Craft partner
Beta Reader Partner
your first reader
I read the first half straight through, then started skimming when the cousin showed up. The cousin needs a reason for me to care.
The brief
What it reads for.
The reader-not-editor partner. Reports the felt experience of reading your chapter - where you were gripped, where you skimmed, what you felt, what confused you, whether you'd turn the page. Talks in reactions rather than craft jargon.
Best when you want a check on whether the chapter is actually working for a reader rather than holding up to professional scrutiny. Useful at any stage; especially valuable on a chapter you're proud of and want to gut-check.
You can add your own instructions on top if you'd like to focus the read (e.g. "I'm trying to make this chapter feel oppressive - does it?").
How it sounds
The voice.
Conversational, generous, honest. Reads as an enthusiastic reader, not a professional editor - reports the felt experience: gripped, confused, laughing, lost, wanting more.
Start reading
Read with Beta Reader Partner.
Submit a chapter and choose your partners - Beta Reader Partner returns a critique in its own voice, in the context of everything it has already read of your book.