✨ Professional Alpha Reader Service
Big-picture feedback to help you shape your second draft into a stronger, more emotionally resonant story.
🎉 NaNoWriMo & Novel November Special
My editorial rates are deeply lowered to support authors during NaNoWriMo and Novel November, helping you finish, revise, and polish your story with professional guidance. Rates may increase throughout November depending on interest and availability, so booking early (pre-November) is the best way to lock in this special pricing before spots fill.
💰 $0.002 USD per Word ($100 Minimum Project Fee)
Get early, big-picture feedback on your novel from a published romance author who understands both the emotional heartbeat and the craft of storytelling. Are you on your second draft and looking for some early feedback? My alpha reading service is designed to help you shape your story with confidence before diving into your next round of revisions.
📌 For manuscripts that are fully drafted and in the early revision stage—typically a second draft after self-edits—that needs big-picture feedback before deeper edits.
💬 Not sure if this is the right service for you? Let’s talk about where you are in your process. I’ll help you find your best next step.
💬 What Authors Are Saying
“I’m honestly shocked this service is so affordable. The report was incredibly thorough, thoughtful, and filled with actionable insights. I’ve paid more than double this for edits that weren’t half as useful. If you’re on a budget but want real, professional feedback (from a reader’s POV) you can trust, this is the best investment you’ll make.”
—Anonymous, Indie Romance Author
“My schedule changed last minute, and I was worried I’d have to delay everything. But Natasha was so kind and flexible—she worked with me to make sure my manuscript still got on her calendar. The report was delivered ahead of time, and I’m already revising with way more clarity than I had before.”
—Devon, Fantasy Author
“I’ve worked with a few editors over the years, including a very expensive developmental edit that left me more confused than helped. But this Alpha Reader Report? Clear, focused, and full of specific, practical feedback. I got more useful feedback here than I did from a $1,200 dev edit on a different book. Genuinely impressed.”
—Sarah H., Women’s Fiction Author
💡 What is an Alpha Reader?
An alpha reader gives early feedback on a completed draft before professional edits, such as a manuscript evaluation or developmental edit. The focus is on big-picture elements like emotional payoff, character arcs, pacing, plot structure, and genre expectations.
You won’t receive in-line edits or grammar corrections, but you will get a deeply thoughtful report that helps you see your story through both a professional lens and a reader’s heart.
📘 What You’ll Receive:
- A detailed written report answering 22 story-building questions (see below).
- 1 custom question per every 2,500 words—tailored to your specific concerns.
- Honest but kind feedback from a fellow author and reader.
- A minimum project fee ensures that even shorter manuscripts receive the full depth of professional feedback.
💡 For example, if your manuscript is 50,000 words, the total cost would be $100, and you’d be able to submit 20 custom questions in addition to the full 22-question report.
🧠 The 22 Questions I Answer in Every Report:
- Does the story make sense?
- Were there any big plot holes or unanswered questions?
- Did I have any questions as I read?
- What works well in the story?
- What doesn’t work or needs improvement?
- Does anything feel weak or underdeveloped?
- Is anything overwritten or unnecessary?
- Are the expected “beats” or plot points present?
- Did I like the ending—and why or why not?
- Are the characters likeable?
- Are the characters relatable and “real”?
- Could any characters be further developed?
- Who was my favorite character—and why?
- Who was my least favorite character—and why?
- How is the pacing throughout the story?
- What did I think about the story overall?
- What was my favorite scene or part—and why?
- What was my least favorite scene or part—and why?
- Does the dialogue sound realistic and flow naturally?
- Does the writing style fit the genre?
- Do I have any additional feedback?
- What questions were left unanswered by the end of the story?
➕ Optional Add-On: Extra Custom Questions
Have more questions you’d like answered beyond your included amount? Add as many as you like for just $2 per additional question. You’ll receive personalized, thoughtful feedback on whatever matters most to you. These questions must be submitted prior to our start date; they cannot be added after.
💼 Confidentiality & Professional Agreements
Your work and privacy are important to me. Every alpha reading service includes:
- A confidentiality agreement to protect your manuscript and ideas
- A clear, professional contract outlining what’s included in the service, turnaround expectations, and payment terms
These documents will be provided before work begins, so you’ll feel confident and protected every step of the way.
💵 Payment Terms
NaNoWriMo & Novel November Discount Rate (Rate subject to availability)
$0.002 USD per word
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $100 USD
✨ Includes a full 22-question report + 1 custom question per every 2,500 words
To reserve your spot, a non-refundable minimum payment of $100 USD is due at the time of booking. This payment secures your project on the schedule and counts toward your total service fee.
If your manuscript exceeds 50,000 words:
- 50% of the total project fee (minus the deposit) is due on or before your scheduled start date
(If your $100 deposit already meets this 50%, no additional payment will be needed at that time) - The remaining balance is due prior to delivery of your completed feedback report
💡 Example Pricing:
For a 50,000-word manuscript ($100 total):
- $100 due at booking (non-refundable deposit)
- No additional payment is due as the $100 deposit covers the full fee
💸 Manuscript Loyalty Pricing Applies
This service qualifies for my Manuscript Loyalty Pricing program. When you complete more than one editorial service for the same manuscript, you’ll unlock growing discounts (2.5% per service) and earn retroactive credit—up to a total of 20% off.
👉 See how Loyalty Pricing works →
🪜 Need Help Planning Your Writing Journey?
Each of my services fits into a structured, author-tested 11-step writing process designed to take your novel from concept to polished manuscript.
👉 Explore my 11-Step Writing Process →
🔍 Genre & Content Guidelines
This service is for all genres of fiction, including all subgenres and heat levels. Whether your novel is a romance, fantasy, cozy mystery, deep thriller, or anything else, I’m here to read it! I do not read stories that include rape as an active plot element. If it occurred off-page prior to the story and is only referenced, that may be acceptable—we can discuss.
If your novel includes dark or taboo elements, I ask that you provide any relevant trigger warnings in advance so I can ensure the manuscript is within my comfort level.
📄 Submission Requirements
- Manuscripts must be complete (with a beginning, middle, and end)
- I recommend at least one round of self-edits before an alpha reader report
- Files must be submitted in .docx format
All feedback is provided in a separate written report. This service does not include in-document edits or margin comments.
📩 Manuscript Submission
To stay on schedule, I ask that you submit your manuscript before the start date or by 8:00 AM (ET) on the scheduled start date at the latest.
If your manuscript is submitted late, I’ll do my best to accommodate you, but your project may not be completed within the original timeframe and may be rescheduled depending on availability.
🕒 Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is variable, depending on your manuscript’s length and my own writing deadlines. Your report could be completed in as little as one week, or it may take several weeks for longer projects.
💬 Curious about availability? Please reach out! I’d love to chat about your project and get you on the schedule.
🛠️ Why Work With Me?
As a published romance author, I don’t just read your story—I feel it. I know what readers crave, what genre conventions matter, and what emotional threads keep us turning the page. I’ve been told this service feels like a hybrid between a manuscript evaluation and an early reader report—combining story craft with reader reaction in a way that’s both helpful and motivating.
💌 Ready to Book?
Let’s talk about your manuscript and get you on the schedule.
💰 Rate: $0.002 per word (USD) (Pricing while it lasts)
🧾 Minimum Project Fee: $100 (USD)
✨ Includes full 22-question report + 1 custom question per 2,500 words
Head on over to my contact form so we can get started today! (I reply fast!) Not sure what you want or need? We can discuss!
💬 Not sure if this is the right fit? I’m happy to answer questions.