I will beta read mystery, thriller for tension, plot holes, twists

5.0
5.0

United States

I speak English

71 orders completed

Stylistic Line Editor and Experienced Beta Reader

I screen submissions for a reputable literary journal that publishes high-quality genre fiction, literary-genre blends, novel excerpts, flash fiction and contest finalists and have seven years' experi...

Buyers keep returning

Jessica H has an exceptional number of repeat buyers

Level 2

Has met high performance criteria and has a proven track record for meeting client expectations.

Highly Responsive

Known for exceptionally quick replies

What people loved about this freelancer

About this Gig

Is your subtext doing the lifting or are mechanical plot points crowding out the suspense? Is the dread earned between the lines or are your reveals too overtly forecasted? Is your reader actively calculating the threat or is the mystery laid out too literally on the page? Let's ensure your micro-tension is fully calibrated and your narrative execution carries the psychological depth and visceral grip your readers crave. Whether you've written a gritty procedural, a dynamic thriller, a slow-burn psychological suspense or a literary mystery rich with subtext and metaphor, I'll offer collaborative-style feedback from a reader's and a writer's perspective, highlighting what's effective and identifying opportunities for refinement. I tailor my feedback to the specific sub-genre - clue planting for whodunits; interiority and atmospheric density for southern gothic; dialogue and voice for hard-boiled; moral ambiguity and narrative payoff for noir; emotional calibration and intrigue for domestic or romantic suspense. Actionable feedback is provided via in-line comments and a report: foreshadowing, friction, psychological and plot plausibility, narrative velocity, and reader expectations.

Genre:

Horror/ thriller

Literary fiction

Mystery

Language:

English

Delivery style preference

Please inform the freelancer of any preferences or concerns regarding the use of AI tools in the completion and/or delivery of your order.

Reviews

54 reviews for this Gig
5.0

(54)
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Rating Breakdown
  • Seller communication level
    5
  • Quality of delivery
    5
  • Value of delivery
    5
Sort By
Most relevant
  • K
    image-docs

    karenlclancy

    Repeat Client

    US

    United States

    5

    I booked Jess twice. The first go around she gave me such good notes on my novel that I implemented them on yet another edit. Once done I contracted her to read it again. It was a great experience for me to write with the knowledge she would be checking it for flow, clarity and storytelling. I can’t wait to write another book and to work with her again!

    $200-$400

    Price

    6 weeks

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • N
    image-docs

    nicw2019

    Repeat Client

    GB

    United Kingdom

    5

    Working with Jessica has been, once again, a wonderful experience. I cannot imagine working with anyone else now when I have a manuscript that needs an in-depth review. I write psychological thriller and Jessica's knowledge and grasp of what is required to deliver the reader a propulsive read is beyond...

    $100-$200

    Price

    9 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • K
    image-docs

    k_alexis_adams

    US

    United States

    5

    Jess was an absolute DREAM to work with. Her inline comments and edit suggestions were both thorough and thoughtful, and her reader’s report gave me a wealth of ideas for improving my manuscript, which is exactly what I was hoping for! The detailed notes she provided outlining my novel’s structure and...

    $100-$200

    Price

    13 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • P

    pemurphy0627

    US

    United States

    5

    Jess provided me with a helpful, very thorough review of my manuscript. The reader report was detailed and addressed all the questions I initially had. The inline comments are also greatly appreciated and useful. I feel like her comments were honest and encouraging at the same time. As I'm returning...

    $100-$200

    Price

    13 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • C

    csc555

    Repeat Client

    US

    United States

    5

    Jessica did an outstanding job reviewing my query letter and synopsis. After her initial suggestions, I had some questions, and she provided a lot of helpful suggestions as I worked through more edits. She was knowledgeable, professional, and very timely in her responses. I would definitely recommend her.

    Up to $50

    Price

    3 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
Reviews

54 reviews for this Gig
5.0

(54)
(0)
(0)
(0)
(0)
Rating Breakdown
  • Seller communication level
    5
  • Quality of delivery
    5
  • Value of delivery
    5
Sort By
Most relevant
  • K
    image-docs

    karenlclancy

    Repeat Client

    US

    United States

    5

    I booked Jess twice. The first go around she gave me such good notes on my novel that I implemented them on yet another edit. Once done I contracted her to read it again. It was a great experience for me to write with the knowledge she would be checking it for flow, clarity and storytelling. I can’t wait to write another book and to work with her again!

    $200-$400

    Price

    6 weeks

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • N
    image-docs

    nicw2019

    Repeat Client

    GB

    United Kingdom

    5

    Working with Jessica has been, once again, a wonderful experience. I cannot imagine working with anyone else now when I have a manuscript that needs an in-depth review. I write psychological thriller and Jessica's knowledge and grasp of what is required to deliver the reader a propulsive read is beyond...

    $100-$200

    Price

    9 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • K
    image-docs

    k_alexis_adams

    US

    United States

    5

    Jess was an absolute DREAM to work with. Her inline comments and edit suggestions were both thorough and thoughtful, and her reader’s report gave me a wealth of ideas for improving my manuscript, which is exactly what I was hoping for! The detailed notes she provided outlining my novel’s structure and...

    $100-$200

    Price

    13 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • P

    pemurphy0627

    US

    United States

    5

    Jess provided me with a helpful, very thorough review of my manuscript. The reader report was detailed and addressed all the questions I initially had. The inline comments are also greatly appreciated and useful. I feel like her comments were honest and encouraging at the same time. As I'm returning...

    $100-$200

    Price

    13 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No
  • C

    csc555

    Repeat Client

    US

    United States

    5

    Jessica did an outstanding job reviewing my query letter and synopsis. After her initial suggestions, I had some questions, and she provided a lot of helpful suggestions as I worked through more edits. She was knowledgeable, professional, and very timely in her responses. I would definitely recommend her.

    Up to $50

    Price

    3 days

    Duration

    Helpful?
    Yes
    No