Hey beta reader,

Thanks for indicating your interest! As an author, it’s way too easy to get too close to one’s work and lose objectivity. That’s where good friends like you come in.

You might want to check out this handy dandy post about beta reading. I promise to do my best not to abuse you. In terms of what I’m looking for, it’s principally just any kind of issues that stand out to you (plot doesn’t make sense, characters don’t make sense, you didn’t like this or that - or you liked certain things). Here is a potential list of things you might want to comment on:

The title of the book. Does it work with the story, do you think it’s inappropriate?

The cover. You’ll get the first peek at the cover. Do you like the cover? Does it come across well? Does it translate what the story is about well?

The length. Is it too long, too short? Something missing here?

The pace. Does the pace work with the story? Is it too jarring? Is it too drawn out? Does it grab you from the beginning and not let you go? Or are there points where it drags?

Characters. Do you like the characters? Are they well written? Unbelievable? Offensive beyond the pale? Did they make an impact on you?

The ending. Did you like the ending? Or was it a stinker? Was it a satisfying conclusion?

Overall impressions. What were the most memorable moments of the book? What about the tone and subject matter?

Don’t worry about writing this stuff down - I will send it again when the book comes to you. And please - when it does come time to tell me what you think, don’t pull any punches. I can take it.

Thanks so much for your help doing this - you really can help me make my books the best they can be and I appreciate it in the utmost.

Cheers,

Andrew