James J Cudney, 25th March 2019 at 12:34am on mail

Author of Academic Curveball

Authors rely on alpha and beta readers to help with a tremendous variety of tasks while they’re writing a novel. Sometimes, it’s character or plot analysis. Other times, it’s providing feedback on word choice, verifying the consistency of events, or suggesting when pacing is off. And quite often, it’s detailed proofreading to locate missing words, duplicate phrases, out of order items, spelling issues, or grammatical errors. Digital Reads has provided all these services and more for three books in my latest series, the Braxton Campus Mysteries.

Shalini is an incredibly focused reader who’s reviewed and analyzed at least three drafts of each book to date. She takes great time to consider all angles, including pushing me to decide why I’ve included a red herring or chosen specific details in describing a setting or character. She understands how to offer feedback that is neutral, rather than stating what she does or doesn’t like, by showing me where I should spend time revisiting what I’m trying to achieve in a specific scene. This is the kind of beta reader we all need supporting a book in its early and final stages — one who loves what she does and knows how to be a partner.

Beyond suggesting places I might want to change or edit, Shalini provides dozens of comments on what elements are working well in the story. I love reading her thoughts (tracked in comments throughout my work) on a first draft because she reveals what’s percolating inside head along the path. Then, when she discovers what was really happening in the scene, she can reflect back with clever insight and detailed opinions. I highly recommend Digital Reads Library without any hesitation, and I plan to continue working with her on each new book I write.

Griselda Puspa, 11th March 2019 at 07:03pm on Goodreads

Author of If Writing Is All I Have 

I used Shalini’s Alpha Reading service because I read the comments on this Goodreads post. Shalini gave an excellent service that gave both the comprehensive report and detailed comments. If you want to know what works in your manuscript what doesn’t, then ask Shalini’s service. I highly recommend Shalini. 

Marshaun Olaniyan, 21st February 2019 at 11:30pm on Goodreads 

Budding Author 

Shalini was an awesome Beta Reader. She went over and beyond the call of duty! She was extremely fast with an edited document and a finished manuscript. This is my first book and I’m so glad she was recommended to me! She even made the book sound like me without all the repeated phrases. I would highly recommend her and her editing skills. She responded quickly whenever I had a question or concern! If you want your manuscript looked over and meticulously edited, choose Shalini. I’m currently working on my 2nd book and I will use Shalini and her professionalism again for sure. 

Victoria Bell, 17th February 2019 at 08:01am on Goodreads

Budding Author 

I *cannot believe* how lucky I was to find Shalini. She read my 86K-word novel super fast but so, so thoroughly — she understood exactly what I was trying to do with it, and her feedback is going to help me strengthen it so much. She is a generous, deep reader, who gave me tons of enthusiastic, kind and supportive notes. She zeroed in on the things I was worried about in the manuscript and found other things besides (in the best way), not hesitating to tell me where she got lost or what wasn’t working for her, while also telling me exactly what is working. I will definitely be working with Shalini again!

Kat Devitt, 8th February 2019 at 08:25am

Author published in magazines

Shalini is the second set of eyes my stories often needs. She’s read four manuscripts for me, all short stories, and she solidifies my respect for her beta reading skills each time. She’s wonderful at identifying character flaws, symbolism, and grammar. Even more so, she can point out plot flaws. I’ll definitely have Shalini read my next manuscript.

Shaun Holobaugh, 28th January 2019 at 07:36am on mail

Budding Author 

Shalini is incredibly fast, thorough, and patient. She read my manuscript multiple times, gave prompt, detailed feedback, and answered all my many questions. She works hard and cares about helping you make your story the best it can be. I highly recommend Shalini and hope to use her services for future novels. Thank you, Shalini.

Supreeth Mithunkul, 14 January 2019 at 11:06pm on mail

Author of Gods are Dead

Service is top notch and at the same time pricing is affordable

Natalie Ross, 06 January 2019 at 05:14pm on Goodreads

Budding Author

Shalini is so incredibly thorough and detailed in her feedback that it may as well have been its own novel. She was very fast, considering my book was 144k words and she went through it at least three times before giving her feedback. She’s also more than willing to be incredibly positive about things that she loved, which is nice, as I have also had experiences with overly-negative betas that leave a bad taste in your mouth. I liked how she gave an overview, but also gave a lot of her thoughts as she was reading. I will definitely be making use of her on future books.

Leslie Georgeson, 30 November 2018 at 10:20pm on Goodreads 

Author of The Tracker

And I’m back for more! After the fifth book, Shalini has definitely become a valuable member of my writing team. I can’t imagine publishing any more books without her feedback. I keep telling her she needs to write a novel herself, because it would be simply amazing.

Thank you for going another round with me, Shalini! I look forward to working with you on the next one. 🙂

James Beedle, 24 November 2018 at 09:59pm on mail

Budding Author

Shalini’s feedback was insightful, thorough and supportive and I felt she really wanted to help me write the best book I could.

Shalini is honest and will not shy away from letting a writer know what she thinks does not work, but always explains why. I think my book will be a much better book thanks to her help and advice.

