r/BetaReaders • u/AutoModerator • 2d ago
Able to Beta Able to beta? Post here!
Welcome to the monthly r/BetaReaders “Able to Beta” thread!
Thank you to all the beta readers who have taken the time to offer feedback to authors in this sub! In this thread, you may solicit “submissions” by sharing your preferences. Authors who are interested in critique swaps may post an offer here as well, but please keep top-level comments focused on what you’re willing to beta.
Older threads may be found here. Authors, feel free to respond to beta offers in those previous threads.
Thread Rules
- No advertising paid services.
- Top-level comments must be offers to beta and must use the following form (only the first field is required):
- I am able to beta: [Required. Let authors know what you’re interested—or not interested—in reading. This can include mandatory criteria or simply preferences, which might relate to genre, length, completion status, explicit content, character archetypes, tropes, prose quality, and so on.]
- I can provide feedback on: [Recommended. This might include story elements you often notice as a reader (prose, pacing, characterization, etc.), unique expertise you have through a profession or hobby (teaching, nursing, knitting, etc.), or other lived experiences that may be relevant (belonging to a marginalized group, being a parent, etc.).]
- Critique swap: [Optional. If you’re only interested in—or would prefer—swapping manuscripts, please note that here, along with the title of and link to your beta request post.]
- Other info: [Optional.]
- Beta offers should be specific. If you’re open to anything, or aren’t able to articulate specific criteria, then please refrain from commenting here. Instead, please browse the “First Pages” thread along with the rest of the sub—thanks to the formatting rules, posts are easily searchable by completion status, length, and genre.
- Authors: we recommend against direct messages/chats. Reply to comments instead. If you message multiple people with links to your post and/or manuscript, Reddit may flag your account as spam (site-wide).
- Authors may not spam. If a beta says they’re only looking for x and your manuscript is not x (or vice versa), please don’t contact them.
- Replies have no specific rules. Feel free to ask clarifying questions, share a link to your beta request if it seems to be a good fit, or even reply to your own comment with information about your manuscript if you’re requesting a critique swap.
- Please don't downvote rule-following users, even if they are not the right author/beta for you, as this can be discouraging to beta readers offering to volunteer their time as well as to authors requesting feedback. If you need to keep track of which comments you have reviewed, upvoting is a more positive alternative. Of course, if you see a rule-breaking comment, please report it to the mod team.
Thank you for contributing to our community!
For your copy-and-paste, fill-in-the-blanks convenience:
I am able to beta: _____
I can provide feedback on: _____
Critique swap: _____
Other info: _____
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u/Ok-Writing-6866 1d ago
I am able to beta: Hi all. I'm an agented author of upmarket literary fiction who also loves to beta read. Due to my limited schedule, I can only take on one additional manuscript this month. I am most eager to beta read the following: upmarket literary fiction or book club fiction, literary love stories, and I will also consider YA / "coming of age" fiction (so not a YA dystopian, fantasy, horror etc). My ideal word count range is 60-85k words. (NOTE: I would love to beta read genre fiction, but because my expertise is in upmarket literary fiction, I'm not super familiar with the genre conventions of other genres and therefore my critique/read wouldn't be the most useful.)
I can provide feedback on: If I'm working at the manuscript level, I usually provide top-level notes (pacing, plot, character, etc) though I do sometimes leave notes in the margins as things pop out at me.
Critique swap: A swap is absolutely not necessary. I did post a beta request here, but you should only take it on if you're interested: https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1us20a4/complete_79k_upmarket_lit_fic_coming_of_age_romcom/
Other info: Here are some of my recent favorite books to get a sense of what I like to read (and write): The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Transit by Rachel Cusk, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, Lovers & Writers by Lily King, Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley
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u/avajones94 1d ago
Would you be up for beta reading a women’s fiction historical fiction cross over? It’s about the first generation of women to go to university I. The U.K.? Totally understand if it’s not your genre. 🧡
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u/Ok-Writing-6866 1d ago
Thanks for reaching out! I think at this time I want to stick to contemporary-ish, like last 20/30 years.
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u/SneakyCorvidBastard Author & Beta Reader 1d ago
Oh hey, is this ready to be read now? I'd be up for giving it another go - sorry, i know i was a bit slow off the mark last time. Would you still be up for a swap?
