Story Services – Buddy Reading Packages

Better than a Beta Read

A Buddy Read is SO much more than a Beta Read!

At The Author Buddy, our team of professional beta readers provide so much more than a standard Beta Read. Not only does our team share valuable reaction feedback so you can see exactly how your story is hitting with your ideal audience, but we also have the expertise to evaluate your manuscript within your intended genre and tropes, and deliver valuable feedback and suggestions to take your book to the next level!

Your readers are true author buddies, here to support you through the writing and revisions process ready to help make sure your story shines its brightest!

We specialize in all subgenres of Romance, and we also have readers for Sci-Fi and Fantasy, YA, Women’s Fiction, and more.

☆ Add-on services are available with all Buddy Read Packages to provide you with most support at every draft phase before you publish.

☆ View our latest Story Services Schedule Availability Update

☆ Already know what you want? Jump down to the form to reserve your spot now.

Choose from one of our available packages or build your own. Learn more about our available Packages, Add-Ons, and Build Your Own options below for the perfect solution for your needs and budget.

How It Works Know Before You Order Have Questions? Contact Us
Beta Packages Beta Services
Reserve Your Spot Now

I Used The Quote Service, And It Was Awesome!

First, I’m not a good judge of what resonates with readers. And second, this saved me so much time. Rachel also pulled enough quotes for me to do promo on the book for a long time. Okay, forever! Each quote was varied, both in length and content, which I so appreciated! I immediately booked the service for the next two books in the series and will continue to use in the future. Highly recommend. Like so high, what is stopping you from booking now? You won’t regret it.
Melissa McClone
USA Today Bestselling Author
Visit her Website | Facebook

I have to say the beta reading on this was fantastic.

It brought up so many good points for me to work in/edit and I loved every comment that was made. The feedback helped me see a few of the problems in the book that I was struggling with and really helped me make the book stronger. Thank you!
Kate Crew
Author of the Hollows Garage Series
Visit her Website | Instagram

The Author Buddy is amazing!

I highly recommend all of their services, but especially their beta and teaser service. It is a fantastic resource for writers. They are absolutely wonderful to work with — supportive, fast, and so knowledgeable. They will help you make your book shine!
Amy Olle
USA Today Bestselling Author
Visit her Website

I loved working with The Author Buddy so much that I just reserved a spot for a second book!

I used The Author Buddy for beta reading my cozy mystery. I’m so glad I did! I received a detailed letter of feedback and several incredibly helpful suggestions! The social media quote service was invaluable and saved me so much time!
Tara Lush
Author of the Crescent Moon Series
Visit her Website | Instagram

Packages

These are our most popular paired services, available to help you make the writing process smooth and easy.

Quick Pass with Quotes & Teasers

Perfect for a quick first pass of an early draft, or a quick last pass before publishing

One of our specially-trained readers will provide feedback on a chapter level throughout your book. With this package, we’ll also highlight your most eye-catching quotes and teasers, so you’ll save a ton of time and get the most out of your book promotion!

$2.25

Special Launch Pricing

$1.75

per 1,000 manuscript words

Rush fees may apply for projects scheduled within two (2) weeks, or which cannot accommodate the 20k/day turnaround policy for a Quick Pass

Premium Team Read with Quotes & Teasers

This package provides in-line manuscript feedback from two specially trained readers, including suggestions and solutions. With this package, we’ll also highlight the quotes and teasers we think will help you captivate readers.

$5.25

Special Launch Pricing

$4.60

per 1,000 manuscript words

Rush fees may apply for projects scheduled within six (6) weeks, or which cannot accommodate the 10k/day turnaround policy for Premium Beta Reads

Ultimate Buddy Bundle

Unlock the full power of your manuscript with our Platinum editorial duo, Rachel & Perrin! Get both of our Platinum services combined into a perfect little bundle curated specifically to help you polish your manuscript.

Rachel focuses on your manuscript’s foundation – story structure, pacing, character arcs, romance efficacy and more. Her developmental edit includes a comprehensive feedback document, chapter-by-chapter comments, and thoughtful guidance to help you refine your narrative at the big-picture level. You’ll also receive a quote and teaser service with quotes selected to help you attract your ideal readers and a 30-minute follow-up call to discuss revisions and clarify next steps.

