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 worked with over 20 authors across fantasy, space opera, romance and literary fiction.As a beta reader, I approach your story as a reader first. I pay attention to what draws me in, what makes me curious, where I start to question something, and where the story may lose me.As I read, I'm constantly asking questions: What is happening? Why is this character making this choice? How does this work? Who knows what? When did this happen? Following these questions helps me assess things like plot logic, character motivations, story development, relationships, worldbuilding, and how well different parts of the story come together.Rather than telling you how I think your story should be written, I look at what the story itself is trying to establish and whether it follows through. If the manuscript raises a question, creates an expectation, establishes a rule, or sets up a character motivation, I pay attention to whether the story gives the reader enough to understand and believe it.And when it doesn't, that's where I know something may need your attention.
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
Developmental Beta reading
Best for: Authors preparing to query agents or publish, who need detailed, revision-ready feedback
You'll receive:
- An overview report breaking down Plot, World building, Characters, Pacing, Writing style and overall reader's experience
- Suggestions offered where needed, curated to the story and author's voice
- 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.
$2.50 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.