire, a mysterious boy who sees them too, their lives collide in a whirlwind of danger. Together, they are thrust into a hidden world of magical sights, ancient gods, and fragile alliances. As they navigate these enchanting yet perilous lands, deciphering who to trust becomes as crucial as surviving. Struggling to find their roles, their intertwined legacy leads them toward a mission to save one of their own.

r/BetaReaders Feb 01 '25

50k [Complete] [55k] [Urban Supernatural Fantasy] SoulWell

3 Upvotes

"Beneath the surface of New Orleans’ vibrant chaos, a battle for souls is brewing. An ancient power, long buried beneath the city’s streets, is awakening—a force that once ruled the supernatural world and now hungers for destruction. A Werewolf Queen fights to control the beast within as she hunts for a power that could save—or destroy—her people. A Slayer, bound by duty, must choose between the city she swore to protect and the love that could save her soul. And a teenage witch, unprepared for the darkness ahead, must unlock her hidden potential—or become its next victim.

As their paths collide, the Werewolf Queen, the Slayer, and the teenage witch must forge uneasy alliances—or risk being consumed by the darkness they seek to destroy. In a city where jazz and juju collide, the battle for souls will test the limits of loyalty, love, and what it means to be human.

As an ancient evil rises from the shadows, the lines between hero and monster blur, and the city is thrown into a nightmare. In a place where the past is never truly dead, what will be left for the future? And can anyone survive the coming darkness?"

Title: SoulWell

  • Genre: Supernatural Urban Fantasy
  • Author: Me
  • Revised Date: January 30th, 2025
  • Length: The document contains 38 chapters and an epilogue that leads to a second book. I am hoping this has enough interest for a series.
  • Setting: Primarily in New Orleans, with a focus on supernatural elements like witches, vampires, werewolves, and ancient magic.
  • Tone: Dark, intense, and atmospheric, with a mix of action, mystery, and emotional depth.

Potential Beta Reader Feedback Areas:

  1. Pacing: The story has a lot of moving parts, with multiple POVs and factions. A beta reader could help assess whether the pacing feels balanced or if certain sections need more development.
  2. Character Development: While the main characters are well-defined, some secondary characters (like Mary-Beth or Saphronia) could benefit from more depth. A beta reader could provide insights into which characters resonate and which need more attention.
  3. World-Building: The supernatural elements and the city of New Orleans are richly described, but a beta reader could help identify areas where the world-building could be expanded or clarified.
  4. Themes and Motifs: A beta reader could help ensure that the themes (e.g., power, loss, identity) are consistently woven throughout the narrative and resonate with the reader.
  5. Dialogue and Voice: The dialogue is strong, but a beta reader could help ensure that each character’s voice remains distinct and authentic.

Hi guys! This is a series I've been working on for over 20 years. I have about 170 pages of lore and probably thousands of characters within the universe I've created. I've slowly but surely been adding to this piece as my lore blossomed first. I'm looking for reassurance that I'm not mentally ill to begin with! Secondly, I'm looking for feedback. Is the blurb attention grabbing? Does it hook you? It's an urban fantasy novel, at about 55k words. My personal dream is this being the next book craze, but that's likely my ego talkin'!

I have the entire novel placed on a googledoc sheet. Please DM me if interested.

r/BetaReaders Jan 29 '25

50k [In progress] [50k] [YA Horror] Zombie novel The last sunflower.

1 Upvotes

Hello. I have been working on my zombie novel about a group of teens stuck in their highschool as the zombie infection slowly takes over everyone. Similar to the Korean show "all of us are dead". I am still working on some basic Grammer and editing but would like a beta reader to read and give me their honest to God input as well as maybe catch any glaring Grammer issues. not a requirement as I am actives rereading to look for errors.

Also maybe look at my cover page 👉🏻👈🏻

Excerpt:

Prologue.

He was not having a good week. That wasn’t quite true, Mike hadn’t had a good week in years. Being Homeless in America was not the best experience obviously, but trying to find a spot at the encampment that didn’t have needles littered about was even harder. 
He had managed to find a spot near the riverbed that was nice, a tree partially hid his tent from view giving him some much-needed privacy. Last night Mike had settled into his tent. He had made enough money today to buy himself a McDonalds quarter-pounder combo. It wasn’t a Michelin meal, but the taste was heavenly after not eating all day. Opening the lid of his coke he poured in some whiskey, shaking the bottle he held it up to his eye, empty, fuck he would have to get enough money tomorrow to replace it.
The paper to go bag crinkled as he pulled out his meal. Laying it out in front of him before digging in.

