Alpha Reading for Authors
A close early read for writers who want honest feedback while the story is still changing.
Is the story working while it is still taking shape?
Early drafts and works in progress.
WHAT WE LOOK AT- Character choices and relationships
- Plot, structure and setup/payoff
- Pacing, dialogue and scene flow
- Worldbuilding, themes and emotional impact
- Places where the reader is confused, curious or losing interest
- Annotated manuscript with useful inline comments
- Overall reader response
- Development-focused observations
- Clear priorities for the next draft
- Full developmental editing
- Line, copy or proofreading
- Ghostwriting or full-manuscript rewriting
We start with what happened while we were reading.
Where did we lean in, hesitate, get confused or lose interest?
What scene, line, choice or piece of information caused that reaction?
Was it one rough spot, or does the same thing happen elsewhere?
We look past the symptom and consider the story, character, pacing or prose issue underneath it.
Which problem is worth tackling first, and which can wait?
You decide what stays and what changes. Our job is to give you a clear second opinion.
Known-scope work can be estimated. Diagnostic work is scoped to the question.
Where a published rate applies, the calculator gives an estimate. Where the work depends on diagnosis, scope is confirmed after we understand the manuscript and the question.
Make sure you are getting the kind of help you actually need.
If the manuscript is still changing, a reader may be more useful than an editor. If something feels wrong but you cannot find the cause, an assessment may be the better starting point. If the story is settled and the prose is the concern, line or copy editing may make more sense.
Compare all services →Other services that may fit.
Before you send the manuscript.
Who is Alpha Reading for?+
Early drafts and works in progress.
What will I receive?+
Annotated manuscript with useful inline comments, Overall reader response, Development-focused observations, Clear priorities for the next draft.
What is not included?+
Full developmental editing, Line, copy or proofreading, Ghostwriting or full-manuscript rewriting.
What if I am not sure this is the right service?+
You do not need to know the service name. Send a sample and tell us what is bothering you. We can help you work out what kind of help makes sense.
Want to see how we approach your pages?
Send a sample and tell us what is bothering you. We will help you work out what makes sense before you commit to a larger project.
Tell Us What's Not Working