The Goblin Reader
Jordan
Ever had a goblin read your writing?
As an avid reader, book blogger, fantasy writer, editor, and marketer, I wear many mushroom hats—all of them pertaining to storytelling.
If you need someone to help patch plot holes (I have big sticks and little sticks), hiss at your characters when they step out of line, and screech into the void when something doesn't make sense, I'm your goblin.
About Me
I graduated with an English degree in 2020 and started this blog and freelance editing services that same year. I've since worked with several authors and an indie press, helping to shape their stories to their vision.
For full editing credits, see my editing page!
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General Read
A general read is 1 read-through that looks for common issues and areas to focus on in rewrites. This is recommended for authors who want publishing-focused feedback to implement as they see fit.
I will:
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Screech at plot & logic holes and offer sticks to patch them accordingly.
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Sniff out narrative & character inconsistencies and poke them until they make sense.
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Scurry around awkward pacing or confusing passages until they're more confused by me (and shape up).
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Point and hiss at sections that can be cut or added to.
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Bonk overused phrases to look out for.
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Leave gobliny commentary, including all the things that please my eyeballs or make me wail in eternal sadness.
Pricing
General Guideline (rounded up after 500 words)
$10 per 10k words
10k words — $10
20k words — $20
50k words — $50
90k words — $90
100k words — $100
Detailed Read
A detailed read includes everything a general read does, plus in-depth suggestions that go beyond general fixes. The detailed read includes 2 read-throughs to ensure changes have been implemented successfully and to address remaining concerns.
This includes suggestions for:
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Sections and/or chapters to slash or shoo elsewhere for better pacing and clarity.
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How to weave fae magick through plot and subplots so they flow well and have a satisfying resolution (if applicable).
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Hex your characters when their dialogue or actions are not in line with the author's vision or their charazterization.
Note: The detailed read is not meant to stand in for developmental editing and will not suggest drastic changes. Though it targets a lot of the same elements and can be an affordable alternative to dev editing, it is feedback to base your rewrites on and not editorial guidance.
Pricing
General Guideline (rounded up after 500 words)
$20 per 10k words
10k words — $20
20k words — $40
50k words — $100
90k words — $180
100k words — $200
I primarily read YA and adult fiction and offer beta reading for novels, novellas, and short stories. I have the most experience with fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, contemporary romance, dystopian, suspense/horror, and literary gothic. I accept works with nearly every type of dark content, but please include content warnings with your request so I can make an informed decision.
I do not offer beta reading for nonfiction or fiction centered on current religious/political themes. If you are unsure whether your writing falls under my readership, please contact me with a description of your work.
Since beta reading covers a broader scope than editing, I suggest reading a few of my reviews to assess common themes I look for. You can also check out my writing tips for general pointers.
I offer a free sample review of the first chapter (up to 2,500 words) for works 25k words or over. Note that this will not reflect the extent of a full beta read, but if you are satisfied with my commenting style, the sample will be used to help determine your final quote.
Services & Pricing
Note: These prices are guidelines to help estimate cost. Since each project is unique and requires different types/levels of beta reading, please contact me for an official quote. There is no obligation to hire me for requesting information :)
Payment
After the beta agreement is signed, half of the total cost will be due before reading begins, with the remainder due upon project completion (with the exception of projects under 30k words, which will be due as one payment at the end). Invoices will be sent for your records on both counts. I do not charge taxes or service fees; the final quote I give is the only amount you will pay.
I accept payment through PayPal, but alternatives will be considered upon request. I also offer flexible payment plans for indie authors – just ask! :)
Beta Schedule
Testimonials
Josh L. Patrick-Riley, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writer
Over the years, I've worked with many beta readers, and Jordan is one of the best. She understood the vision I had for my novel instantly, and helped me see ways to realize it that I'd never thought of. With the advice she gave me, I'm excited to rewrite my novel and make it become what Jordan saw it could be.