Perrin then brings your story to its full potential. Her line edit works at the sentence level to improve clarity, tone, rhythm, and flow, all while preserving your unique voice. She will fine-tune grammar, word choice, and readability, delivering a manuscript with in-line notes to help you polish your manuscript to perfection before a final proofread or publication!

You have the option to work with Rachel and Perrin consecutively starting with developmental edits before moving to line edits, or simultaneously if you’re comfortable handling both stages at once. This flexibility allows you to choose the editorial process that best suits your timeline and creative style.

The Ultimate Buddy Bundle is ideal for authors preparing to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing. It’s perfect for writers seeking professional-level pre-publishing support in one comprehensive package. With the personalized, genre-appropriate feedback you’ll receive, this combined service ensures your book not only reads well but feels right from start to finish. It’s the editorial dream team – big-picture insight followed by fine-tuned polish.

$8.00

Special Launch Pricing

$7.00

per 1,000 manuscript words

Rush fees may apply for projects scheduled within six (6) weeks, or which cannot accommodate the 5k/day turnaround policy for Platinum Beta Reads

Build Your Own Package

We’re here to help you any way you need. Build your own custom package using our available services below, including Buddy Read Levels and Add-On Services.

Click the link under each service to learn more (links open a popup).

Quick Pass Buddy Read

Our Quick Pass service provides reaction feedback at the chapter level within the manuscript. This is great for between draft stages, or when you want quick reader feedback before publishing.

$1.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

Click here to learn more >

Professional Buddy Read

Our experienced team of professional beta readers help take your story to the next level by providing valuable reaction feedback, identification of plot holes, analysis of story structure, flow, character likability, & more!

$2.00

per 1,000 manuscript words

Click here to learn more >

Premium Buddy Read

Perfect for the author seeking an affordable, but more in-depth, evaluation of their manuscript, our Premium Beta Reading Service includes the same valuable reaction feedback as a Pro Level Beta Read, PLUS solutions and suggestions.

$2.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

Click here to learn more >

Platinum Buddy Read –
Line Edits

The perfect final pass to help you polish your story, our Line Edit Platinum Beta Read provides extensive and highly detailed line-by-line feedback on all elements of your story, including proofreading and an eye for mechanical issues.
Available as a Standalone Service or Add-On

$5.00

per 1,000 manuscript words STANDALONE
– OR –

$3.50

per 1,000 manuscript words AS AN ADD-ON SERVICE

Click here to learn more >

Platinum Buddy Read – Developmental

Our Developmental Platinum Beta Package offers all of the feedback of our Premium Beta Reading service with a focus on the development of your story, characters, plot, and more.

This service includes quotes & teasers and a video call with your reader!

$4.50

per 1,000 manuscript words

Click here to learn more >

Proofreading
Service

Our Proofreading Service includes a quick pass of your manuscript for typos, missing words, and grammar and punctuation mistakes.
Available as a Standalone Service or Add-On

$2.25

per 1,000 manuscript words STANDALONE
– OR –

$1.70

per 1,000 manuscript words AS AN ADD-ON SERVICE

Click here to learn more >

Quote & Teaser Service

Our authors love this service where we pull the most eye-catching teasers from your book for use in promotional materials.

Available as a Standalone Service or Add-On

$.90

per 1,000 manuscript words STANDALONE
– OR –

$0.65

per 1,000 manuscript words AS AN ADD-ON SERVICE

Click here to learn more >

Video
Follow-Up

In this 30 minute Live Buddy Session, Rachel helps you work through any pesky plot holes or story struggles, offering a fresh perspective and brainstorm new outcomes together.

Only available as an Add-On

$40.00

Special Launch Price

$25.00

per 30 minute session

Click here to learn more >

Bonus Buddy Team Read

Want more eyes on your manuscript?

Add an additional Beta Reader at a discount!

Only available as an Add-On

$0.50 OFF

per 1,000 manuscript words for your second reader at the same beta level

Click here to learn more >

How it Works

Beta Readers all have slightly different processes, so even if you’ve worked with a beta reader before, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with our process.

