Join the Atlantis Beta Reader Team

Help shape upcoming hard science fiction stories before publication by giving honest, thoughtful feedback on early drafts.

What Beta Readers Help With

Story Clarity

Does each paragraph communicate clearly without confusion.

Pacing and Tension

Check that the storytelling is having a justified pace. Too much action or dialogue or too much introspection and backstory can be undesirable. Is the tension in the right places.

Character Believability

Are the personalities like a real person and are their behavior consistent through the story.

Science and Worldbuilding Plausibility

Does the construct of the environment make sense. Does it follow the rules laid out from beginning to end.

It is important to understand that Beta-Readers are not copyeditors. Story feedback is the primary ask from the reader.

Ideal Beta Readers

Hard science fiction readers
Fans of space exploration and AI stories
Detail-oriented readers

People who can meet deadlines
Readers willing to give constructive feedback

How the Process Works

Apply using the form below
If selected, you'll receive details by email
Read the draft by the deadline
Complete the feedback form
Optional: join future beta rounds

Beta reading is unpaid, confidential, and focused on story feedback—not proofreading.

Why Join?

-- Read early drafts before publication
--Help improve the Atlantis universe
--Join a small reader team

-- Get behind-the-scenes updates
-- Receive acknowledgment when appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience?

Nope! Just a love of reading science fiction is sufficient.

Is beta reading paid?

Nope! This is a strictly a volunteer position. By giving an honest evaluation of the story, you get the warm glow in knowing you had a personal hand in making a science fiction story great!

How long are the drafts?

Short novels are less than 80K words. Medium 80 to 100K, and large books are greater that 100K. I tend to write in the medium range.

What kind of feedback do you want?

I direct you above to 'What Beta Readers Help With'

Will I need to sign an NDA?

Yep! My publisher insists that a Non Disclosure Agreement protects my interests from nefarious activities that can compromise my story. If you weren't planning any nefarious activities, then it's no sweat!

Can I leave the team later?

The gig is voluntary, however if you can't make the deadline for unforeseen reasons, I completely understand. On the other hand, be sure that you can complete the mission before signing up. It wastes everyone's time and efforts.