I've had to take down the Beta Reader application form as I've been inundated with applications!
Thank you so much for your interest though, and if you'd like to be kept in the loop of all things Clockmaker in the future (e.g. future beta reader rounds, purchase, etc.) pop your details into the form below.
NB: Your details will never be passed on to or sold to anyone else and will only ever be used for Clockmaker purposes.
The Clockmaker is a children's novel trilogy that explores life, death, and grief. It follows the adventures of Ethan and his Dad through the magical world of Viik.
In book one, Ethan and his dad escape real life to the Land of Lilydrop where the Pallinoms are under threat from Giants determined to destroy their forest.
It’s up to Ethan to find a way to stop the Giants. But how? Ethan's not even sure how to stand up to the bully at school.
Words: c. 33,000 (c. the length of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Genre: Children’s adventure book (chapter book)
Underlying themes: Bullying, school. death, growing up, and the environment.
Format: PDF
Ideal beta readers for The Clockmaker include:
· Children aged c.8-10
· Parents, teachers, or people who understand the world view of 8-10 year olds
· Anyone interested in providing feedback on a children's adventure book.
In the (paraphrased) words of the wonderful Jenna Moreci:
"A beta reader is someone who reads a book well before it's published with the intention of giving constructive feedback. Beta readers tell the author if the story is entertaining, if it's confusing, they identify plot holes, etc. It's their job, basically, to find mistakes."
Beta readers provide high level feedback on character development, what works, what doesn't, etc. It's not a beta reader's job to edit the book or to correct punctuation, or grammatical errors, etc.
· When selected as a beta reader you’ll be sent a link to a webpage which has the book split into sections (PDF format).
· After you read a section, you’ll be asked to answer a series of open-ended questions (e.g. What are your initial thoughts, what was your favourite part and why? What was your least favourite part? etc.)
· It’s important that you answer these questions straight after finishing the section to ensure your feedback is fresh and accurate.
· You have the option of answering the questions either via an online form, or via a chat on the phone with me (or both—whatever you prefer).
· Although you’ll likely have an opinion on most things most of the time, it’s perfectly OK to not have an opinion on everything, or to just say "I don't know".
· It is generally expected that you’d read the book and provide feedback within about 30 days (though there is certainly wiggle room here if needed).
· The book has not been professionally edited.
· Please consider what's involved as a beta reader before applying. Although you can drop out during the process, this isn't super ideal. (There's a link to the first chapter below for you to get a feel for whether you'll enjoy the book).
· The Clockmaker is copyrighted and may not be reproduced, plagiarised, distributed, sold, or adapted.
· You may not share or talk publicly about The Clockmaker.
· Being a beta reader is not a paid gig, but you will have my undying gratitude and love.
Please click here to download the first chapter of The Clockmaker to see if it takes your fancy. If it does, fill out the form below to apply to be a beta reader.
NB: 'Multiple readers' are permitted as beta readers, e.g. both a guardian and child can be beta readers. However, please fill out two separate application forms (refresh the page if needed):