Alpha & Beta Reads

Manuscript reads provide thoughtful and constructive feedback that strengthens both the book and the writer.

Great writers have always had help in shaping their stories. We need people to approach our writing with a fresh perspective because it is the only way to know if the vision we are striving to achieve is actually working.

Alpha and beta readers are a valuable resource to help us understand:

  • what’s working

  • what’s unclear

  • what’s missing

  • what’s possible

Just as A comes before B, then alpha readers see your manuscript before a beta reader does.

  • Alphas approach your work as a writer‑reader — someone who can help you identify holes or missed connections in your story. They’re looking at the big picture and helping you see what’s working, what isn’t, and what parts of your vision aren’t yet translating onto the page.

    Alphas are crucial in helping you build your story and nurture your characters. They want to help you make your story the absolute best it can be. That means real talk: constructive, thoughtful, and considered feedback.

  • Beta readers approach your work as your future readers would, not as if they were writing the book themselves. They’re chosen because they’re part of your intended audience — people who are likely to enjoy your book.

    Beta reads usually come later in the writing process, after structural and copy edits. They help you answer specific questions so you can feel confident your book is achieving what you intended. A beta reader gives feedback on their reading experience — what they liked, what didn’t land, and how the story made them feel.

    • Writers who want thoughtful, constructive feedback from a peer who understands craft, industry and the emotional journey of writing

    • Writers seeking clarity on what’s working, what’s unclear, and what needs strengthening

    • Writers preparing for the next stage of revision and wanting clarity and direction

    • Writers who want a principled and supportive reader

    • Seeing your manuscript through fresh, informed eyes

    • Identifying gaps, missed connections, or unclear elements in your story

    • Strengthening character development, narrative flow, and overall cohesion

    • Understanding how your intended audience will experience your book

    • Gaining clarity, confidence, and direction for your next round of edits

    • Ensuring your book is communicating what you meant it to communicate

    • you’re looking for quick fixes, hacks, or industry shortcuts

    • you’re looking for an editor, proofreader, or sensitivity reader — alpha/beta reads don’t replace professional editing or manuscript assessments

    • you want “brutal honesty” — feedback without kindness is just criticism, and that’s not my jam

    • you’re expecting prescriptive direction — I offer possibilities and what‑ifs

    • you’re hoping for a guaranteed publication outcome

    • you’re not open to receiving feedback or exploring new possibilities in your work

IMPORTANT:

  • Accepting Middle Grade, YA and adult fiction

  • Full length novels only

What’s included

  • Your manuscript returned with personalised notes

  • Alpha or Beta Report (answering up to 10 questions from you)

  • One 60-minute coaching call

  • Price: $1,080.00

    Turnaround: 4 weeks

  • Price: $1,440.00

    Turnaround: 6 weeks

  • Price: $1,680.00

    Turnaround: 8 weeks

  • Price: $2,040.00

    Turnaround: 8 weeks

  • Price: $2,280.00

    Turnaround: 8 weeks

Work with me

The process

Please fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch within 3 business days to organise dates and payment. A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due before the final deliverables are released. Payment plans are available.

  • Claire

    "Katherine made an exceptional introduction to start us off with the writing challenge. She asked questions I had never considered when starting up my writing practice again. It made me accountable to also work on my own schedule and my own writing habits that suited my lifestyle at the time. I just wish I could have done more write-ins. I was also amazed with how much I was able to accomplish with having an accountability buddy and also being accountable to myself."

  • Steph

    "Katherine is an invaluable mentor, and I found her 4 week challenge supported and gently pushed me to achieve my writing goals. During the challenge I assessed my writing practice and habits, and it was eye-opening. I will take these new practices forward.”

  • Bethany

    “It pays to invest in your craft and working with Debut Books is an incredibly valuable experience. Proven industry professionals are a much better source than Dr Google, and unlike a search engine, Katherine is approachable, intuitive and encouraging. A great option if you’re feeling at an impasse with your writing/ publishing career.”

  • Shoni

    “My favourite part of the program so far, has been the accountability and the positivity. Having the list on Notion and the weekly check-ins have kept things moving even when I wasn't really feeling it, and the calls are brilliant. It's the first time I've used a coach for my writing, and there's no way I would've been making this kind of progress without you.”

  • Nicole

    “Katherine has kept me accountable in the kindest and most understanding way possible. Thanks to her support, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel on the first draft of my first novel, something I've been dreaming about for years. I highly recommend Your Novel Adventure if you've always wanted to write a novel and you just want to get it done.”