You’ve worked so hard on your first novel.
Your mean Aunt Alice shouldn’t be your beta reader.
Our vetted, expert beta readers ensure you will receive well-rounded, actionable, and timely feedback on your manuscript.
As a writer, you are often just too darn close to your manuscript.
Having a beta reader evaluate your manuscript is a critical part of the writing process.
Beta readers offer an outside view, helping to identify things that you might overlook. They can also point out areas where the writing may be unclear or where the story may drag. It’s OK. It happens, and you can fix it!
You might think that your friends and family can be your beta readers, but they may hold back on negative feedback to avoid hurting your feelings instead of providing an honest, critical assessment.
It’s also tempting to use fellow writers, but not all writers are readers! They’re also more likely entrenched in the writing process and less able to view your manuscript as an average reader would.
You need someone in your target readership. This is especially true if you are writing in genres like romance or fantasy where there are established conventions.
Is this you, too?
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We’re the Tracy Flick of book nerds. We’re thrilled to share our excitement about our love of books, authors, speakers, and our passion about reading (there’s no shame in our game).
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We are inclusive. Everyone is welcome for who they are — no shapeshifting/code switching required.
No proving your worth, no hoops to jump through. This is a place for everyone - all writers, all readers, all perspectives. -
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We are curious. Curiosity expands your mind beyond the four walls you spend the majority of your day confined inside.
Books have a connection to the outside world, all without leaving the comfort of your couch! -
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We are open-minded we don’t discriminate. We welcome books written from all backgrounds, all ethnicities, and all walks of life. We believe that these books allow us a window into other people's lives, and give us a mirror to look at our own.
Our Founder
Annie Long Sullivan is a super-reader who has had her nose in a book since 1975. As founder of soThis, a thriving online book community, she merged her passion for books and her natural ability as a connector. When she started writing her first novel, Annie recognized the critical role that savvy beta readers can play in the writing process. With Long Story, she now pairs expert readers from her community with debut fiction writers who need feedback on their manuscripts.
Annie is a morning person, a Capricorn, a die-hard Swiftie, and an eternal optimist. She is happiest when she is crushing her TBR pile and hanging with her 4 usually great kids and 1 very naughty miniature schnauzer.
Complete your draft faster
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Complete your draft faster Get better input
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Work with Long Story
Our Bespoke Beta Read Program pairs your full manuscript with 3 expert beta readers who specialize in your genre and represent your target audience.
Your beta readers will provide actionable feedback, plus you’ll also get a list of curated comp titles and several compelling reader pull quotes you can use in your synopsis or query letter.
Get your debut novel from revision to polished final draft faster with our beta readers!