When you sign up for a Buddy Read spot with us, you’ll first complete and submit the Beta Project Request form. Please contact us through email if you have any trouble with the form.

Once we receive the form, we will review the project specifications with our team and then send you a confirmation email within 48 orders (excluding weekends). The confirmation email will include the details of your order, information on any additional services you’ve requested, an estimate of the total project cost including all additional services requested (if applicable), as well as available date options for your beta project reservation(s) and any other options that need to be confirmed or selected.

Once you approve the estimate (if applicable), date, and next steps, we will send the invoice for the 50% deposit through PayPal to the PayPal email address provided on the signup form. Once the deposit invoice is settled, we reserve your beta project spot on our calendar.

About a week before your beta reservation date, you will receive a reminder email with details about how to submit your manuscript. If you expect a significant difference in the final word count compared to the word count you provided at signup (5k+), please let us know as this point so we can adjust your reservation if needed.

The manuscript should be delivered as a Word document attached to the email or shared through Google Docs to theauthorbuddy@gmail.com. Please let us know during the signup process if you would prefer a different format or platform.

When your project reservation date arrives, please make sure to send your manuscript by 9AM EST on the first date of your reservation so our readers can get started.

If the manuscript is received with the project word count significantly different than the estimate you provided during signup, the final balance invoice at project completion will reflect the accurate final word count.

If your project reservation is scheduled for more than five days, we may send a check-in email to you with a project update during that time.

Once the project has been delivered, we will send the invoice for the remaining balance on the project through PayPal to the PayPal email address provided on the signup form. The balance invoice must be settled immediately unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Once your reader is finished, the manuscript will be delivered back to you via email as a Google Drive folder link (unless other arrangements have been agreed ahead of time). The project folder will contain the manuscript and all included deliverables for the project. The final project delivery will be sent by 5PM on the final date of your project reservation unless other arrangements have been confirmed.

What to Know Before You Order

Any work produced by the client as a result of the beta readers’ comments is and remains the property of the client.

The Author Buddy and its readers acquire no rights of ownership to the work produced through our beta reading and story services, including specific plot concepts, wording suggestions, character and story details, and all creative contributions.

The Author Buddy will not make any unauthorized use of any of the The Author’s trade secrets, confidential information, proprietary property, trademarks, or copyrighted materials.

The Author Buddy retains the right to use client’s name and book title on our website and social media promotion, and to market and promote our services.

If you have any questions about our copyright policies, please email us at hello@theauthorbuddy.com.

Our goal is to provide the feedback and support our authors need at an affordable price, so we have lots of options available for various budget needs.

Our Beta & Story Services are priced as follows:

  • Quick Pass Buddy Read – $1.50/1k manuscript words
  • Professional Buddy Read – $2.00/1k manuscript words
  • Premium Buddy Read – $2.50/1k manuscript words
  • Platinum Buddy Read – Developmental – $4.50/1k manuscript words
  • Platinum Buddy Read – Line Edit – $5.00/1k manuscript words
  • Proofreading – $2.25/1k manuscript words
  • Quote & Teaser Service – $0.90/1k manuscript words

We also offer Add-On Services for all beta projects:

  • Platinum Buddy Read – Line Edit Add-On – $3.50/1k manuscript words
  • Proofreading Add-On – $1.70/1k manuscript words
  • Quote & Teaser Service Add-On – $0.65/1k manuscript words
  • Bonus Buddy Team Read – $0.50 OFF/1k manuscript words when you add a second reader
  • Video Follow-up – $25 for a 30 minute session (special launch price)

When you signup for a Quick Pass Buddy Read, you receive:

  • Manuscript with chapter-level reactions and feedback noted as comments
  • Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

When you signup for a Professional or Premium Buddy Read, you receive::

  • Manuscript with reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
  • Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

When you signup for a Platinum Line Edit Buddy Read, you receive::

  • Manuscript with inline proofreading suggestions using Google Docs Suggesting Mode, as well as reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
  • Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience

