Author Services
Beta Reading
Does your manuscript need someone to tactfully beat it about the brow and face until it behaves?
I am pleased to offer paid beta reading! This service is for authors who have already undergone alpha reading, or several rounds of self-edits, and need more feedback before they submit their manuscript for a full professional edit.
I specialize in High Fantasy and its subgenres, including but not limited to: Epic, Dark, Grimdark, Romantic/Romantasy/Fantasy Romance, Cozy, Urban, Portal, and Monster/Paranormal Romance.
If you aren’t sure which genre your story fits into, feel free to ask! I am comfortable reading dark, heavy themes and any spice level.
Beta reading from me includes:
In-line comments throughout the manuscript
A bullet point summary of overall pacing, flow, characterization, worldbuilding, plot, etc.
A short summary of the story’s strengths and areas that need more attention
My philosophy regarding critique is it must be honest, supportive, thorough, and actionable. I want to help you amplify your voice and your vision! If I can make you laugh through that process, all the better.
The rate for beta reading is $0.0015 USD per word. For example a beta read for a 50,000 word manuscript would cost $75
Please note, beta reading is entirely story-focused, and will not include things like grammar or punctuation corrections, or formatting.
*I will neither read manuscripts created with generative AI nor use generative AI in any form. AI-generated character art, marketing, and covers are equally unacceptable.
*I will read for YA, but under no circumstances will I accept a manuscript that contains smut (aka graphic sexual content intended to titillate) between minors or between a minor and an adult. Steam and/or Fade-to-Black is ok. If you have questions about this or scenes depicting trauma, please email me: author@cachaplin.com
Testimonials
“Cynthia (C.A. Chaplin) has been both a Beta and Alpha for me for the last several years, and I would be bereft without her. She is enthusiastic about diving into a new piece, each time, and will always ask for clarity on what my goals are for feedback. When giving feedback and commentary, she is always helpful, constructive, and on task with my goals and requirements - not to mention often funny and insightful. Cynthia returns pieces promptly and on time, as well. She would make a wonderful Beta reader for any author. ”
“Cynthia (C.A. Chaplin) is a very thorough beta reader who has not only helped finesse my stories, but added invaluable insights into things I never would have thought for my fantasy world. She is very informed in all things fantasy and does a great job combing through some of the finer details. She is a highly regarded asset to my small team, and someone who I find irreplaceable.”