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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

You can really feel the heart behind those words. What part of the story surprised you most while writing it?

Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

With the book so close to the finish line, I’m curious: is there a chapter or scene you originally thought would be important, but as the story developed ended up meaning something completely different to you?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Two chapters left for real this time! That must feel pretty good after tackling the long one. And I love that the private party turned into a reason to keep playing together,sometimes the things you do “just for fun” end up revealing what you actually missed.

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Honestly, writers really do collect ideas faster than they can finish them. Which one are you most tempted to finish first?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

That’s some serious progress! 54k and still moving forward is definitely worth celebrating. How close are you to finishing the book?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

31k after starting with 50k?! That must have been some brutal culling, but honestly, there’s something really satisfying about coming back to an old manuscript with fresh eyes. The EDS experience sounds like it could make for a really compelling and personal story. What made you decide to pick it?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I sent you a follow; kindly follow back.

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I'd love to volunteer as a beta reader! Excited to help shape your work!

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Reposted by Bespoke Books

Amelia E. Adler @amythewicked.bsky.social · 01/02/2026

Hey, #WriteSky, I am looking for a Critique Partner or a small writing group. Wanna work with me? DM me! (I would appreciate a repost so it reaches more people!) #writing #CritiquePartner #WritingGroup #editing #MutualHelp

Hiya! I'm looking for a critique partner or a small writing group. If you're also looking for a long-term writing relationship built around mutual feedback and support, perhaps I'm your gal!

What I offer:

Deep, thoughtful, specific feedback.

I will tell you what's not working for me. I will point out why. I might even suggest how to fix it. I'll also point out the things that *are* working for me. I'll be honest, but not cruel. I'll go down to the nitty-gritty. I'll think about plot, pacing, character development, voice, writing style, worldbuilding, etc. I'll highlight clunky phrasing, inconsistencies, unsuccessful metaphors, purple prose, places where a stronger verb might be used etc. I'll also highlight lines I love, character dynamics that just *work*, particularly well-done descriptions, etc.

Brainstorming.

Are you struggling with a specific scene? Don't know where to go with that character? Wondering how to fill that plot hole? We can chat about it, brainstorm, you can throw half-baked ideas at me while they're still cooking.

Editing help.

Not sure where to start your self-edits? Stuck on a particular scene that just won't come to heel? Looking for the perfect word for that crucial sentence? I got you. I'll do my best to help you push through this horrendous phase of the creative process and come out victorious at the end.

Pitch package and query support.

Even if you're not yet quite ready to query agents, you might have started forming your pitch package (it helped me immensely to see where my first draft wasn't fully coherent or where the story dragged). Or maybe you're on the cusp of querying! Either way I'll read your pitch package, carefully and thoughtfully, and give you my feedback, work with you to make corrections or rewrites.

Emotional support when you fall into despair.

Yes, I'll be there when you want to chuck it all out the window and go pick flowers or something. The creative process is fantastic, delightful, wonderful - but also anxiety-ridden, full of self-doubt and writer's blocks. I'll be your champion when you forget to be your own.

And you know I'll be the first person to buy your book once it's published. And I'll brag about it everywhere I go. (I might also cry about it, but you don't have to know that.)

Availability.

We're busy adults, but I'll do my best to be available for a chat when needed. We can text throughout the day, we can also find an hour a day when we commit to being there for each other no matter what (barring life emergencies of course) - whichever works best! For longer chapters, I will be reading/giving feedback mostly on weekends, shorter fragments I may be able to fit in during the week. My pledge is to be as good a partner as I wish to have, and that includes being present for you.

What do I expect from you?

Exactly what I offer, with your own flavour of course. But feedback based on vibes won't cut it. I need more, and that is why I'm looking for a critique partner/small writing group. I expect no more than the same commitment I am prepared to offer you. You don't have to be a pro, you don't have to have a literary analysis background (though I do!), but you have to be willing to invest time and effort for me as much as I'm willing to do for you.

What if it doesn't work out?

We'll know within the first few weeks if it works and we'll adjust accordingly. Life happens, we might not click, maybe we're looking for different kinds of feedback than the other is ready to give. No hard feelings, we'll part in good spirits and continue searching.

I suggest starting with 2-3 chapters swap at the beginning so we know what we're working with and can see if we click.

How long is this supposed to go on?

As long as we want. One book, three, all of them. If we click, I see no reason why we wouldn't continue to support each other in our writing careers forever. I don't want to quit anytime soon, do you? But if at some point you feel it's too much of a commitment, again, no hard feelings, we'll part ways as friends and continue to cheer each other from afar.

How do we communicate?

Swapping chapters on Google Docs, texting via WhatsApp, or maybe we even create our own personal Discord server? That way we could have parallel conversations about different projects, or different aspects of one. Whatever works!

Please note that I'm based in Europe so my timezone is CET. I don't have timezone requirements but it's something to keep in mind when thinking about communicating and how promptly we'd be able to respond to each other.

What genre do you have to be?

I'll read pretty much anything except for nonfiction and children's books. YA, NA, adult is all fine, including mature themes and as much or as little spice as you want. I draw a line at animal abuse, though. Queer, feminist and/or neurodivergent themes are absolutely welcome (I'm a queer feminist with ADHD myself!), as are subjects such as disability, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or really anything minority-related - I may not be part of those minorities myself, but I'll do my best to be sensitive.

My current projects include a sci-fi survival drama, dark fantasy and regency-adjacent romance. The sci-fi is finished and I'm just beginning to edit it - and yes, that means I'll expect you to read the entire 120k words of it, but not all at once, don't worry 😉 I'd also love help with my pitch package for this WIP, and any and all support I might need for my next projects - I can't NOT write. What genre will be next? No idea. Romance, fantasy, spy thriller are currently the most likely, but who knows what gets into my head?