When you signup for a Platinum Developmental Buddy Read, you receive::

  • Manuscript with reactions, feedback, suggestions, and other considerations noted as comments
  • Feedback Doc (also referred to as an editorial letter) detailing overall impressions and evaluation of the manuscript based on genre trends, tropes, and reader experience
  • Quotes Doc listing all of the excerpts selected from the manuscript, spaced and formatted for easy access
  • Thirty (30) minute Video Consultation

When you signup for a Proofread, you receive::

  • Manuscript with inline proofreading suggestions using Google Docs Suggesting Mode

When you signup for a Quote & Teaser Service, you receive::

  • Manuscript with excerpts noted/highlighted using Google Docs Comments
  • Quotes Doc listing all of the excerpts selected from the manuscript, spaced and formatted for easy access

When beta readers and authors work together, we can create a truly great experience,

What we ask of our authors:

  • When you receive your confirmation email, please respond to let us know you have received it, and let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the project not shared in the signup form.
  • Please reply promptly to emails so that we may ensure a timely delivery.
  • Please notify us as soon as possible if you believe your manuscript may be late or at a significantly different word count than what you provided in your signup.

What we provide for our authors:

  • All beta read and story services are completed to our highest standards, and the readers—and editors and proofreaders, for those services—provide the best possible service to the best of their ability. 
  • Timely communication and status updates throughout the project, transparency about our process, and advance notice of all pricing and invoicing.
  • Guidance and assistance to the author throughout the publishing process

Check out our Portfolio to see the work we’ve done with other authors.

We’ve prepared a detailed FAQ page to help make sure all of your questions are answered, so you can sign up for our services with confidence.

Click here to View our Full Terms of Service

Looking for more Info?

We’ve prepared a detailed FAQ page to help make sure all of your questions are answered, so you can signup for your custom cover with confidence.

Check Out Our Beta & Story Services FAQs

Questions before you Order?

Fill out the form below to send us any questions you may have about working with us.

Project Query Wide
Service

☆ Ready To Book Your Project? ☆

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO SIGN UP

We will be back in touch within 48 hours (excluding weekends) after your form is submitted to confirm your project details.

Story Services Reservation Form

Hire A Professional Beta Reader – 2024

Please fill out the form below to Request a Reservation for your Beta project

Author Information

Contact Name
Contact Name
First
Last

Book Information

If you are signing up for multiple books, please complete a separate form for each book

Triggers & Content Warnings

***IMPORTANT *** This helps us protect our readers and ensure your manuscript is assigned to the reader who will best represent your target audience. We have a beta reader for anything, but we have to ensure we get the reader who is the right fit for each project.
Please list any triggering subject matter in your book. Click here to view a list of sample triggers and content warnings

Series Information

Is this book a part of a series?

If the book is part of an existing series, we will read it as a standalone unless:

  • our readers have worked on the rest of the books in the series
  • or unless the author requests the reader catch up on the series as a whole prior to the project start date, the request is approved, and the applicable reader fee is paid by the author
If this book is part of an existing series, do you want it read as a standalone?

Author Concerns

If you have any particular concerns about your book that you want our Beta Reader to be aware of, please let us know here.
For example:

  • if your book is set in the US but you live outside of the US, and you want particular attention paid to regional word choices
  • if you’re not sure if your grumpy in your grumpy/sunshine is too grumpy
  • if you’re concerned your steamy scenes don’t hit your intended heat level
  • and anything else specific you’d like your reader to consider during the project

Draft Stage

Please select the draft stage that best describes your manuscript at the time of the project requested

Deadline

Please indicate here if your project has a hard deadline, and we will do our best to accommodate you. If you have a hard deadline, please be advised that our beta readers work in US Eastern time (GMT-5) and will deliver projects by the end of day. With that in mind, please adjust the date services need to be completed in the deadline field above to accommodate for time zone differences.
Do You Have a Hard Deadline?
Please note: “Date services need to be completed” is the date that you need the completed project returned to you after our reader(s)/editor(s) have finished the project.
Please note: “Publication Date” is the date you have scheduled for the book to be published
Manuscript must be delivered within 24 hours of the project start date that is indicated and approved at the time of scheduling and deposit. We use manuscript completion dates for scheduling purposes so that we can ensure a reader is available for your project and deadline.
When will your manuscript be ready for scheduling?
Please note: “Actual or Anticipated Manuscript Completion Date” is the date you intend to have the manuscript ready to send to us for your reader(s)/editor(s) to start your project.

