● 100+ Drafts Read ● Published Writer ● Creative Writing Teacher ● 100% Human Feedback ●
Revisions Feel Like a Fist Fight
You've been staring at the same scenes so long you can't tell what's brilliant and what's broken. A beta read helps you see your story with fresh eyes.
Your Launch Is Around the Corner
Before you hit "publish," you want to know your story delivers what your readers want. I'll help you identify how your manuscript feels to your target audience.
Your Inbox Is Full of Rejections
You know your story has potential. My feedback gives you a genuine reader's experience of your manuscript.
Daniella was my standout beta reader for my novel. Unlike any of the other 10+ beta readers I worked with, Daniella provided insights that were not only sharp but transformative. Her feedback was so on-point that I implemented about 80% of her suggestions, often leaving me wondering, "How did I miss that?" Her ability to pinpoint areas for improvement while enhancing the narrative made a significant difference in the final quality of my book. If you're looking for a beta reader who will go above and beyond, Daniella is it! Her dedication and keen eye for detail are truly invaluable.
David S.
Daniella did an excellent job! Her report was extremely detailed and actionable. She was very specific regarding areas for improvement and provided useful suggestions for implementation. She was able to highlight some pacing issues that I had sensed were problematic but could not specifically identify. She addressed all of my questions in appropriate detail and provided her report in a timely fashion. Overall, after reading her report, I feel I know exactly what changes I need to make to elevate my novel to the next level. Would highly recommend!
Justin C.
Daniella is my secret weapon. I am a different writer after working with her. Her feedback was not only thoughtful and thorough but also incredibly actionable. I walked away from each round of notes with a clear path forward. She called out exactly where I broke suspension of disbelief and where the pacing dragged. Every suggestion felt tailored to my goals and genre. Daniella is a game changer.”
Paxton D.
Daniella provided a thorough, insightful and very constructive beta read of my manuscript. The work was professional and astute, and I would gladly recommend Daniella for anyone looking for honest and helpful feedback. Will be returning for further novels!
Miriam M.
Helping writers identify what's missing, what's working and what's next
The best beta reading feels like a conversation. As a published writer and former creative writing teacher at Washington University in St. Louis, I’ve spent years on both sides of the feedback process. You know your story better than anyone else, and my role is to listen to your goals and offer feedback that respects your vision while strengthening its impact.
My specialty genres include:
Beta Reading Services
Strong Start
An in-depth beta read of your first 30,000 words for authors who want to grab readers from the first page. The Strong Start package gives you a focused look at how readers experience the first act of your book.
$95
- You want to make sure your story hooks readers early and holds their attention.
- You're still developing your manuscript and want feedback before finishing your first full draft.
- You're refining your opening acts before querying agents or sharing with critique partners.
- A Premium Beta Read of your first 30,000 words.
- A detailed Reader's Report with insights on story structure, character development, dialogue, pacing, tone, and reader engagement.
- In-line comments highlighting key reactions, questions, and my favorite moments.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to discuss my feedback, clarify your story goals, and brainstorm your revision plan.
Story Polish
A comprehensive, full-manuscript beta read for authors ready to refine their story with detailed, reader insights. See your book the way your readers do with the Story Polish package.
$325
- You've completed your draft and want actionable feedback before the next revision.
- You want to ensure your story reads seamlessly from beginning to end.
- You're excited to hear how your story lands with a reader who is rooting for you from page one.
- You value clear, supportive guidance that helps you elevate your story without losing your creative voice.
- A 15-minute pre-read call to align on your goals, genre, and feedback priorities.
- A full-manuscript Premium Beta Read (up to 120,000 words).
- A detailed Extended Reader's Report (10 Pages) with comprehensive notes on plot, pacing, character, tone, and overall reader engagement.
- In-line comments throughout your manuscript recording real-time reactions and suggestions.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to discuss feedback and address questions.
Read & Revise
Two reads, one goal: see how your revisions reshape the reader experience and bring your story to its full potential. The Revision Package gives you a reader’s perspective on your story — twice. You’ll see exactly how your revisions work, and how your story’s emotional impact evolves from one draft to the next
$550
- You are revising a completed manuscript and want to track how your changes work with readers.
- You crave honest, reader-focused insight as you shape your next draft.
