Reader-Focused Manuscript Review
Informal developmental feedback—from an avid reader’s perspective.
You wrote a manuscript—congratulations! Whether it’s 5,000 words or 150,000, you’ve poured your time and heart into something you want to share with others. Now it’s time to make it shine!
The Stages of Editing & Publication
Every manuscript goes through multiple layers of polish on its way to becoming a published book:
1. Manuscript Draft – written by the author (that’s you!).
2. Alpha Reading – an early first look to give broad, honest impressions.
3. Developmental Editing – big-picture focus on plot, pacing, and structure.
4. Beta Reading – reader-focused feedback once the draft feels solid. (This can also happen later in the process after some polishing.)
5. Line Editing – refining voice, word choice, and style at the sentence level (not a service I currently provide).
6. Copyediting – correcting grammar, syntax, usage, and consistency.
7. Proofreading – the final polish before production.
8. Book Production (Typesetting & Proof Pages) – your manuscript is transformed into a designed book layout, with a last check of the page proofs.
9. Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) – early printed or digital versions, often nearly identical to the finished book, sent to reviewers and book influencers.
10. Publication Day – your final, retail-ready book launches for sale to the general public.
*Note for All Manuscript Services
I welcome most fiction and nonfiction projects and enjoy working with a wide range of voices and styles.
Fiction genres I accept: contemporary, women’s fiction, romance (clean to moderate spice), YA/NA, fantasy, historical, cozy mystery, children’s literature, and middle grade.
Nonfiction genres I accept: memoir, personal essays, devotionals, self-help, narrative nonfiction, and educational/reference works.
🚫 Please note: I do not accept manuscripts in the horror genre, graphic or disturbing thrillers, or projects with explicit/erotica content.
Author Services
From first impressions to final polish, I offer support to bring your manuscript closer to publication.
Here’s how I can partner with you to strengthen your manuscript:
Alpha Reading
Early impressions of your story’s potential and pacing. I’ll provide a 2+ page feedback letter covering:
- Strengths I noticed in your manuscript
- Plot and pacing (where the story flows and where it may lag)
- Character development and consistency
- Language use, tone, and setting/worldbuilding
- Suggestions for areas to improve or expand
Informal Developmental Feedback
In-depth, big-picture notes on plot, character arcs, and structure (not a full developmental edit). You’ll receive:
- Margin Comments – Light notes in the manuscript highlighting pacing issues, inconsistencies, or places needing clarity.
- Editorial Feedback Letter – A 3–8+ page summary that highlights strengths, overall flow, and recurring issues, with practical, constructive suggestions to help you move forward while preserving your voice.
Beta Reading
A reader-focused evaluation of your manuscript once it feels solid. Like the alpha read, you’ll receive a 2+ page personalized feedback letter addressing:
- Strengths that stand out
- Plot and pacing (does the story hold attention?)
- Character arcs and believability
- Language, tone, and style
- Suggestions for revisions before editing or publication
Copyediting
Detailed attention to grammar, syntax, clarity, and consistency (using Track Changes for corrections and margin comments for guidance). This stage is time-intensive and requires a careful, line-by-line review, which is why it’s priced per word rather than by project.
Proofreading
The final polish for typos, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. As with copyediting, this step requires focused, detail-oriented work to ensure your manuscript is publication-ready, and is charged per word rather than by project.
Because manuscripts vary so widely, I offer two ways to set pricing:
Per Word Pricing (Best for editing and polishing)
Copyediting: $0.018/word
Proofreading: $0.012/word
Bundle (Copyedit + Proofread): $0.025/word
(Copyediting and proofreading require a careful, line-by-line review to ensure accuracy and clarity, which is why these services are priced per word rather than by project.)
Flat-Rate Packages (Best for alpha reads, informal developmental feedback, or beta reads)
Alpha & Beta Reading – Word Count Flat Rate
- Up to 20,000 words $75–120
- 20,001–40,000 words $125–240
- 40,001–60,000 words $245–360
- 60,001–80,000 words $365–480
- 80,001–100,000 words $485–600
- 100,001–120,000 words $605–720
- 120,001–140,000 words $725–840
Informal Developmental Feedback – Word Count Flat Rate
- Up to 20,000 words $125–200
- 20,001–40,000 words $225–400
- 40,001–60,000 words $425–600
- 60,001–80,000 words $625–800
- 80,001–100,000 words $825–1,000
- 100,001–120,000 words $1,025–1,200
- 120,001–140,000 words $1,225–1,400
📌 Combine & Save
Interested in more than one service (for example, a beta read followed by copyediting and proofreading)? I offer custom packages with bundled discounts so you can move seamlessly from draft to polished manuscript. Please send me a message through the Contact link.
“Laura was a perfect beta reader, providing clear, actionable feedback to improve my book. She provided copious notes that showed she deeply understood the genre as well as how to meet my readers' needs and wants. It was far more than I expected. I will definitely hire her again if she's available.”
–Patricia D, Author
5-star review on Upwork
Reader-Focused Manuscript Review
Informal developmental feedback—from an avid reader’s perspective.
Rates for Services
Reader-Focused Manuscript Review
What Clients Are Saying
"I cannot recommend Laura Gyfteas highly enough! Over the years, she has been an incredible editor, helping me refine manuscripts and curriculum. Laura has a rare combination of keen insight, thoughtful guidance, and an eye for both detail and big-picture flow. She doesn’t just correct grammar or structure—she brings clarity, creativity, and heart to every project. Working with her has not only improved my writing but also deepened my confidence as an author and educator. If you are looking for someone who can transform your ideas into polished, compelling work, Laura is the person to turn to."
-Jennifer S, Author &Curriculum Creator
"I have known Laura Gyfteas for many years, and her love for the English language is truly unmatched. When I was in the early stages of drafting my book—what I like to call my “brain dump” phase—she graciously reviewed my manuscript. Not only did she catch grammatical errors, but she also offered several insightful suggestions that strengthened my writing. Laura’s deep knowledge of grammar and keen editorial eye made her feedback invaluable to me."
–Sara J, Author of
Burn Your Blueprints: Rebuilding Your Identity From God’s Design
and
Co-Founder and COO of SparkStory, Marketing for the Future