Do you have to be seeking traditional publishing for us to work out?

No. Traditional publishing is the path I'm wanting to follow, but I’m doing some self-pub on the side with a different pen name, too. I'm also a fanfic writer, so if that's your thing, I get you, boo. What I'm looking for, however, is someone committed, who takes their writing seriously and wants to improve alongside me, and who'll be my cheerleader as much as I'm prepared to be theirs.

I am definitely not perfect. I'm an anxious mess of a weirdo battling every day with chronic illness and ADHD, full-time high-intensity office job, and a tendency to reply to messages in my head and forget to *actually* reply. But I'll also offer you a lot of grace because I know life is messy and hard. Just as long as you match my energy, we'll be alright.

So. Are you convinced yet? 😉

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I just filled out the form! Can't wait to hear from you.

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

As a passionate explorer of dark fantasies, I’m eager to dive into your world of demons, tantalizing aphrodisiacs, and the chaotic allure of a doomed polycule. Count me in for a thrilling read!

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Include me as one of your beta readers! Are there particular areas of your draft you’d like me to concentrate on?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

I'm thrilled to learn that you're close to completing your draft! What genre does your work belong to?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

That sounds like a really thoughtful process, especially letting the themes develop organically across both books. What did your beta readers find most helpful during the revisions?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

That sounds like a really thorough process! A second beta round after your wife’s edits should give you some great fresh perspective. What do you usually want beta readers to focus on in that second round?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

That's fantastic! Having a reliable group of critique partners who know your work must be incredibly valuable. Do you find they tend to focus on different things when they give you feedback?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Congrats on draft 2! It sounds like you've got a solid process in place. I usually like getting fresh eyes on a manuscript after the writer has done their own editing. Do you usually do multiple beta-reading rounds?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

I love elephants so much, but haven't seen them in real life except in movies.

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Absolutely, that’s exactly the kind of feedback I can provide. I’ll focus especially on the emotional impact and whether your intended points come through clearly. Feel free to send the story my way whenever you’re ready! I sent you a follow.

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Sounds like you've got plenty to keep you busy! Do you usually have your critique partners look over those longer works too?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Finishing revisions is definitely worth celebrating! And having critique partners who genuinely make your work better is such a gift. What are you working on next?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I might volunteer as tribute! I’d be happy to take a look at the 1,500 words if you still need someone in a few days. What kind of feedback are you looking for?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I’d definitely be interested! The historical setting and focus on characterization and language sound right up my alley. I’d be happy to read chapter 1 first and see if we’re a good fit. Would you like me to DM you?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Congrats on finishing the draft! Tightening it before beta readers sounds like a good plan. Do you already have your beta readers lined up for this one?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

That makes sense, trust matters a lot when you're sharing an unpublished manuscript. What are you hoping your beta readers will focus on this time?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

I’d be happy to take a look and give you an honest, thoughtful perspective. For a sensitive subject like this, having a fresh set of eyes can be really valuable. What kind of feedback would be most helpful to you?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

I’d be interested in helping with an ongoing project! The dual timelines and crime mystery elements sound intriguing. What kind of feedback are you looking for from your beta reader?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Apparently “beta readers” is the safer phrase! Have you had any luck finding reliable beta readers lately?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Absolutely, finishing a manuscript can feel bittersweet when you've spent so much time with the characters. Are you planning to send this one to beta readers next?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Good luck keeping that momentum going! Having a writing buddy can make such a difference. Do you have a beta reader lined up for when this project is finished?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

81 out of 100 is great progress! Once you've finished proofreading and added your notes, are you planning to have someone else beta read the manuscript?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Oh, that's frustrating; Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot those little “what was I trying to say here?” moments. Do you usually have someone look over your notes or drafts?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Absolutely, rushing a novel can make the whole journey feel forced. Giving the story room to breathe can make such a difference. How long did your first novel take you to write?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Nice! Hope the editing goes smoothly. Do you already have beta readers lined up for the mini-arc?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

There are definitely ways to find beta readers without spending a fortune. What kind of feedback are you hoping to get on your manuscript?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I totally get that 😭 Finding a trustworthy beta reader can be tricky. I’d be happy to help if you’re looking. What are you working on?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

I completely understand; trust is huge when you're handing someone an unpublished novel. If your usual readers aren't available, I'd be happy to take a look and give you thoughtful, confidential feedback. What kind of feedback are you hoping to get from this round?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Absolutely, good editing can make such a difference to the final reading experience. Do you usually use beta readers before sending a manuscript to an editor?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

😂 The first book really said, “Let’s make the third act complicated.” How close are you to finishing it?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

😂 That editing cycle is painfully relatable! Sometimes fresh eyes are exactly what a draft needs. Do you usually have a beta reader look it over once you're done editing?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

That “ping-pong in a pool of gelatin” line really captures the awkwardness 😂 Do you usually have beta readers look over excerpts like this before you publish?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

A priest of the dead and a thief with a heart of gold? That sounds like a fun pairing! How close are you to finishing the draft?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Sounds like you've got a lot sitting in limbo right now. I hope you get some good news soon, and tomorrow brings the writing spark back. Do you usually have trouble getting beta readers to finish?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Congrats on finishing your second novel! That genre combination sounds really fun, especially with the real desert trek behind it. Have you already found your beta readers, or are you still looking?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Congrats on the sale and finishing the novella! What are you hoping your beta reader will focus on with this one?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

I might be able to help! I’m always happy to sink my teeth into a good manuscript and give thoughtful, detailed feedback. What are you working on?

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Bespoke Books @bespokebooks.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

This sounds right up my alley! I’d love to take a look and give you thoughtful feedback on those first 15,000 words. What kind of feedback are you hoping to get from your beta readers?

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