Status: Currently open for requests for beta reading, sensitivity reading, and blurb editing! Please contact the email below and ensure that you have read everything on my page before contacting me. Thanks again for considering Arctic Books!
Qualifications
My name is Alice, and I have been blogging since August of 2015. I have done sensitivity reading for several novels with known publishers, such as HarperCollins and Penguin.
I have taken multiple college-level English and Literature courses for five years and counting, and I have read a variety of novels, from various genres. I have read and reviewed from various publishing companies and authors, from indie authors, debut authors, as well as the Big Five publishing houses. I’d love to help with your WIP!
Beta Reading
A beta read is a critique from a professional point of view. I am not an editor, but I will point out aspects regarding content in your manuscript. This is somewhat like my full length reviews on my blog, but more in depth and how I, as a YA book blogger, perceive the story.
A beta read can take from 4-6 weeks depending on my own schedule, but mention in your email if you need it sooner, and we can discuss it.
I currently accept Young Adult, NA, and MG literature on this site. I read a wide range of genres, but I will usually not review erotica or memoirs/nonfiction. I accept digital copies, in the format of Word documents. The time I complete my read/review and critique will depend on the length of the manuscript as well as my own schedule. I will be sure to discuss my time of completion, pricing, and other necessary items with you.
What I will provide to you in my critique:
- writing style
- plot & flow
- pacing
- character development
- dialogue & authenticity of voices
- overall honest opinion on the manuscript as a whole.
Prices (All prices will be rounded to the nearest whole cent, in USD):
- Pitch/synopsis: $25
- 20,000 words or under: $50
- 20,001-60,000 words: $200
- 60,001-100,000 words: $250
- Over 100,000 words: Subject to discussion.
PayPal to arcticbookss@gmail.com (Important: via the friends and family option to avoid fees.)
I am willing to negotiate if you are an indie author or a teen author. Prices are also subject to change depending on when the request needs to be fulfilled.
To request a beta read:
Email me at arcticbookss@gmail.com, with the subject line: Beta Reading Services: [Title of Manuscript] with the following information:
- synopsis/summary
- word count
- genre
- your social media information
- by which date you would like the critique
Sensitivity Reading
“A sensitivity reader reads through a manuscript for issues of representation and for instances of bias on the page. The goal of a sensitivity reader isn’t to edit a manuscript clarity and logic, although that may be an additional service offered. A sensitivity reader reviews a manuscript for internalized bias and negatively charged language. A sensitivity reader is there to help make sure you do not make a mistake, but they are also NOT a guarantee against making a mistake.” Write in the Margins
I currently only accept Young Adult literature on this site, but I will consider reading excerpts of NA and MG manuscripts as well. I read a wide range of genres, but I will usually not review erotica or memoirs/nonfiction. I accept digital copies, in the format of PDR or Word. The time I complete my read/review and critique will depend on the length of the manuscript as well as my own schedule. I will be sure to discuss my time of completion, pricing, and other necessary items.
What I will provide to you in my critique:
- portrayal of the marginalized character, whether it be the main character or side character
- negatively-fueled language
- harmful stereotypes
- negative depictions of a marginalized group
I currently can sensitivity read for:
- Chinese American characters
- Chinese (inspired) settings
- high school & college experience in US as a Chinese American student
- bisexual/biromantic/pansexual/panromantic characters
- characters with mental illness, specifically depression and anxiety
- characters with complex relationships with parents and siblings
My experiences are not universal, so I cannot speak for everyone—I can only speak from my own experiences. A sensitivity read is also not an endorsement of your manuscript.
I will sensitivity read for any character that falls within one or more of these categories, no matter how big the character is in your story.
Prices (All prices will be rounded to the nearest whole cent, in USD)
- Pitch/synopsis: $25
- 20,000 words or under: $50
- 20,001-60,000 words: $200
- 60,001-100,000 words: $250
- Over 100,000 words: Subject to discussion.
PayPal to arcticbookss@gmail.com (Important: via the friends and family option to avoid fees.)
I am willing to negotiate if you are an indie author or a teen author! Prices are also subject to change depending on when the request needs to be fulfilled.
To request a sensitivity read:
Email me at arcticbookss@gmail.com, with the subject line: Sensitivity Reading Services: [Title of Manuscript] with the following information:
- synopsis/summary
- word count
- genre
- your social media information
- marginalized group in question
- by which date you would like the critique
Blurb Editing
A blurb edit is usually for indie authors who want to feature a blurb on the cover of their book to make the novel seem more enticing to readers. I will provide you with suggestions to make your blurb(s) more intriguing!
Prices (All prices will be rounded to the nearest whole cent, in USD):
I will charge $20 for each blurb. PayPal to arcticbookss@gmail.com (Important: via the friends and family option to avoid fees.)
To request a blurb edit:
Email me at arcticbookss@gmail.com, with the subject line: Blurb Edit: [Title of Manuscript] with the following information:
- synopsis/summary
- word count
- genre
- your social media information
- by which date you would like the critique/suggestions
Disclaimers & Terms and Conditions:
- Please note that I do reserve the right to choose not to beta/sensitivity read your manuscript (due to scheduling/other conflicts) but I will provide a reason for my decline.
- I request that the manuscript sent to me for editing services be in a nearly complete status, meaning that there have been multiple edits and eyes on your work.
- My sensitivity read is not a guarantee that your work will be free of all problematic content. I do not speak for all experiences.
- If for any reason I am unable to complete the beta read or sensitivity read, I will provide a refund depending on how far I have gotten through the manuscript.
- Payment is nonrefundable.
- If I agree to be a sensitivity/beta reader for your manuscript, I will not disclose any information regarding your manuscript to anyone other than pre-approved parties prior to publication.
- I reserve the right as a reader and reviewer to critique the text of the finished copy.
- My service as a sensitivity reader for your manuscript does not automatically mean an endorsement of your work, a defense against criticism from other parties, or a guarantee that your work is free of any and all problematic content. You may not misuse my name in such contexts.
Testimonials
“I found Alice on Twitter after tweeting about a few scenes from an upcoming project that needed a sensitivity reader. After discussing the book, word count and concept, Alice established a timeframe with a quick turnaround and got to work. Alice was asked to read for micro-aggressions and accurate portrayals of family dynamic for a Chinese American main character. Her notes were clear, respectful and extremely helpful! I would recommend her for anyone in need of a sensitivity reader.”
-Taylor Brooke, author of FORTITUDE SMASHED and CURVED HORIZON
Thank you again for considering Arctic Books for editing services!
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