Georgina Nelson Thomas, 1 November 2018 at 08:10pm on mail

Budding Author

Shalini’s thoughtful and thorough analysis colored me happy  With her help, I bolstered the best parts of my story and ground down the glitches. She let my creative genius shine. As it should!! 

Bernadette McDade, 29 October 2018 at 12:03pm on Goodreads 

Budding Author

I have used Shalini twice and am amazed at the service she offers. She is exceptionally professional, knowledgeable, and inspirational, providing so many excellent suggestions to improve an MS. I am grateful to Shalini for her generosity and for the value she gives which is exceptional. I can recommend her services wholeheartedly.

Maksim Malik, 5 October 2018 at 04:45pm on Goodreads 

Author of Spin 

I’ve hired Shalini once for beta reading and I was simply blown away by the insight and detail she provided. The turnaround time was fast, and she helped me understand not only what needed work in the manuscript but also what parts were good and why. Would I hire her again? Absolutely, no question. Thank you, Shalini!

Evans Priligkos, 15 September 2018 at 07:05am on this site 

Budding Author 

These testimonials are telling just a (small) part of the truth. Shalini’s services are remarkable! It’s a unique experience for every independent writer to collaborate with someone like her. Having a sharp eye to the detail, kindness and providing helpful comments, she can help your story shine. Add to all these, the quick turnaround, her willingness to work beyond the agreed (yes, she actually did that!) and the reasonable fees … so, what are you waiting for?
If you are an author who needs someone to help him become better, then Shalini is for you.

I cannot thank her enough for her services.

Thomas Zman, 11 September 2018 at 03:21am on Goodreads

Author of From Whence They Came

I cannot imagine completing a manuscript and then not having Shalini read through it for me. I have just had her beta read through my third book now, and it is plainly evident to me that through her critical analysis of my works that she has helped improve my writing multifold. She is so perceptive. From what I can see of her busy life, especially the awesome website she has created, her blogging, book reading, and reviews — not to mention she is also a doctor — I find her to be a Superwoman. It has been a Godsend that I, and many others who use her talents, have established a working relationship with such a unique individual. Her honesty, coupled with her talents are what brings to her to the top of Beta Readers. As can be attested by all the positive reviews ahead of mine, she is the best. I can only hope and pray that she will stay in this line of work, helping beginning authors better polish their manuscripts, for truly there must be large publishing firms out there who would pay top dollar for a talent such as hers. I truly believe this woman has only just begun to explore her genius. As stated: “The sky has no limits.” Shalini has no bounds! Thank you, Shalini.

Thomas Zman, 11 September 2018 at 03:52pm on Goodreads 

Author of Beyond Imagination 

I cannot imagine completing a manuscript and then not having Shalini read through it for me. She is so perceptive. Her honesty, coupled with her talents are what brings to her to the top of beta-readers. As can be attested by all the positive reviews ahead of mine, she is the best. I can only hope and pray that she will stay in this line of work, helping beginning authors better polish their manuscripts, for truly there must be large publishing firms out there who would pay her top dollar for a talent such as hers. Thank you, Shalini.

Jessie Gussman, 5 September 2018 on this blog at 12:23am

Author of Better Together 

All the glowing reviews above are absolutely true!

Shalini did an amazing job on my sweet contemporary romance. She gave her honest opinion in detail, and you can tell she’s been doing this for a while because she talked about my characters’ arcs and gave ideas as to what would add tension and make the story stronger as well as what kept her turning the pages, and where I needed to show more rather then “tell”. She also mentioned what she liked and why. She answered the specific questions I had, as well. The value for the money is unbeatable. She earns every penny and more.

She is timely, professional, and thorough.

Robbie Yates, 4 August 2018 at 11:16am on this blog 

Author of Daniel Daniels and the World’s Worst Zoo 

After reading the glowing testimonials about Shalini’s beta reading service, I had high expectations.

Shalini still exceeded them.

I asked Shalini for her Beta Reading + Light Editing Package. I sent through what I considered to be a fairly polished manuscript. What I received back was incredible.

Shalini sent through a positive and helpful overall summary, as well as thorough, honest and insightful comments that identified lots of potential improvements. Her understanding of the craft is outstanding, and her willingness to go through a draft in such a conscientious way is phenomenal. I can honestly say that I will be asking Shalini to beta read EVERY BOOK I WRITE from now on (Sorry, Shalini!).

If you’re thinking about using Shalini’s Beta Reading Services – do it. You won’t be disappointed.

Kat Devitt, 18 August 2018 at 06 18pm on Goodreads and on this Blog 

Budding Author

Shalini is an excellent beta reader. She took the time to read a short story of mine, and she gave a quick turnaround. I had her feedback within an afternoon, which is amazing! I’ve never had a beta reader get back to me so quickly, even for a short story. It usually takes at least a few days to a few months. On top of this, Shalini’s attention to detail in her feedback were really helpful. I learned what the issue with my manuscript was, and I will be working on fixing it within the next few days. She’s excellent! I highly recommend her.