Professional Writer and Mentor Helping Clients With Writing Needs

Hello there,

I’m a professional writer who loves helping people with their writing needs. Below are a couple of services I offer, take a peek to find out more and read my clients 5/5 Star reviews.


Do you have a writing project you’d love my help with that doesn’t fit any of the services you see here? Contact me with your questions.

Since May 2020, I’ve helped authors by reading and reviewing drafts of their novels, novellas, short stories, and poetry. For my Alpha Read, I specifically provide in-depth feedback in a Reader Report with a Word doc copy of their piece with Track Changes that shows my highlights, comments, and notes making it top-tier service in the field.

A Reader Who Cares: Dedicated to Becoming Your Favorite

My Alpha and Beta reading services digs deeper than the average reader. In addition to my experience in the publishing industry, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Writing Rhetoric Studies from The University of Utah. My insight can be eye-opening and invaluable to writers working toward publication.


I’ll Be Your Favorite Professional Writer and Mentor: Superb Alpha and Beta Reading

As Your Favorite Alpha and Beta Reader, I will read your work thoroughly and provide detailed feedback!

A little bit about your Professional Writer and Mentor…

As a Literary Intern for DLG Publishing Partners, I was a Developmental Editor in-training and reviewed hundreds of submissions. I love to alpha and beta read Fiction, Novellas, Short Fiction, and Poetry. My favorite genres include Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, and Romance. When it comes to Poetry, I enjoy literary, contemporary, and pieces that seek to push the boundaries of the form.

Services Included in My Alpha Read

  • Reader Report (reviewing concept/idea, plot, structure, characters, dialogue, overall strengths, and weaknesses)
  • Personal Letter from me to you (included in the Reader Report)
  • Word Doc copy of your piece with Track Changes containing my highlights/comments/notes

Services Included in My Beta Read

  • Feedback and answers to questions from the perspective of a general reader delivered to you in a Word Doc

Note: When ordering an alpha or beta read, please include any questions or concerns you may have.

All of these documents will be delivered to you in a compressed zip folder.

What I don’t offer:

  • Formatting your MS
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Rewriting

My goal is to help you succeed by providing you with invaluable insight you can use to fine-tune your writing as you prep for publication.

Pricing That’s Flexible For Your Budget and Needs

I’m open to finding a price and delivery due date that works for both of us. Reach out if you’d like to chat about what you’re looking for in an alpha or beta read, I’m here to help.

Delivery time typically depends on the total word count of your piece and can range from 2 to 7+ business days.

Note: If you’d like an alpha or beta read for writing under 10k or over 100k words, please message me via Fiverr.

Client Reviews of My Alpha and Beta Reads as a Professional Writer and Mentor

“I am astounded at the quality of the work, the depth of the insights, and the accuracy of the comments. That the entire process of beta reading my novel of 120k words took less than the estimated three days is beyond my ability to comprehend. Alina’s communications throughout the process were concise and businesslike. In short, I will return to her with more work in the future. I will likewise recommend her to friends and colleagues.”

-yusufdel

“Alina provided honest, detailed and structured feedback. I am positive that her recommendations will enable me to progress with my work. Thank you”

-justy_here

“I was very impressed with how much effort Alina put into the delivery. She was great to work with and all her feedback was valuable to me. I look forward to next time.”

windupdurb

“Thorough, helpful notes with a very quick turn around. Alina provided me with a general overview file of my short story and a word document with tracked notes. I was hoping for lots of detailed notes and that is exactly what I got. Her suggestions will help me craft a great next draft!”

molluscus13

FAQs About My Alpha and Beta Reader Services

I have a collection of short stories that I need read. Can you help me?

Yes. When inquiring about a Beta Read, provide the total word count for ALL PIECES. If you have multiple pieces, please put them in one document .doc .docx .pdf or Google Doc.

Can you read and review my poems?

Yes. Please put all your poems in one document .doc .docx .pdf or Google Doc, and let me know the total word count.

Can I give you multiple pieces to read at the same time?

Yes, my limit is two at a time.

What does your Reader Report look like?

My Reader Report can be anywhere from 1 to 10 pages, depending on what I’m reading (short story, novella, novel). It is organized for easy readability. Also included are my “Extra Notes,” with key observations about your text drawing from my publishing industry experience.

Writing Poetry: Why I Love It and How I Became Obsessed

In this post, I’ll discuss why I choose to obsess over poetry. How I was first exposed to it and why my passion for reading and writing has led me to where I’m at today with my writing routine. I also provide multiple lists of recommended reading, book reviews, and other blog posts I’ve written about poetry.

beverage in cup next to open book of poetry
Photo by Ena Marinkovic on Pexels.com

The Root of My Obsession with Poetry

In 2011, I was exposed to poetry in a creative writing course in college. I read Wittgenstein and Maggie Nelson, which finally cracked open the world of poetry and creative writing in a way I could grasp. Since then, I’ve fallen down into a rabbit hole I don’t think I’ll ever want to get out of.

