After years of writing both academically and creatively, and as an avid reader (thoroughly Gen-X, I will read the back of a cereal box if you set it in front of me), I am offering assistance to fellow writers looking for alpha/beta readers or manuscript critiques. Below is a description of my services. If you think I might be someone who could help you with your project, shoot me an email with the word “beta” or “critique” in the subject line. hartsockj@gmail.com
Beta Reading:
$220 up to 90K words
As negotiated for longer manuscripts, or for novellas, shorts stories, or excerpts.
What you can expect from me:
In-time feedback on story via comments in track changes.
Approximately two-page, single-spaced letter of overall impressions divided into: What’s Working and What Needs Work.
Heavy Critique:
$1000 up to 90K words
As negotiated for longer manuscripts, or for novellas, shorts stories, or excerpts.
What you can expect from me:
Detailed letter analyzing Concept/Premise, Characters, Plot, Pacing, Writing Style (voice, conventions of genre, etc…), What’s working, What’s not.
In time comments/reactions, line edits, suggestions for improvement, corrections of an identification of typos or grammar (though not at the level of a copy editor).
Preferred Genres:
Suspense/Thriller
Mystery
Women’s Fiction
Upmarket Fiction
Literary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Romance (any spice level)
Erotica
Not a great fit for:
Science fiction
Fantasy
Young Adult
Middle grade
Children’s
Will not read:
Christian fiction or books that promote or endorse organized religion
Military, Law Enforcement propaganda
Books with graphic descriptions of harm to women, children, or animals
Pro-Trump, Anti-Immigrant, Anti-LGBTQ, or other ideologically driven plots predicated on denying human rights to all people.
Areas of Particular Expertise:
Law
Medicine
Bioethics
Academia
I’m happy to review an excerpt or entire novel to ensure authenticity and accuracy of:
- University setting/culture of academics
- Norms of academia/university education
- Norms of medical/legal training, qualifications, hierarchy, responsibilities, language
- Descriptions of health care institutions, medical school, or law school settings
- Portrayal of injury, illness, or patient experience in health care settings.
(In U.S. settings only)
AI Usage Policy:
AI undermines the creative process which is and should be a centrally human endeavor whereby humans write stories to be experienced by other humans. AI further threatens the livelihood of creative people whose labor has historically been undervalued and under-compensated.
Accordingly, I will not review material that has been generated in any way using AI/LLMs for any part of the writing process from conception and development of story to generation or “polishing” of text. Likewise, I will not use AI for any part of my review/editing process. What you receive from me will be wholly my creation, impressions, and work.
Think I might be able to help? Keep reading…
Step one:
Let’s get to know each other
Who am I?
I am a Midwestern writer, reader, and academic with backgrounds in bioethics, law, and academic medicine. Presently, I am a Medical Humanities professor and Bioethicist in Indiana. I have self-published two novels, presently have a biography under contract with an academic press, am working on a third novel, and have published extensively in the academic literature. I have a BA in English Literature with a concentration in Writing, a Masters in Philosophy with a concentration in Bioethics, a Juris Doctor, and a fellowship in Clinical Medical Ethics. Prior to embarking on an academic career, I spent more than ten years as a trial attorney in Chicago.
Tell me about your project.
Genre:
Word count:
Intended audience:
Where are with this WIP (e.g. first draft v. nearing submission):
Tell me about you.
Number of previously completed books.
Publication history.
Are you in a writing/critique group.
Step two:
Tell me what you’re looking for
Briefly describe what you would like me to focus on while I’m reading your work. What do you identify as the challenges or weaknesses of this WIP? What are its strengths? What are your biggest concerns?
Step three:
Tell me your pain threshold
- Give it to me straight
- Break it to me gently
- Focus only on the positives
I accept Venmo and Paypal. Please feel free to email for availability or if you have any additional questions. hartsockj@gmail.com
Hartsock books 