Rush Fees

Please note that there may be a rush fee for projects that do not meet the minimum notice and turnaround time for the services selected, and that the rush fee will be calculated based on word count and requested turnaround time (Min. $15 up to 0.50/1k words). Rush fees may apply for:

  • Standalone Quote & Teaser or Quick Pass projects scheduled within two (2) weeks, or which cannot accommodate the 20k/day turnaround policy
  • Standalone Proofread, Professional Buddy Read, or Premium Buddy Read projects scheduled within six (6) weeks, or which cannot accommodate the 10k/day turnaround policy
  • Platinum Developmental or Platinum Line Edit (Standalone or Add-On) projects which cannot accommodate the 5k/day turnaround. Platinum level reads have LIMITED AVAILABILITY and cannot be added to projects with a deadline within 6 weeks.*
Rush Fee Agreement

Choose your Package or Build Your Own Package Below

☆ Option One ☆ Choose a Package from our most popular services

☆ Please select your Buddy Read Package ☆

Or ☆ Option Two ☆ Build Your Own Package

1. First, Select Your Buddy Read Level or Standalone Service

Select ONLY ONE for your standalone service. Click here to learn more about Our Services >

 

*LIMITED AVAILABILITY – Cannot be added to projects with a deadline within 6 weeks.*
*LIMITED AVAILABILITY – Cannot be added to projects with a deadline within 6 weeks.*

2. Now Choose Your Add-On Services

Please note that add-on pricing is only valid when added to a beta or standalone service above.

*LIMITED AVAILABILITY – Cannot be added to projects with a deadline within 6 weeks.*

Your Reader(s)

Reader scheduling is dependent upon availability, but we will try to accommodate requests if possible

Do you have a Reader preference?
Second Reader If you have a reader you would like to indicate as your second choice if your first is unavailable, or if you are signing up for a Bonus Buddy Team Read and have a preference for your second reader, please indicate that here

Communication

The questions in this section are optional, but they help us assign you to a reader whose communication style aligns more closely with yours, and plan your project to best fit your needs.

Communication Style – please select all that apply

Complete your Sign-up

Would you like to be added to our Email Newsletter?

Please review our Beta & Story Services Project Policies

– Turnaround time varies by service. We work in US Eastern time (GMT-5) and will deliver beta reading projects by end of day (please take this into account with your deadline).
– A deposit of 50% of total project cost is required upfront to reserve your spot and for the project to begin. The remaining balance is due in full prior to the project delivery.
– All Beta & Story Services deposits and payments are non-refundable.
– The dates of your reservation are not confirmed or added to our calendar until payment of the deposit invoice is received.
– Beta & Story Services Reservations can be rescheduled or postponed without a rescheduling fee up until one week before the scheduled reservation start date except for Premium and Platinum Level Reads, which can be rescheduled or postponed without a rescheduling fee up until three weeks before the scheduled reservation start date.
– Manuscripts must be delivered to The Author Buddy by 9am Eastern Time on the scheduled reservation start date
– If a project needs to be rescheduled, postponed, or cancelled, all deposits are retained by The Author Buddy; a reschedule fee may apply; and if work has already started, and additional fee will be charged for any work completed beyond the deposit amount, if applicable.
– A rush fee may be applied to projects that do not meet the minimum notice and turnaround time for the services selected.
– Projects are completed in Google Drive / Google Docs
– The Author Buddy will send a confirmation email within 48 hours (excluding weekends) for all Beta & Story Services signups that will include project details, next steps, and information about the deposit invoice.
– If you have any questions, please email us at hello@theauthorbuddy.com
– Click here to View our Full Terms of Service

I have read and agree to the policies listed above and the Terms of Service, and I understand that a 50% deposit is required for all beta & story services projects at the time of booking.