- You want ongoing support and accountability through a structured revision process.
- You are committed to making your story the best it can be before publishing or querying.
- A 15-minute pre-read call to clarify your revision goals.
- Two full Premium Beta Reads (up to 120,000 words each).
- One Reader's Report with detailed feedback on every major story element in your first draft.
- In-line comments highlighting key moments of reader engagement and opportunity.
- Two 30-minute calls for in-depth discussion of feedback for each draft.
- One Extended Reader's Report (10 Pages) comparing both drafts to show measurable story growth.
All Beta Reading Services
Find the package that fits where you are, or build your own.
Choose Your Read
Reaction Read
A no-pressure beta read designed to mirror your audience’s experience.
$0.0015/word
e.g., 70,000 words = $105
10 days • Reader's Report
In-Line Comment Read
A close beta read offering real-time, in-line reactions to every chapter.
$0.0023/word
e.g., 70,000 words = $161
14 days • Reader's Report & In-Line Comments
Premium Read
A detailed beta read that connects the reader’s emotional journey to story craft.
$0.003/word
e.g., 70,000 words = $210
15 days • Reader's Report & In-Line Comments
Add to Your Read
1-Hour Video Call
A deep dive to refine your ideas and strengthen your story strategy.
$45
Extended Reader's Report (10 Pages)
A lengthy reader’s report to expand on my thoughts in clear, comprehensive detail.
$60
100% Authentic Reactions
You don't write for bots, and I don't read with them. All feedback is entirely genuine and human reaction.
Ongoing Support
The conversation isn't over just because your beta read is done. Authors who work with me get my private email address for continued support.
360° Reader Perspective
My reader reports explore every layer of your story, from first impressions to character, dialogue, and prose.
Am I the Right Reader for You?
When you trust someone with your draft, you should have full confidence in your reader. I want every project I take on to get the thoughtful attention it deserves. That is why I cannot currently offer reads on the following:
Military Fiction • Crafts / DIY • Stories Involving Child Sexual Abuse
Kid Lit & Middle Grade
What Happens Next
Getting started is simpler than you think.
Start with the Form
Share your manuscript details and goals so I can make sure we’re the right fit.
Get Your Quote
I’ll reach out within two business days with a confirmed quote, timeline, and start date.
Secure Your Spot
Payment is processed securely through Square. No obligation until you’re ready.
Your Read Begins
Your Reader’s Report will be delivered by your completion date. My inbox stays open for questions.
The cost of a professional beta reader typically ranges from $0.003 to $0.01 per word, or a flat fee between $50 and $500 for a full-length novel. This fee is dependent on the manuscript length, the reader's experience, and the depth of feedback required.
Beta reading focuses on the reader experience, providing feedback on plot, pacing, and character believability, while developmental editing is a professional, structural analysis focused on narrative arc, voice consistency, and market viability.
The best beta reading services for novels are typically categorized by the level of feedback: Comprehensive Reader Reports (in-depth analysis of plot and characters), In-Line Commenting Services (marginal notes for scene-by-scene reactions), or Targeted Genre Reads (specializing in specific market requirements like YA or Thriller).
Yes, it is often worth paying for beta readers because a professional service provides objective, unbiased feedback from a reader aligned with your target audience, delivering deeper insights into structural problems than friends or free critique partners.
Reviews for beta reading services emphasize the importance of the feedback quality, turnaround time, and reader match. The most positive reviews often cite readers who offer detailed, actionable notes focused on a manuscript's weak points and reader engagement.
Authors should typically use between three and five beta readers for a single manuscript. This range is ideal for identifying consistent structural and emotional feedback trends while filtering out personal or outlier opinions.
You should provide questions focused on the reader's experience, such as "Did you feel the pacing lag anywhere?" or "Were the characters believable?" and "What confused you about the world-building?" Guide critique toward actionable issues.
The typical turnaround time for paid beta reading is usually between two and four weeks for a standard 80,000-word novel. My turn time for a beta read is 10-15 days depending on service. This timeframe allows me sufficient time to read carefully and write a detailed report.
You should generally pay per word for shorter manuscripts where the length is precise, and opt for a flat fee or package pricing for full-length novels or series where the scope of feedback is clearly defined upfront.