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Seeking beta for literary/mainstream novel (first three chapters)

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The Otter

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Hi,

I'm looking for someone to offer general feedback on the first three chapters (approximately 10,000 words) of my WIP, tentatively titled Fairytale for the Damned, a psychological drama set in early 1980s Nebraska. The first scene is in SYW: https://absolutewrite.com/forums/sh...d-(first-2-000-words)&p=10656598#post10656598

I am willing to swap (I'll read pretty much anything) but might be slow since I'm going through a busy spell.

I don't have a query letter for this yet but the premise is basically: a troubled loner (depressed Vietnam vet, recently fired from a pizza delivery job) goes to an isolated patch of woods to commit suicide and briefly glimpses someone fleeing into the darkness. He finds a notebook on the ground there filled with cryptic but intensely personal writing from someone who is also obviously struggling with suicidal urges, and he becomes obsessed with finding the journal's writer.
 

JohnLine

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If it's only 10k words I'd be happy to look at it. No swap required.
 

DanielSTJ

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I'd be willing to look at it also- no swap required. I like it. It's gritty.

I've betaed but not too much, but I'll try to be a good and useful one!
 

Woollybear

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Let me know if you want a woman's perspective as well, and I'd be interested in a rain check on a swap--when my own WIP is is better shape.
 

The Otter

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Giving this a bump since I'm still looking for a few additional readers, now for my first four chapters (about 13K words). I have a bit more time now so I'm willing to swap for roughly the same amount.

Thanks!
 

TylerJK

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Hello Otter, I would be willing to give those chapters a read. I've just completed a 3500 word short story I'm looking for some general feedback on. PM if you're willing to do an exchange!
 

Fuchsia Groan

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Hey! I don’t know if you still want betas, but if you do again at any point in the process, lemme know. I read your excerpt, and it’s the kind of atmospheric lit fic I really enjoy. Would be happy to swap for a few chapters of my adult spec-tinged lit/mainstream novel about a drug that shows people their memories.
 
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