Alpha Reading
What is an Alpha Read?
Alpha reading is a similar process to developmental editing, but more informal and less in depth. It dives into the foundations of your story to analyze your plot, story progression, character arcs, and more.
What can I expect?
Elizabeth Skarpnes evaluates each manuscript first from the view of a fellow author, and then from the perspective of a potential reader. She keeps your ideal reader front and center while leaving in-line feedback. In this package you only receive in-line feedback and do not receive a developmental letter or coaching call. Coaching calls can be added on for $60/hr to answer any additional questions or brainstorm solutions to larger problems.
All manuscripts are personally edited by Elizabeth. No programs, no AI, no artificial analysis. Just a real, human being.
Alpha Reading Rate
$0.010 per word
Payment plans accepted
A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking
Debut authors get a 20% discount!
Returning clients get a 30% discount!
If you decide to book a full developmental edit, the cost of your alpha read will apply as credit towards the service!
What clients are saying…
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"She never once tried to change the story from my vision. She helped find the missing pieces but it was still my writing, my words, my story."
Katie Walker
YA Modern Fantasy
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"Absolutely amazing across the board. Really enjoyed working with her and all of her advice and edits were so helpful."
Raquel Raelynn, Author of The Balance of Fates
Sapphic New Adult Fantasy
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"Elizabeth Skarpnes has, no exaggeration, changed the path of this story in the best way. She approaches her work with a care and consideration that kept my voice front and center, but helped fill in those holes I was missing."
Katharine M Sweet, Author of Love Stories Are…
Contemporary RomCom
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"She had great thorough feedback that was easy to follow. I really appreciated the her quick turnaround time and how much care she put into my project."
Jasmine Little, Author of If We Say Goodbye
YA Coming of Age
Q&A with the Editor
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Yes, I do! Let me know during our initial conversations that you are interested in coming up with a payment plan and I will happily work with you to develop one. I understand editing prices can be a hardship so I am willing to tailor payment plans to suit your needs.
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Approximately 30 days depending on manuscript length. You can request a rush order at additional expense which will be discussed.
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I primarily work on fictional stories. I am adaptable to many different genres and age group including but not limited to: fantasy, contemporary, romance, middle grade, young adult, new adult, & adult just to name a few!
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*Trigger warning for mentions of sensitive an upsetting subjects*
I will not read stories that include: nonconsensual sexual contact (rape), incest, sexual abuse, racist/homophobic/transphobic content. If you are unsure if your stories content will fall into any of these categories, please ask and discuss with me prior to discussing booking.
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The downpayment is to secure your booking.
The contract is to protect the client and the editor by making sure there is clear understanding. This is especially important for payment plans. Contracts are revisable for word count only up until the start date.
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Absolutely! Please fill out the interst form and we can discuss further. I offer free 15 minute no obligation consultations upon request where we can discuss your work and needs to determine if we are a good match for each other. I think that open dialogue and communication are key to mutual understanding.