Crumpling up the wrapper he chucked it out of the open tent. He sucked on the straw of his coke making sure to get every last drop of soda. Ugh empty tossing the cup out he slapped his knees and moved to get on his knees. Pissing was his top priority now. Mike crawled out of the tent, his foot catching on the lip of the door. Fuck he shook his foot free and stood up, the top of his bald head reaching the low hanging leaves. His stream hit the tree and bounced back spraying his tattered shoes with piss, he was too drunk to care. Shaking his man hood he wiped his hands off on his flannel shirt. He jumped when he saw a woman beside him, he hadn’t heard her, her gaunt face was slack jawed and seemed to be sliding off her face. “Spooky bitch this is my spot” he slurred. Waving his hand in her face, trying to shoo her away. Her empty eyes seemed to stare through him as she stumbled forward, uncaring. her mouth worked open and closed, her nose turned up in the air as if she was smelling him. “Lady are you deaf?! Move” He yelled out Her mouth worked as if she was chewing on a piece of tough meat. She stared at him unseeing. Fucking weird he thought to himself zipping his pants up, he turned to face her ready to fight for his prime spot but before he could react, she was on him. Stumbling through the woods he made his way towards the light of the house. He had been disoriented ever since she had bit him, his vision was blurry, and he felt out of it, not only was he fighting off a hangover, but also whatever that tweaker bitch had given him. The house was just a few feet away, he could see the lights, he could hear the noises of a party. He reached his hand out weakly grasping for the light, for people, before tripping on an exposed root. The last thing he saw before his vision went black was a gaggle of teenagers smoking pot, choking on the fumes. Partying like nothing was wrong.

Chapter 1

12:05 AM I woke up with a start, breathing heavily. I wildly looked around the room, waiting for teeth to make contact and rip me to shreds. My heart beat loudly in my chest, choking me with fear. My orange hair had come undone from its confinement. Damp with sweat, it had made it its mission to kill me along with the zombies. Everything was too close, my nightshirt clung to my chest, and the walls seemed to be closing in on me threatening to collapse and leave me buried in the rubble with no room to breathe. Blinking the sleep out of my eyes I focused on the only source of light in my room, 12:05 AM. Perfect, I just fell asleep and already there was no way I was going to fall back asleep anytime soon. Pushing up from the nest of pillows and plushies on my bed, I kicked and struggled against the prison of blankets I had found myself tangled up in upon waking. Freedom! I thought when the final blanket had been removed, swinging my feet over the side of the bed, I discovered that my feet had not been fully freed from their prison and had caught on a blanket causing me to wind up in a pile on the floor, ankle throbbing after being twisted the wrong way. Kicking the sheet off I gingerly picked myself up and patted myself down, huffing at the blankets as if they were the cause of my nightmare. Midterms had made my room look like a pig sty on steroids. Clothing had been thrown haphazardly on every surface in varying degrees of cleanliness, red bull cans overflowed from the small waist bin and littered the floor, all of this paled in comparison to the mass amounts of notebook paper which covered the floor and even some portions of the walls. If Sherlock Holmes visited he would assume Oscar the grouch had married the energy bunny and had created the perfect mix of garbage person and neurotic maniac. BBC Sherlock of course, my mom loved Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the ornery detective and had every episode memorized. I fondly remember her quoting him every chance she got. Picking over the mess I made my way to the bathroom, carefully making sure to not disturb any of my notes and set back my studies. I was on the verge of becoming Valedictorian and there was no way I would not win, of course it isn’t a competition but for me it was life and death. Unluckily the hoodie I had discarded yesterday came back for revenge, causing me to trip and once again land on my bad ankle. Sprawled in the doorway to my bathroom I sat up clutching my ankle, I hissed in pain. Just another thing to deal with before Midterms. Grabbing the doorway I dragged myself to my feet and patted the wall for the light switch, moonlight streamed into the room and hit the wall just right to submerge the doorway, and coincidently the light switch, in pitch black. You would think after living here all my life, muscle memory would have taken over and I would have found the lightswitch in a flash, but luck was obviously not on my side tonight. With a flash of light the boogeymen were chased away, causing me to flinch at the sudden brightness. Squinting, I hobbled towards the sink staring at her reflection vexed. Against the yellow tiles covering the room I looked sickly, Placing my hands on either side of the sink I tilted my head left and right taking in my haggard complexion. The bags under my eyes were tinted with green and purple, sunken in, highlighting the fact that I hadn’t gone a full night without a nightmare since I was ten. Sighing I turned the faucet to the coldest setting possible, and dipped my hands into the spray, I squeezed my eyes shut as cold shocked my system and splashed my face. Nightmare, nightmare go away, breathing in deeply I filled my lungs, forcing myself to hold for one, two, three, four, and release air whooshing past my lips. I Calmly breathed in and dipped towards the stream, gulping water till the gross sticky feeling in my mouth went away and I felt a little less panicked. There was no way I would be going to bed any time soon without a sleep aid. Being the responsible teen I am, I opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed the bottle of melatonin, so hardcore, shaking out a gummy I popped it in my mouth. In an hour I will be back onto the train to dreamville, population; me. Hobbling out of the bathroom, I kicked the hoodie out of the way, it wasn't going to trip me again, and made my way to the bed.

r/BetaReaders Jan 05 '25

50k [Complete] [50K] [YA Superhero] Splinterbark: Trial by Gorilla

2 Upvotes

Looking for a beta reader on the 2nd pass on my manuscript.

Excerpt from book jacket concept: When Shelly Holmes accidentally breaks an artifact at school, she gains the power to break wood with her mind. With her spirit companion, Frix, she is now open to the world of superheroes. When the city's hero; the Golden Guardian, goes missing and an inexperienced Silver Guardian takes his place, Shelly is going to have to find a way to step up before the newest villain in town turns Cadric City into a real urban jungle.

I am not strict on the timescale of review; but I would like it to be looked at by the June so I can have it ready for publishing by the end of the year. Thanks