A fresh perspective on your work. Clearer next steps. Just $99.
Not sure what is working in your manuscript or thesis? You have put months, maybe years, into it. A First Look gives you an honest, independent read of a sample of your work and a short written report on what is working and what to improve first.
FROM THE WRITTEN REPORT
Illustrative example written by Be My Tech.
How a First Look works
You send a sample
An opening chapter or excerpt of up to 5,000 words for a manuscript, or up to 3,000 words from one thesis chapter. We confirm your brief and the written scope before you pay.
We read it closely
A careful two-pass read of your sample, with every comment tied to a specific passage. Every report gets a second check before it reaches you.
You get a clear report
Two to three pages: what is working, your top priorities with examples, and an honest note on what a sample cannot show. Usually within 5 business days once your brief, scope and payment are confirmed.
For authors: Manuscript First Look
- Opening hook and first-page pull
- Clarity, readability and voice
- Structure and pacing within the excerpt
- Fit with your genre’s expectations
- Patterns at sentence level, with examples
Not a full manuscript assessment or a line edit. If the sample suggests your book needs more, we will say so plainly and you decide what comes next.
For researchers: Thesis First Look
- Clarity and readability for your examiners
- Organisation, signposting and paragraph logic
- Gaps or questions a reader is likely to raise
- Citation and reference consistency in the sample
- Language and presentation observations
A language and structure review, not peer review or subject-matter validation. We don’t rewrite your work, and we follow your institution’s editing rules. You stay the author.
Which review fits right now?
An independent read of a sample, with prioritised feedback. Best when you want to know where you stand.
A consistency check across your query letter and synopsis before you contact agents. See the query check
Developmental, line or copy editing of the full manuscript, scoped to your book. Compare editing services
Not sure about hiring help again? Start small.
If a past editor or service left you disappointed, you don’t need to commit to a big project to find out how we work. Start with one clear, affordable step and let the feedback speak for itself.
- One paid, clearly scoped report
- No retainer and no long-term contract
- Your files are used only for your review and deleted within 30 days of delivery
Questions
How do I send my sample?
Tell us about your book or thesis using the form. We reply with how to share the file securely, and confirm fit and timing before you pay. Please don’t attach files to the form.
Can you review my whole manuscript or thesis for $99?
No. The First Look covers one excerpt so the feedback can be careful and specific. For a full read we will quote a manuscript assessment or edit based on your word count.
Who reads my work?
Before we accept your request, we confirm a reviewer suited to your genre or field. Every report also gets a second check before it is sent. For thesis samples we review language, structure and presentation; we don’t evaluate your research methods or findings.
Is a Thesis First Look allowed by my university?
Many universities permit feedback on clarity and presentation but set limits on third-party editing. Check your institution’s policy and share it with us. We comment; we don’t rewrite.
What happens after I send a request?
We reply to confirm your brief, word count and timing, and send a short written scope. Once you approve it and pay, your First Look begins. Asking does not place an order or charge you.
What happens after the report?
Nothing, unless you want it to. If you would like help with editing, publishing or a launch, we can suggest a next step and a written quote.