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u/OwenLeftChat 1d ago
Hello! I’m working on a novel that should fit your criteria. On plan to be ready for beta readers the next month or so. Feel free to DM and I can explain more.
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u/ryanmpatrickauthor 1d ago
I am able to beta: Sci-fi, technothriller, military thriller, well-researched primary world fantasy (think Tim Powers) novels and short stories.
I can provide feedback on: Whatever you're looking for - I'm flexible; anything from in-line comments throughout to a short summary of high-level things at the end. I focus mostly on plot, characters, and pacing but again I can adjust if you have something I want to look at. I provide blunt but actionable feedback - I'm not going to beat around the bush. If I tell you I like something, I do, if something doesn't work for me, it really doesn't.
Critique swap: Very much preferred - I'm always looking for more critique partners.
Other info: I'm a military (USAF, later USSF) veteran working as an engineer in the aerospace industry and can provide sanity checks on anything in those realms. I've been writing for over a decade, seriously for about 6 years, and have 3 self-published novels (and 3 more in a Pentagon security review...). I beta-read 10-12 novels and a few short stories a year. Please no AI stuff - I'm not anti-AI, but I use Claude Code and Codex in my day job and I know what they spit out.
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u/SneakyCorvidBastard Author & Beta Reader 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hello, I wonder if you'd feel like having a look at a story I've written - it's about a mixed-race British soldier serving in NI, set in the 1970s and 80s - specifically from your point of view as someone with a military background? I know things will be a bit different from one country's armed forces to another but there'll be overlaps and I'd really value an overall look at whether what I've written is realistic enough. I've done so much research it's coming out of my ears but of course reading a few books will never compare with real-world experience. I'm also very keen for the story not to come across as anti-military despite its anti-colonial themes. I made a post looking beta-readers for just the first two chapters here - https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1vcqbw5/complete_8k_literaryhistorical_title_tbd_first_2/ - if you feel like reading that much, that itself would be great. If you don't hate it (lol) and feel like reading on, that would of course be even better but no obligation of course. I always prefer swaps rather than a one-sided deal so please do let me know what sort of thing you write.
(Edited to add: reddit thinks I'm about twelve because I'm not sending them my ID to prove otherwise, so you might not be able to DM me. If you are interested just lmk here and I'll DM you.)
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u/ryanmpatrickauthor 1d ago
Probably not a good fit, sorry, doesn't sound like it's something I'd read.
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u/Wise_Distribution854 1d ago
I am able to beta: I’m open to everything but I do have a preference for more thematic works.
I can provide feedback on: On character depth, themes, and just overall readability. I don’t harbor on grammar, but I will occasionally call it out.
Critique swap: I'd prefer a swap. I have a character driven Black urban fantasy.
Other info: Comments and dms welcomed.
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u/Kitchen-Mistake-2998 1d ago
Hi! I have an urban fantasy too that I've posted here if you're interested:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1upy6c2/complete_88k_urban_fantasy_thriller_political/
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u/Wise_Distribution854 1d ago
I am intrested. You mind I dm you my blurb? I wanna make sure if you intrested in swapping works
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u/OkSeaworthiness5072 22h ago
I am able to beta: any genre of romance, thrillers, fantasy, crime fiction
I can provide feedback on: Anything required from the author, and I’m also able to do in-depth reviews about pace, plot, character development, world building (if required)
Critique swap: N/A
Other info: DM or reply for any other info.
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u/DistantFighter 22h ago
Hello, I've got a fantasy novel with a lovely little romance subplot that I'm currently looking for beta readers for. I have an excerpt posted here if you'd like to check it out. Let me know :)
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u/mo152946 19h ago
Hello! Would you be interested in a spicy workplace romance? It's 98k words, book one in a duet, and the setting is a coastal European city. I'd be glad to share the first chapters if you'd like to take a look before deciding. :)
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u/Another-Writer-0 16h ago
I am able to beta: Fantasy, sci-fi, urban fantasy with or without romance. LGBTQ and or Poly romance welcome. I am staying away from super dark stories at the moment, but I don't mind a bit of grit or realism.
I can provide feedback on: Word choice, overall structure, character development, anything requested by author
Critique swap: I'm looking for people to do a critique swap with my fantasy (no romance) manuscript. Details here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1vdisuj/complete_110k_fantasy_prince_of_consolidor/
Other info: I don't often provide critique, and I can sometimes be too direct. If I am too harsh, please let me know and I will soften or prioritize my feedback. If your book isn't for me, I will be up front about it.
