The Sherlock Reader
Your manuscript read with the attention it deserves!
Detailed, honest beta reading for fiction authors, so you know exactly what's working, what isn't, and what to fix before it reaches readers or agents.
"I hired Laiba to beta read my novel, but she stepped beyond my previous readers to provide analysis and excellent comments to help shape my work into a stronger, more cohesive unit. This novel has an intense amount of world building and it can be difficult to navigate; another hurdle was my penchant for verbosity. Laiba exceeded my requirements by giving me feedback I could actually use for improvement and not the noise I was getting from other reviewers that was barely above a smart AI grammar and spell check. I hope to hire Laiba for future work."Walter F. Scott – Science Fiction
about me
Hi, I'm Laiba.I've been reading fiction obsessively since childhood, but over the past year and a half, I've turned that into something more structured: professional beta reading for fiction authors who need honest, detailed feedback before their manuscript goes out in the world.I've worked with over 20 authors across fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction, and I approach every manuscript the same way: with close attention, genuine investment in the story, and honesty. Several authors have returned for second projects.I don't just tell you something "felt off." I tell you where it happens, why it's happening, and what the reader experience is in that moment. That's the feedback that actually helps you revise.If your manuscript is almost ready, or if you're not sure whether it is, that's exactly where I come in.
Beta reading
Story Analysis
Best for: Authors wanting to understand how a real reader experiences their manuscript.
You'll receive:
- Inline comments throughout your manuscript: reactions, questions, moments of confusion or delight.
- A structured overview report covering plot coherence, character believability, pacing, and overall reader experience.
This package gives you the honest outside perspective that's almost impossible to get from people who know you or your story.
$1.50 per 1000 words
Full Manuscript Consultation
Best for: Authors preparing to query agents or publish, who need detailed, revision-ready feedback
You'll receive:
- Complete story analysis
- A chapter-by-chapter breakdown tracking how the story develops, where momentum builds or stalls, and how each character arc progresses across the full manuscript.
This is the package for authors who want to go into their next draft, or their query, with a clear, detailed map of what to strengthen.
$1.70 per 1000 words
"Laiba just finished a beta read for an upcoming novel. The quality of her work was outstanding - exactly the kind of feedback that will make the work better. She sent back two documents: one with inline comments and the other a master summary explaining her reasoning behind the changes. And most importantly, she did all of this in a timely fashion. I am very grateful for her services and highly recommend her. Stuart Hotchkiss (Author of Baker Vaughan)."
Stuart Hotchkiss – Literary fiction (Returned for second project)
My process
1. Tell me about your manuscript
Email me with your genre, word count, where you are in the drafting process, and what you're most concerned about. I'll confirm availability and we'll agree on timeline and package.
2. I read your manuscript
I read your full manuscript in Google Doc format, adding inline comments as I go.
3. You receive your feedback
Within our timeline, you'll receive your commented manuscript and written report.
4. Follow-up included
Have questions about the feedback? I offer a email Q&A, so you can clarify anything before you dive into revisions.