Recommended Reading: My Two Favorite Poetry and Writing Books

Remarks on Colour by Ludwig Wittgenstein

Bluets by Maggie Nelson

I haven’t been the same for years. I’ve found myself continually wanting to write and explore literature. Over time, my obsession with writing poetry resulted in various daily writing routines that I have tweaked to optimize writing output. And I’ve maintained a habit of writing for one to two hours per day since then.


Are you looking for an alpha or beta reader to review your poems? I can help! Learn more HERE.

opened book placed on table with cherries and blue flowers
Photo by Ольга Нурутдинова on Pexels.com

Poetry: It’s Not as Fancy as You Think and It’s for Everyone

I used to think that poetry was some high-brow artistic form of writing. I thought that I’d never be able to understand, let alone write poetry, even though I was already an avid writer and reader.

Maybe it’s because poetry is intimidating at first due to its literary history and importance to countless civilizations, both ancient and new. Perhaps it’s because of its history of religious poetry, passing down legends and mythologies, or its significant use in addressing societal and cultural shifts. This fear of poetry is pretty common for people interested in it but hesitant to jump in.

Poems That I Recommended Reading

A Hymn to God the Father by John Donne

The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fagles

Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg

white paper with black text formatted as a poem
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

The Need to Read Poetry and Everything Else

I read tons of books on writing poetry. I’m keen to find reliable resources with pro tips that I can use to push my poetry in new directions. But reading poetry more than writing seems to positively affect my work. I’d highly recommend balancing time between reading and writing poetry to advance your writing.

Reading Suggestions: Excellent Books on Poetry by Robert Pinsky

My Book Reviews of Singing School and Democracy, Culture and the Voice of Poetry by Robert Pinsky 

Also, check out my list of Recommended Poetry Books and How to Read a Poem

Interested in Writing Poetry? Jump into the Rabbit Hole and Have Fun!

What can I say about poetry, about writing? Read, write, write some more, and get your hands on as much great poetry as possible. If you love it, let it become your obsession. Take joy in poetry and memorize poems you love; this has helped me compose and acknowledge the value of being able to read poetry effectively at events.

Looking for guidance and tips? Read my post How to Memorize a Poem!

Are You a Poet? Or Are You New to Writing Poetry? Let’s Chat

Do you write poetry? When did you start, and why do you continue to write? Connect with me today and leave a comment below! I’d love to know your influences and what your writing routine is.


Enjoyed this post? Here’s 3 easy ways to come up with ideas for poems!

30 Poetry Books You Must Read: How-to’s, Collections and Anthologies

Here is an extensive list of 30 poetry books I highly recommend! You’ll find how-to’s on writing poetry, collections, and anthologies of poems.

Do you have poetry books that you’d recommend? Leave a comment below and let’s chat!

rings on the book
Photo by Ioana Motoc on Pexels.com

Books on Writing Poetry

Here are my top four reference poetry books that I use to write my poems. Complete with how-to’s, advice, and details on countless poetry forms.

Poemcrazy: freeing your life with words by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge

New Rhyming Dictionary and Poets Handbook by Burges Johnson

Modern American Poetry Edited by Louis Untermeyer

Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics

A Book of Women poets from Antiquity to Now Edited by Aliki Barnstone and Willis Barnstone

open on white picnic blanket
Photo by Leeloo Thefirst on Pexels.com

Poetry Collections & Anthologies

These are some of my absolute favorite poetry collections and anthologies. They span the old and the new, and I just can’t get enough of them. If you’re looking to dive into poetry, I recommend you pick up one of these and give it a go!

The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Poetry Edited by J.D. McClatchy

The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson

Selected Poems and Letter of Emily Dickinson Edited by Robert N. Linscott

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

The New Modern American and British Poetry Edited by Louis Untermeyer

The Collected Poems of Wilfred Owen Edited by C. Day Lewis

The Faber Book of 20th Century Verse Edited by John Heath-Stubbs and David Wright

The Complete Poems of Marianne Moore

Birds, Beasts, and Seas: Nature Poems from New Directions Edited by Jeffrey Yang

Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg

open book and a dry twig lying on white bedsheets
Photo by Dilruba Sarıçimen on Pexels.com

Love Poems of Ovid

Ovid: the Metamorphoses Translated, and with an Introduction by Horace Gregory

Rilke: A Life by Wolfgang Leppmann

The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke

The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke Edited and Translated by Stephen Mitchell

The Odyssey Translated by Robert Fagles Introduction and Notes by Bernard Knox

i six nonlectures by E.E. Cummings

Herman Hesse Poems Selected and Translated by James Wright

A Season in Hell and The Drunken Boat By Arthur Rimbaud Translated by Louise Varese

man resting his head on woman while reading book
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels.com

A Wild Patience Has Taken Me This Far: Poems 1978-1981 by Adrienne Rich

Selected Poetry of Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

The Laurel Poetry Series: POE

One Hundred Modern Poems selected with an introduction by Selden Rodman

Anthology of Modern Japanese Poetry translated and compiled by Edith Marcombe Shiffert Yuki Sawa

No Nature: New and Selected Poems by Gary Snyder

Liked this post? Take a look at Let’s Talk Poetry!


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