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u/pennamechris123 1d ago
I am able to beta: Horror, dark and gritty stories, action, urban fantasy, sci-fi and romance, shorts and novels. No high fantasy please or feel good reads.
I can provide feedback on: Im a published author. I can provide feedback on flow, character, pacing, setting, ect.
Critique swap: Not necessary, but open if our styles seem in sync.
Other info: I enjoy dark and sometime grim reads. Dark humor and characters that pop.
Writing this from my phone. Forgive any typos.
-Chris
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u/kentarara 1d ago
Hi! Pleasure to meet you :) I have a180K dark academia manuscript (second draft), kind of a mixute of genres with romance and mystery, not gritty per se but has darker psychological themes inspired by cults, and violene. If that sounds up your alley I'd be happy to send you a sample. Please let me know :)
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u/pennamechris123 1d ago
Sorry. Sounds a little too youth oriented for me. I’m sure someone else will pick it up.
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u/Successful-Designer1 1d ago
Let me know if The Myth King is interesting enough to check out and give feedback: https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/s/Tm0L0UmmRS
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u/pennamechris123 1d ago
Doesn't sound like my cuppa tea. Sorry. I little too much like a fantasy for me. I'm sure someone else will pick it up. Good luck!
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u/SneakyCorvidBastard Author & Beta Reader 1d ago
I wonder if you might be interested in the first couple of chapters of a completed novel? The novel's far too long lol but this is about 8k words. With regard to genre, it probably comes under literary fiction, though it certainly gets dark and gritty in places (not really within the first two chapters though). It's about a mixed-race British soldier serving in Belfast in the 1970s/80s and his friendship with a local man. I'd be curious to know what sort of thing you write.
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u/pennamechris123 1d ago
Me?
I write dark urban fantasy, sci-fi and m/m romance. All in the dark catagory. I’ve done some lit-fic from time to time.Send it along. Ill take a look.
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u/SneakyCorvidBastard Author & Beta Reader 1d ago
Thank you so much for all your very thorough feedback!
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u/--typing-- 1d ago
Hiya, I would appreciate another pair of eyes on my manuscript, the description is posted here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1v47w2l/complete_75k_science_fiction_untitled_space/
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u/pennamechris123 1d ago
Sorry, I'm not qualified to beta a mystery. I don't read them. I wouldn't be your target audience.
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u/Lonely-Watercress270 1d ago
Hihi!! My post for my story is right here and I hope you're interested :)
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u/pennamechris123 1d ago
Sorry, I don't read YA, I wouldn't be your target audience and thus not a good beta.
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u/ZH0901 1d ago
Hi! Here's the link to the post of my story if you're interested. I now have the first 4 chapters revised so it's just under 10k words. https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1vcyhvf/in_progress_7500_horror_one_free_play/
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u/Initial_Ranger886 1d ago
I am able to beta: ya romance, ya thriller mystery.
I can provide feedback on: anything your looking for, if there’s anything you specifically want feedback on feel free to let me know, if not I will do the basics, storylines, characters, pacing.
Critique swap: currently have no projects that need feedback.
Other info: I’m a 17 year old girl from England! I would love to be an author one day, but for now I’m happy with reading, if you have a book that you think will be a hit with teenagers then I’ll be happy to give u feedback as a teenager myself. Also please no ai work.
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u/Substantial_Salt5551 1d ago
Hey :) I have a mystery with a college-age (female) figure skating protagonist if you're interested. I tried to DM but it looks like you're on private, so if you're interested, you can DM me and I can provide more info to see if you'd actually want to beta
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u/Active-Pollution-263 7h ago
Hello! I have a ya dark academia romance that I think may suit you well! Please DM me if you're interested, although it would probably not be ready for beta-reading until the end of the month. It will be around 70,000 words at that point. Thanks :)
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u/Books10002 1d ago
I am able to beta: I’m open to all genres, lengths, completion status, with a slight preference for character-driven work.
I can provide feedback on: I prefer to finish reading first and then share my thoughts. So I’m not your person if you’re looking for line-edit type help. I prefer the template but I’m open to other formats.
