Im so glad you made it. Your reader is in the building, and ready to turn the first page!
Reader in Residence was created from a genuine love of story and a belief in the power of thoughtful, intentional reading. Along with a desire to be the kind of reader every writer hopes for: open, honest, intuitive, and fully invested.
My approach blends technical understanding with an insightful sense of how a story feels on the page.
I’m here because I love books. I love the process of watching a story take shape, and I care deeply about championing literature and the writers behind it.
I've completed certification through Wesleyan University in story writing, craft, plot, and character development, and bring that foundation into every manuscript I read. Offering mindful insight, useful tips and insightful guidance delivered with the care required when working with deeply personal creative work.
To ensure each manuscript receives the level of attention and insight it deserves, I selectively accept projects that align with my niche and strengths. RIR is especially suited for Fiction works in the realm of Contemporary Romance and Fantasy, and Non-Fiction focused on spirituality and metaphysical themes. Submit the contact form below with information on your project and I will get back to you if we're a good fit!
Reader in Residence does NOT and will NOT use AI with your work!
Reader in Residence prefers to be submitted manuscripts via HeyBeta after payment but is open to discussing any alternative you may prefer!
A concise, intentional read that captures how your story truly feels on the page, through the lens of a deeply engaged reader. I’ll highlight what’s working, where connection builds or fades, along with pacing, clarity, and any moments that pull a reader out.
Ideal for writers seeking honest, high-level insight into their story’s overall impact.
What you'll receive:
• Big picture feedback
• What’s working / not working
• Emotional engagement
• Pacing + interest level
• Confusion points
$50–$100 depending on size of manuscript
A comprehensive, immersive read that goes beyond the big picture and into the details that shape your story’s impact. Alongside high-level insight, you’ll receive character analysis with a focus on chemistry, notes on where tension builds or drops, and targeted, scene-level feedback. Throughout, I include real-time reader reactions so you can see exactly how your story is experienced moment by moment.
What you'll receive:
• Everything within Baseline Beta PLUS:
• Character analysis (especially chemistry)
• Where tension drops
• Specific scene-level notes
• “Reader reactions” throughout
$150–$300+ depending on size of manuscript
I paid for the deep dive beta read and let me tell you it definitely was a DEEP DIVE.
Working with Reader in Residence completely shifted how I saw my manuscript. The feedback was incredibly thoughtful and perceptive, especially when it came to character dynamics and chemistry. I walked away with a clear understanding of what was working,
I paid for the deep dive beta read and let me tell you it definitely was a DEEP DIVE.
Working with Reader in Residence completely shifted how I saw my manuscript. The feedback was incredibly thoughtful and perceptive, especially when it came to character dynamics and chemistry. I walked away with a clear understanding of what was working, what wasn’t, and how to strengthen the emotional impact of my story.
Ive never used a beta reader before, just my family and some friends so I was skeptical on if I really needed to pay for a service like this. But Lys gave me the kind of feedback every writer hopes for but rarely finds with just family and friends. It felt honest, detailed, and genuinely invested in the work, with insights that were both
Ive never used a beta reader before, just my family and some friends so I was skeptical on if I really needed to pay for a service like this. But Lys gave me the kind of feedback every writer hopes for but rarely finds with just family and friends. It felt honest, detailed, and genuinely invested in the work, with insights that were both actionable and perceptive. I felt supported throughout the process and came away with a much stronger, more cohesive draft.