Detailed, human beta reading. Your manuscript is never uploaded to AI.
Professional beta reading by Mia Garay

Before you publish, see your book through a reader’s eyes.

I will help you understand what a real reader notices, feels, questions, and remembers while reading your book.

What you receive

Feedback built around value.

Every manuscript needs something different. I leave comments where I have a meaningful reaction, question, or observation, and I shape the final report around the feedback you asked for.

Inline reader reactions

Comments left directly in your Google Doc as I read, so you can see where I connected, questioned something, became confused, or had a strong reaction.

Written beta report

A clear overview of my experience with the manuscript, focused on the questions and concerns you asked me to address.

Follow-up support

Every package includes email follow-up so you can ask questions and make sure you understand my feedback. Full-manuscript beta reads also include a 30-minute call.

Your questionnaire

When you provide a beta-reader questionnaire, I complete it in full in addition to your report.

Beta reading packages

Choose the package that matches the length of your manuscript.

First Chapter

$20
Up to 5,000 words · 3 business days
  • Inline reader reactions
  • Beta report of approximately 1 page
  • Questionnaire completed, when provided
  • Email follow-up
Request a Beta Read

Partial Manuscript

$85
Up to 40,000 words · 12 business days
  • Inline reader reactions
  • Beta report of approximately 2 pages
  • Questionnaire completed, when provided
  • Email follow-up
Request a Beta Read
Manuscripts over 90,000 words: Each additional 10,000 words adds $20 and 3 business days.
Timing and availability: Turnaround times are measured in business days and begin after payment and manuscript access are received. Availability is limited, and your deadline is not reserved until payment is complete. Delays in sharing your manuscript may require a new deadline.
Cancellation and refunds: You may cancel within 24 hours of payment for a full refund. Once work has begun, refunds are considered based on the circumstances and the amount of work completed. Full details are available in the Refund Policy and Beta Reading Terms.
Manuscript fit

Beta reading is for a polished manuscript.

Your manuscript does not need professional editing first, but it should have gone through several rounds of self-editing and be as close to publishable as you can make it on your own.

Best genre fit

Primary: Adult and YA fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and thriller.

Selectively open to: Romance, historical fiction, nonfiction, and literary fiction.

Not accepted

Westerns, horror, memoirs, and children’s books.

I may also decline a manuscript when I believe it needs more self-editing or when I am not the right reader for what the author needs.

How it works

From request to completed feedback.

Submit your request

Tell me about yourself, your book, and the feedback you are looking for.

I review your request

I review your submission to make sure I understand your book, the feedback you are looking for, and whether I am the right beta reader for this stage of your manuscript.

We talk through any questions

I will contact you by email with any questions I have and give you space to ask me anything. A free 15-minute call is also available if you would rather talk through the details.

We confirm the fit

Once we both feel clear about the manuscript, the feedback you need, and the deadline, I send the payment information.

Payment and manuscript access

Once payment is complete, you will share your manuscript through Google Docs with commenter access only. This lets me leave detailed comments while you keep control of the file.

You receive your feedback

I deliver your inline comments, written report, and completed questionnaire, when provided, by the agreed deadline. Follow-up begins after you have had a chance to read through everything.

Confidentiality

Your manuscript remains yours and stays private.

A human-only reading process

I personally read every word of your manuscript. It is never uploaded to AI, and AI is never used to read, analyze, or evaluate your story.

Your work stays under your control

You retain all rights to your manuscript. Files are shared through Google Docs with commenter access only, so I can leave feedback without taking ownership or control of the document.

Confidential from the start

I treat every manuscript as private, whether or not an NDA is in place. I am also willing to review and sign a reasonable author-provided NDA or beta-reader agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Before you request a beta read.

Is beta reading the same as editing?

No. Beta reading focuses on your experience as a reader: what is clear, confusing, engaging, slow, believable, or emotionally effective. I may point out wording or grammar when it interrupts the reading experience, but I do not edit or rewrite your manuscript.

Will you tell me whether my book is ready to publish?

I can tell you how the manuscript worked for me as a reader and where I believe it may need more attention. The final decision about whether it is ready to publish remains yours.

Do you read the entire manuscript?

Yes. Once I accept a paid beta read, I read the entire manuscript unless an unexpected issue makes it necessary to stop. If that happens, I will contact you and explain the situation.

Will you give me progress updates?

I do not send automatic progress updates, but you are welcome to ask how the read is going. I deliver the full feedback together so my reading experience is not influenced by an ongoing discussion about the manuscript.

Can I send you my own questionnaire?

Yes. When you provide a beta-reader questionnaire, I complete it in addition to the written report.

Can you sign an NDA?

Yes. I am willing to review and sign a reasonable author-provided NDA or beta-reader agreement.

Do you use AI to read manuscripts?

No. I personally read every word. Your manuscript is never uploaded to AI, and AI is never used to read, analyze, or evaluate your story.

Tell me about your book.

Complete the request form with information about your manuscript and the feedback you are looking for. I will review it and contact you with any questions before we decide whether to move forward.

Submit Your Request