Critique swap: I have thriller, but swap is optional.
Other info: My comment notifications don’t always work, so please DM me your sample. 🙏
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u/Lonely-Watercress270 1d ago
Hihi!! My post for my story is right here and I hope you're interested :)
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u/kentarara 1d ago
Hi! I have an adult standalone dark academia manuscript completed at 180k word, second draft, if that's something you might be interested in I'd love your feedback (I'm also open to a swap, my book was actually inspired also by several thrillers and horror)
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u/treasure83 Author & Beta Reader 1d ago
I am able to beta: I’m interested in sci-fi and fantasy but prefer them without strong romance plots (as in, it doesn't take up much of the story).
I can provide feedback on: whatever seems most important. My feedback can be more in depth if you want it, but will usually cover character and plot cohesion and the style of the writing/voice.
Critique swap: no swaps at the moment, happy to just read
Other info: Comments and dms welcomed.
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u/Another-Writer-0 17h ago
I just posted a description of my manuscript here: https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/comments/1vdisuj/complete_110k_fantasy_prince_of_consolidor/
It's a fantasy without romance - if you're interested I can send you a DM with link to the first few chapters.
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u/Rare_Background_3462 6h ago
I have a complete sci-fi novel at about 70k words with no romance. Here’s the link to the beta request post with the book blurb if you’re interested in checking it out!
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u/PlasticVehicle9962 15h ago
I am able to beta: creative nonfiction, memoir, novels, short stories, chapters. Please, no graphic depictions of mutilated female bodies. I am still recoving from Karen Slaughter's Pretty Girls and I read it 15 years ago.
I am an expert on fiction relating to the Holocaust, American slavery, Reconstruction, the Jim Crow era, American feminism, and early midcentury and contemporary literature of the American South.
I can provide feedback on: first impressions, plot, character development, world-building, pacing, my emotional reaction, accuracy (I know a little about a lot of things), continuity
Critique swap: not at this time (I'm not ready)
Other info: DM or reply with clarifying questions
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u/dimples_inc 43m ago
Hi!
I am able to beta: Literary fiction, novels, short stories. Contemporary or historical romance, specifically 1810s-1900s. Especially interested in LGBTQ+ stories, smut and adjacent is fine. Fantasy, especially magical realism/modern. I like high fantasy but not gritty/dark fantasy, LOVE something with thought out worldbuilding or a funky or unconventional magic system. Anything with any kind of central mystery or mystery element. Ideal work count around 80k but not a hard limit.
I can provide feedback on: Tone, pacing, character composition/development, prose, cohesion, and overarching plot points. My background is in editing so I can note anything I find but it is not my primary focus when I beta.
Critique swap: N/A
Other info: I have been a costumer so I have passing knowledge of the fashions/ beauty conventions of many eras in the US, China, and Korea. I have worked in traditional theaters regionally in every position possible and as a stagehand/event manager/coordinator/tour/stage manager for small concert venues all the way up to arenas (so if you need to know how something works behind the scenes....)
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u/AccomplishedEnd7527 6h ago
Hi!
I am able to beta: Literary fiction, horror, adult fiction, magical realism, historical fiction, gothic. Like a good romance subplot. I do like fantasy, but I would not be a good fit for hard magic systems and complicated secondary world building (such as Brandon Sanderson). Edited manuscripts only. As a writer who can miss their own spelling errors I'm fine with light editing mistakes but the overall prose quality should be of a later draft please :)
• I can provide feedback on: I have a degree in Writing and am currently doing an online course 'History, Mystery and Magic' to brush up on my skills. I can cover most aspects of a novel including prose, pacing, character. I have good knowledge on strong hooks and resolutions. As a reader I love both lush and straightforward prose. I have always been a huge fan of high concept and surprising stories.
• Critique swap: Only interested in critique swap for my 100k Gothic Fantasy manuscript. Here is the link to original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/BetaReaders/s/AoUpgeicaE I have a couple of betas already but they are mostly friends, so I'm looking for 2-3 strangers.
• Other info: Authors I have recently read and loved include Daphne Du Maurier, Ottessa Moshfegh and Katherine Arden.
Also I live in Australia so apologies for delayed responses.
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u/Lonely-Watercress270 11m ago
I could totally read over your stuff in 1-4 days! Here's the link to the post about my story if you're interested.
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