top of page

BETA READING

Beta reading is a hugely popular way of having your manuscript critiqued and reviewed minus the public fear of rejection. If you're ready for a serious review, an in-depth and honest report of your work, and the promise you will have something strong to build on, you are in the right place.

Loyal Lyre has been helping other indie authors for a long time (and been helped in return), but some things never change. You NEED honesty in your beta readers with emphasis on the highs and lows, and wishy-washy backside kissing to avoid hurt feelings is not going make you a stronger, more confident writer.

Grow your skin a little thicker to join that 3% that go the whole mile and finally publish that book that's been stirring in your blood.

It's hard hearing honest opinions, we feel your pain. But it's always better to get a private viewing before you hand it to the world. It's not about being rude and brutal, it's about directly raising problems that will take your potential readers OUT of your story, and offering possible solutions to think about.

 

Beta reads do not include line editing, proofreading or any level of rewrites. Our tiers are below and start dates will rely on current workloads.

 

Get in touch with your requirements, or a free 2000 word sample to see if we are compatible.​

THE QUEEN'S GOLD READ

The top tier for beta reading

WHAT YOU NEED

  • Contact for advice on your manuscript, time and cost

  • A completed manuscript fully edited at least ONCE 

  • A WORD document allowing commentary

  • A tithe to cover the queen's time equalling 0.0011GBP per word

WHAT YOU GET

  • Full manuscript read

  • Inline commentary in your Word doc for immediate reaction

  • Assessment of characters and conflict/s

  • Readability and comprehensibility

  • Storyline and theme/s

  • Structure, POV and continuity

  • Pace, urgency and captivation

  • Specific attention of your choice if required, eg. help with dialect or context if your book is set in Britain and you're not a native

  • Highlight only persistent spelling errors (their/there/they're and the like)

  • Summary report of above factors, likes, dislikes and recommended improvement

  • Approx. 50k words per week

Already agreed with the queen?
Corana 3 COMP.png
Kurayne COMP.png

THE DUKE'S SILVER READ

The second tier for beta reading

WHAT YOU NEED

  • Contact for advice on your manuscript, time and cost

  • A completed manuscript that is believed ready for publishing 

  • A document compatible with Kindle

  • A tithe to cover the commander's time equalling

    • up to 50k words 20GBP per ms

    • 50k-75k words 30GBP per ms

    • 75k-100k words 40GBP per ms

    • 100-150k words 50GBP per ms

    • Upwards of 150k words - enquire

WHAT YOU GET

  • Full manuscript read

  • Summary report of:

    • Characters and conflict

    • Readability and comprehensibility

    • Storyline and theme/s

    • Structure, POV and continuity

    • Pace, urgency and captivation

    • Likes, dislikes and recommended improvement

    • 2-4 day turnover

Already agreed with the duke?

TESTIMONIALS

RUSSELL ISLER - URBAN FANTASY 

Jessica's beta read report on my urban fantasy novel was exactly the objective shot in the arm I needed to take the story to the next level. 

She set aside her subjective opinions on my writing in order to give me blow-by-blow notations as to where she felt things were working, and when they were going off the rails. 

Her analysis of the characters, themes, tone and plot were all comprehensive enough to give me the perspective to make improvements without fully taking the reins. 

Not only that, she's got the A+ nerd street cred and she gets my jokes. 
Worth every Pound. 

LOYAL LYRE SERVICES

"There are only ever two choices. You either do something or you don't."

Adri Kile

Adri COMP_edited_edited_edited.png

Proofreading

Coming Soon

Leyna COMP_edited_edited.png

Pre-made Covers

Interviews

bottom of page