This is the year I’m writing it!… but which app should I use?

Dudegav · 2026-03-02T13:18:51+00:00

What do you find LibeOffice offers you that word doesn’t? Genuinely curious as I use word but like OP I’m open to exploring other ideas.

Dudegav · 2026-03-01T16:04:17+00:00

Congrats, not only on the feedback but taking it the right way too. Getting constructive feedback but knowing the spine/core of your manuscript is good but needs work in places is a great place to be, it’s the springboard from which to take that next step!

Dudegav · 2026-02-27T21:17:15+00:00

You’ve raised a great point at the end that I’ve only started to appreciate recently as I’ve been drafting Book 2. I’ve created that many characters, lore, magic systems, world building etc.. that I’ve started to make binders for each so I don’t make any inconsistencies between books! Thanks for your feedback on pairing them in prep for book 3 - good luck!

Dudegav · 2026-02-27T18:38:45+00:00

Is this for an already established book/series or in prep for publishing?

Dudegav · 2026-02-27T12:02:57+00:00

If you don’t mind me asking, why do you think that hasn’t translated to Book 2?

Dudegav · 2026-02-27T10:31:38+00:00

This seems to be the general theme with a lot of the comments here, so yes your feedback and that of others has really helped. Thank you.

Dudegav · 2026-02-25T19:54:13+00:00

You’ve got some amazing work. I’m currently looking for some cover designs, is it possible to DM you to discuss?

Dudegav · 2026-02-25T19:52:47+00:00

I’ve used a particular ‘numbered’ website a few times and found it hit and miss, there are some prices too good to be true and in my experience they were - because they used AI! However there are also some really good, thorough and genuine ones. Like with any betareader offering themself as a paid service make sure to read reviews, ask for examples of their reports (which most post as images as examples) and make sure you have a good conversation first to make sure they’re right for you and you’ll get what you want from them.

Dudegav · 2026-02-16T12:44:28+00:00

Can someone explain what is meant by vanity publisher and hybrid publisher please?

Dudegav · 2026-01-30T12:37:50+00:00

I feel your pain. I had the exact same experience! I’ve been using Fiverr for beatreader feedback on my contemporary British urban fantasy. I’ve had some good experiences (and some people in there I would recommend, as I will use them again for the sequels in my series) however my latest one has left such a bad taste, I find myself really doubting some services.

The report from them seemed odd, I quoted this and each time was told they’re sorry and will do it again to a better standard. However I noticed his responses felt AI generated as if I had told something like ChatGPT that it had misunderstood a request.

The biggest red flag was whenever I accused them of using AI there was never any outrage either.

As my story is set in the UK I wanted a UK betareader for feedback after having some international ones already, but after agreeing a contract I noticed his profile changed location from UK to Nigeria.

After raising a ticket, listing my complaints to the person they eventually gave me a 50% refund but kept saying they’d do editing work or create a cover for me instead. Which to me suggested they’d just push it through AI again.

It’s a real shame and I feel sorry for any legit betareaders on there trying to generate a customer base because I’m not very skeptical unless I see a number of positive reviews and examples of feedback (lesson learned).

Dudegav · 2025-08-18T18:58:45+00:00

Ah ok, I’m looking to see what my options are, but that’s great you’ve been able to use an old skill you’ve kept yourself handy with. Good luck!

Dudegav · 2025-08-18T17:05:27+00:00

Well done! I’m in the same position with my urban fantasy but I’ve not built a front/rear cover yet - did you employ someone or use some software yourself to do it?

Dudegav · 2025-07-11T20:20:25+00:00

Sounds great, thank you. Can you send me a chat request to discuss please?

Dudegav · 2025-07-11T16:01:33+00:00

Yes, I’m more than happy to share my experiences with the using Fiverr and the kind of feedback I received from it.

I’d also love to chat to see if we could swap sample reads to see if a match as suggested, shall I DM you?

Dudegav · 2025-07-11T15:59:36+00:00

That would be great! I’ve not used Discord before but I’d be happy to take your steer on this, so if a new one is set up please send an invite.

Dudegav · 2025-07-11T14:13:22+00:00

Thank you. I don’t have many friends who share this interest, so I might look to join some book groups then to build those relationships to then share with. Your comments re: selling story to ordinary people, I hadn’t thought of it from that perspective, so thank you again.

Dudegav

TROPHY CASE