Beta Readers Wanted:
Join the Early Reader Team for Harbinger: The Prophet’s Game
Before a novel reaches the world, it needs readers.
Not reviewers looking for a quick read. Not people who will simply say they enjoyed it. But thoughtful readers prepared to step into the story early, experience it honestly, and help make it stronger before publication.
I am now looking for a small group of beta readers for Harbinger: The Prophet’s Game, the first novel in the Sam Rourke series.
This is an opportunity to read the manuscript before release and become part of the final stage of its journey from draft to published novel.
What I’m Looking For
I am looking for readers who enjoy:
- Crime fiction and psychological thrillers
- Detective-led stories
- Dark, atmospheric mysteries
- Moral ambiguity, conspiracy and suspense
- Giving honest, constructive feedback
You do not need to be a professional editor. You do not need to have written a book yourself.
What matters is that you can read carefully, share your genuine reactions, and tell me where the story works — and where it doesn’t.
What You’ll Receive
Selected beta readers will receive:
- A digital advance copy of Harbinger: The Prophet’s Game
- A feedback guide to make the process simple
- An opportunity to help shape the final published version
- A signed copy of the finished book on release
The Reading Window
The beta reading period will run for a set window of approximately three weeks from the date the manuscript is issued.
The manuscript currently stands at 93,000 words, approximately 340 pages.
Readers should be able to complete the manuscript and return their feedback within that agreed period. Exact dates will be confirmed with selected applicants before materials are sent.
Confidentiality
Because this is an unpublished manuscript, selected readers will be asked to agree to a simple confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement before receiving their copy.
This means:
- Do not share the manuscript or any extracts
- Do not upload, distribute or reproduce it
- Do not post spoilers, plot details or public reviews before publication
- Keep the story and feedback process private until release
The purpose is simply to protect the book while it is still in development.
What Feedback Will Help Most
I am especially interested in hearing about:
- Whether the opening captures your attention
- Which characters stay with you
- Whether the pacing holds throughout
- Any moments that feel unclear, slow or predictable
- Whether the tension and atmosphere work
- Whether the ending feels satisfying
- Whether you would want to read the next Sam Rourke novel
Honesty is genuinely welcome. Constructive criticism is part of the process and may help make the final book stronger.
Apply to Become a Beta Reader
If you would like to take part, please complete the beta reader enquiry form on the contact page.
In your message, tell me:
- What kinds of thrillers or crime fiction you enjoy
- Why you would like to beta read Harbinger
- Whether you can complete the manuscript and feedback within a three-week reading window
- Your preferred reading format: PDF, ePub or Kindle-compatible file
Successful applicants will be contacted directly with the next steps.
Thank you for considering being part of this early stage in the Sam Rourke journey.
Every book begins with a writer.
But it becomes stronger through readers.